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.
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Calum Ross
Chair
Proprietor Loch Melfort Hotel.
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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.
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Emma Clark
Director
Proprietor, Glenegedale House, Islay.
Chair, Explore Islay and Jura.
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Graeme Bell
Director
General Manager, Inverness Airport, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited
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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.
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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.
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Lindsey Randall
Director
Division Manager, Caley Cruisers Ltd.
Director Loch Ness Harbour Company.
Committee Member, Highland Hospitality Industry Trust.
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Marina Huggett
Director
Owner, Tourism Excellence Consultancy.
Chairperson, Achnagairn Estate.
Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel.
Trustee, HIT Scotland.
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Russell Fraser
Director
Managing Director, Loch Ness Hub & Travel.
Founding Director, Scottish Community Tourism Network (SCOTO).
Director, Visit Inverness Loch Ness.
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Stéphane Portès
Director
General Manager, Macdonald Drumossie Hotel
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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.
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Steve Walsh OBE
Director
Chief Executive, High Life Highland