Playing to win in Perth
PERTH CONCERT HALL AND PERTH THEATRE TOAST SUCCESS IN TOURISM OSCARS SHORTLIST
Horsecross Arts Ltd (Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall) is celebrating after making it onto the shortlist of this year’s tourism Oscars, the Scottish Thistle Awards. The organisation is among 35 top tourism businesses which have made it through to the finals of VisitScotland’s prestigious awards this year.
Horsecross has been nominated for awards in the Business Tourism and People Development (large business) categories. They will be up against The Westin Turnberry and Unique Venues of Edinburgh in the first category and judged alongside Historic Scotland’s Visitor Services and Business Development and The Town House Company in the second.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that we’ve been recognised for doing the right thing and doing it right,” said Jane Spiers, chief executive of Horsecross Arts Ltd. “Our mission is to create a buzz in our venues, in Perthshire and in Scotland and the prestigious Thistle Awards help do just that. It’s been a very hectic couple of years for the team, establishing Horsecross Arts Limited, launching the concert hall and setting up in business to deliver culture, conferences and community work across both venues.”
Conference and Events executive, Michaela Ruff added: “The venues are only bricks and mortar of course; it’s our people who bring them to life and make our business successful, so we’re delighted our efforts to invest in our people have been rewarded. We’re proud too to have achieved so much in such a short time by attracting business tourists to Perth Concert Hall, boosting the local economy and bolstering Perth’s profile.
We plan to keep raising the bar across all of our business.”
The coveted accolades celebrate quality and innovation. The 2007 winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony in Edinburgh on the 26th October.
Now in their 16th year, 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.
Congratulating the finalists, Tourism Minister Jim Mather said:
"Over 200 entries were received for this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards which are judged by an independent panel. VisitScotland’s Area Director for Perthshire, Vicki Miller said:
“I have been very impressed by the top quality entries from Perthshire this year and congratulate Horsecross on making it onto the shortlist and wish them the best of luck in the final stages of judging.
“We know that it is the little things we do which will make the difference and keep visitors coming back to Perthshire for more.
“The Scottish Thistle Awards recognise small and large businesses across Scotland which go that extra mile to drive up quality and make Scotland and Perthshire a must visit, must return destination.”
Further information is available via the website: www.visitscotland.org/thistleawards or by calling the Awards hotline on 0131 557 5789 or email sta@eventconsultants.com