A Highland woman has become the first ever bed and breakfast owner to scoop the most prestigious prize in the Scottish tourism industry.

Joan Campbell’s Silver Thistle success is a fitting end to over thirty years in the tourism industry and comes in the same week that the Sutherland businesswoman announced her retirement from running the Sheiling B&B near Thurso. The esteemed VisitScotland accolade has been awarded to Joan in recognition of her outstanding dedication to supporting the wider tourism industry in Scotland during the past three decades.

Joan has welcomed thousands of visitors to Scotland since starting her business and now joins leading figures in the tourism industry in receiving the VisitScotland accolade which celebrates excellence. On being awarded the Silver Thistle Joan said:

"I never in my wildest dreams thought such a prestigious award would end up on my dining-room table! I'm absolutely thrilled to bring the Silver Thistle up to the Highlands and feel that all those wonderful people who step outside their own businesses to give their valuable time and expertise to the industry should share in this award. It belongs to all of us but for this year, I am delighted to be its keeper!“

Millness Croft Luxury Cottages in Glen Urquhart and the Captains Galley in Scrabster were the two other Highland based businesses to be awarded a Thistle this year. Justine and Neil Akeroyd moved to Glen Urquhart a few years ago and established Millness Croft Luxury Cottages. Justine said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have won, after only two years of trading, this award is completely unexpected. We work very hard to provide and maintain a consistently high standard and are delighted this has been recognised by Visit Scotland.”

Complete list of winners and finalists is available at: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk