Sea Life Loch Lomond has received recognition at Scotland’s premier tourism and events awards.

The popular visitor attraction, situated on the shores of Loch Lomond, was named Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards on Thursday night.

The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate the very best of the tourism and events industry, which is worth £11.5billion to the Scottish economy.

Judges described the attraction as an excellent example of an inclusive and supportive employer, with a whole range of initiatives and partnerships in place to encourage positive staff development and investment in its current and future workforce.

On receiving the award, Kathryn Adam, General Manager at Sea Life Loch Lomond said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award.

"Our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion has made Sea Life Loch Lomond a truly inclusive and inspirational place to work.

"This award is a testament to every single member of our team – so a big thank you to my team and a big thank you to the Scottish Thistle Awards for this recognition.”

The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes.

The five different regional award ceremonies are taking place in September, October and November before the regional winners go through to battle it out for a national accolade at the National Final in December.

The awards champion innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices, in line with the ambitions of the national tourism strategy.

VisitScotland regional director David Adams McGilp said: “I would like to congratulate Sea Life Loch Lomond on receiving the Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year Award at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards.

“This is a fantastic achievement and testament to their positive approach to staff inclusion and development.

"I would like to extend my best wishes to all of the regional winners as they now go forward to the National Final in December.”

2023 saw more than 600 entries submitted, including almost 1200 nominations from members of the public keen to give hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions and individuals the opportunity to earn the recognition they deserve for the part they play in making Scotland such a fantastic place to visit.

The award aims to highlight and celebrate employers who are showcasing tourism, hospitality and events as an exciting career path and inspiring the next generation.