27 October 2013

Whitefalls Spa Lodges Win National Scottish Thistle Award

A tourism businesses from Lewis is celebrating today, after scooping a prestigious national award.

Whitefalls Spa Lodges on Lewis won a Scottish Thistle Award at Scotland’s premier tourism awards ceremony on Friday evening (November 15), taking the Best Self Serve Accommodation Award.

Organised by VisitScotland, the Scottish Thistle Awards recognise the exceptional efforts made by companies and individuals across the country, including accommodation providers, visitor attractions, tour operators, food and drink establishment and event organisers.

Designed exclusively for couples, luxurious and spacious, Whitefalls Spa Lodges offer seclusion and tranquillity in a stunning location combined with all the style of a boutique hotel and luxury spa in your own private self-catering lodge. Whitefalls emerged victorious against tough competition from Clan Cottages in Oban, Morton of Pitmilly Countryside Resort in St Andrews, Solway View Holidays in Dumfries and Galloway and The Hideaway Experience, in Angus, to take the title.

Anna Mackay and Donald Macarthur, Proprietors of Whitefalls Spa Lodges, said:

“We are both delighted that Whitefalls Spa Lodges have been the recipients of such a prestigious Thistle award from VisitScotland. It gives us a great deal of pleasure to welcome guests into our luxury lodges and provide them with the ideal accommodation from which to explore everything the Hebrides has to offer. Quality is at the heart of everything we do and winning this award inspires us to continue to strive for excellence.”

Mike Cantlay, VisitScotland Chairman, said:

“Congratulations to all finalists and of course the winners. We’ve a lot to look forward to in 2014 and with the help of all those in the tourism industry, I’m positive we’re going to make a success of it.

“Tourism is riding on the crest of a wave at the moment with accolades coming in from around the world. One of the major contributing factors is those at the forefront of the tourism industry. The dedication and commitment of the finalists and winners is the driving force behind Scotland’s success and I’m extremely proud and privileged to be part of it.”

Now in their 21st year, the Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate excellence and quality within the tourism industry. They are widely recognised as the mark of excellence and professionalism across the industry, awarding businesses’ contributions to making Scotland a top visitor attraction.

The awards were presented at a glittering ceremony at Stirling Castle, hosted by popular GMTV presenter Lorraine Kelly. Regional winners from the North East and Tayside, Central South West and Central South East came together with winners from the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards for the national final.

Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing said:

“I’d like to congratulate all the finalists and of course the winners, the Thistle Awards come at an exciting and historic time for tourism in Scotland.

“In the next year, Homecoming Scotland 2014 will position Scotland on the international stage as a dynamic and creative nation. It will extend the benefits and opportunities offered by the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup by presenting a year-long, co-ordinated programme of events designed to generate pride in the people of Scotland and welcome visitors around the world in a celebration of some of Scotland’s greatest assets.

“The year-long programme of events planned across the country will celebrate the very best of Scotland’s food and drink, our assets as a country of natural beauty as well as our rich creativity and cultural and ancestral heritage. Which is why Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2014 has named Scotland as the third best country to visit in 2014 citing Scotland’s jam-packed schedule of world-class events as reasons to visit in the coming year.”