VisitArran has been crowned the best in Scotland for its work in promoting the island as a must visit destination at the 25th Scottish Thistle Awards National Final – Scottish tourism’s equivalent of the Oscars.

The Destination Marketing Organisation picked up the Working Together for Tourism award on March 15.

Scottish tourism’s premier awards ceremony – celebrating its 25th anniversary this year – took place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, where 16 individuals, businesses and events were honoured for their innovation, excellence and success in the hospitality and tourism sector.

Thistle judges commended VisitArran on their ‘strong working ethos’ and creative partnership working. They were particularly impressed by the organisation’s innovative collaboration in launching the Arran Card in 2017 that visitors can use in 50 businesses across the island.

Welcoming the announcement, Sheila Gilmore from VisitArran said: “VisitArran is honoured and absolutely delighted to receive this National Scottish Thistle Award for Working Together for Tourism.

“On Arran, tourism really is everyone’s business, and VisitArran gratefully receives this award for our island as a whole.

"Huge thanks to all involved with the Thistles for this incredible accolade.”