One of Scotland’s most northerly confectioners has made the shortlist for the third time running in this year’s prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards. The Shetland Fudge Company, which has been shortlisted in the ‘People Development: Small Business’ category, is among 35 top tourism businesses to have made it through to the finals of these coveted accolades.
Now in their 16th year, the Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate quality and innovation. Known as the Oscars of the tourism industry, the awards are open to all businesses operating in Scotland’s tourism industry and businesses can enter as many of the 10 categories as appropriate.
Gillian Ramsay of the Shetland Fudge Company commented on making the finalist stage of the Awards for the third year running: “Recognition such as this is fantastic for our business, the success of which relies on the commitment and hard work of our staff, who are all delighted to have reached the finals for the third successive year. We’ll be heading down to the Awards Dinner in October in the hope that this year it’ll be third time lucky for the Shetland Fudge Company.”
The company was shortlisted in the ‘Skills for Success: Small Company Award’ in 2005 and in the ‘People Development’ category in 2006. This year, they face stiff competition from Fife-based Anstruther Fish Bar and Restaurant, and The Famous Grouse Experience, based in Perthshire. The 2007 winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony in Edinburgh on the 26th October.
Area director for VisitShetland, Andy Steven, said: “I’d like to congratulate the team at the Shetland Fudge Company on a remarkable run in the finalist stages of the Thistle Awards. Three years running is a testament to the dedication and great team work demonstrated by this very successful business, and I wish Gillian and her colleagues the best of luck when the winners are announced in October.”
Congratulating the finalists, Tourism Minister Jim Mather said: “These awards recognise people who are delivering the very best of Scottish hospitality.
“I congratulate all those shortlisted. They have achieved high standards and have not only boosted their own individual businesses, but also Scotland’s economy as a whole.
“The Scottish Thistle Awards are yet another reminder of the skills, talent and drive shown by our tourism industry. The Scottish government is determined to work with the industry to build on our successes, boost tourism figures and increase sustainable economic growth.”
Over 200 entries were received for this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards which are judged by an independent panel. VisitScotland Chief Executive Philip Riddle said:
“We are in one of the most competitive industries in the world and we know that it’s the little things we do which will make the difference and keep visitors coming back to Scotland for more.
“The Scottish Thistle Awards recognise small and large businesses across the country which go that extra mile to drive up quality and make a holiday in Scotland unforgettable.
“Once again I have been very impressed by the top quality entries we have received this year and I congratulate them all and wish the shortlisted businesses the best of luck in the final stages of judging.”
Further information are available via the website www.visitscotland.org/thistleawards or by calling the Awards hotline on 0131 557 5789 or email sta@eventconsultants.com
