The winners of the 13th Scottish Thistle Awards were announced on 29 October at the Edinburgh International Convention Centre.

Recognising excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry, the awards were first presented in 1992 and recognise businesses in 16 categories.

This year’s winners included The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh (customer care award for hotels); Six Mary’s Place, Edinburgh (customer care award for guest houses) and Crathie Opportunity Holidays in Ballater (customer care award for self-catering operators).

The Auchrannie Spa resort in Brodick, Isle of Arran, received the Scotland year-round award while The Town House in Edinburgh was given the marketing initiative award.

The skills for success awards were given to St Andrews Bay Golf Resort and Spa (large companies) and Edinburgh’s Elle Events (small businesses).

First minister Jack McConnell addressed the delegates at the awards – organised by VisitScotland – and said the industry had survived tough times over the past three years.

“Scottish tourism has weathered the challenges and can now look to the future with confidence,” he said.

“There are great opportunities ahead. In July next year, Scotland will be in the spotlight once again as a world-class location when we host the G8 Summit. We must seize these opportunities and build on them.”

A total of 48 businesses were shortlisted for the awards and this year's Silver Thistle award was given to James Thompson for the Prestonfield House Hotel and the Witchery by the Castle.