Businesses in Helensburgh and Lomond have been nominated at a prestigious award ceremony celebrating the “very best” of Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industries.

The Scottish Thistle Awards revealed that three nominees from the Helensburgh area had made the shortlist for the West of Scotland regional finals.

Marion Cunningham, of the Riva Boutique Hotel in Helensburgh, has been nominated in the Tourism Individual of the Year category.

Rosneath Castle Park achieved their first Scottish Thistle Award nomination when they were shortlisted for the Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience prize.

Also nominated is Sea Life Loch Lomond who are a contender for the Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year award.

Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, Steven Walker, said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards mark an important celebration of the best in our industry.

“They showcase the very best of Scotland’s tourism and events sector, helping to ensure that tourism, and the individuals who work in the industry, are recognised for the positive impact they bring to the country and our communities.

“Every one of the shortlisted regional finalists is supporting our ambition to make Scotland a better place for people to live and visit.

“On behalf of the panel, I would like to congratulate all regional finalists and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck at the regional finals and beyond.”

The five regional award ceremonies will take place across September, October and November with the winners going to the regional finals to compete for a prize at the National Final in December.

Over 600 entries were submitted this year, with each entry having to give clear evidence of how they practice responsible tourism as the awards seek to promote businesses with innovative, collaborative and sustainable practices.

These values are in line with the national tourism strategy, Outlook 2030, which launched in 2020 and aims to promote eco-friendly tourism throughout the country.

The awards, run by Visit Scotland, were established 30 years ago to promote and praise the top tourism and hospitality establishments in Scotland.