Our Board

The Board of the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards is comprised of leading business professionals from across the region. These dedicated individuals are real practitioners in their fields and volunteer their time, receiving no remuneration for their involvement and support.

Mission Statement

The Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards aim to encourage and promote excellence within the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Our mission is to recognise and celebrate the individuals, businesses, and communities that exemplify the highest standards in delivering exceptional visitor experiences. By honouring innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to quality, we aspire to inspire continued growth and success in the industry, ensuring that the Highlands and Islands remain a world-class destination while supporting the prosperity and vibrancy of our local communities.

  • Calum Ross

    Chair

    Proprietor Loch Melfort Hotel.

  • Craig Ewan

    Director

    Operations Director, Kingsmills Hotel and Ness Walk Hotel.

    Committee Member, Highland Hospitality Industry Trust.

    Vice Chair, Highland Hotel Association.

    Ambassador, Highland Hospice.

  • Emma Clark

    Director

    Proprietor, Glenegedale House, Islay.

    Chair, Explore Islay and Jura.

  • Graeme Bell

    Director

    General Manager, Inverness Airport, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited

  • Jo de Sylva

    Director

    Director, MacGregors Hospitality which includes MacGregors Bar and Bogbain Farm

    Director, JB Highland - Tourism and Property Management

    Media Commendator Nationwide for both TV and Radio on Tourism and Business.

  • Laurence Young

    Finance Director

    Director, Glencoe Activities Limited.

    Director, RiverBeds Luxury wee Lodges with Hot Tubs.

    Director, Scottish Segway Centre.

    Director, Ossian Developments Limited.

    Director, Surgeons Lodge Limited.

  • Lindsey Randall

    Director

    Division Manager, Caley Cruisers Ltd.

    Director Loch Ness Harbour Company.

    Committee Member, Highland Hospitality Industry Trust.

  • Marina Huggett

    Director

    Owner, Tourism Excellence Consultancy.

    Chairperson, Achnagairn Estate.

    Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel.

    Trustee, HIT Scotland.

  • Russell Fraser

    Director

    Managing Director, Loch Ness Hub & Travel.

    Founding Director, Scottish Community Tourism Network (SCOTO).

    Director, Visit Inverness Loch Ness.

  • Stéphane Portès

    Director

    General Manager, Macdonald Drumossie Hotel

  • Steve Barron

    Director

    Managing Director of Highland News & Media.

    Director of Iliffe Media Group.

    Director of Inverness Chamber of Commerce.

    Vice-President of Newsbrands Scotland.

  • Steve Walsh OBE

    Director

    Chief Executive, High Life Highland