Crieff Hydro boss Stephen Leckie scoops top tourism award
The chief executive of the Crieff Hydro in Perthshire has won the top honour at the tourism industry's Scottish Thistle Awards.
Stephen Leckie, who is also chairman of Scottish Tourism Alliance, took the Silver Thistle for his "outstanding contribution" to tourism.
Other winners included Glenlivet Distillery and Visitor Centre, Tiree Music Festival and Wilderness Scotland.
The awards ceremony at Stirling Castle was hosted by Lorraine Kelly.
There were 14 other awards:
- Best Tour Operator Programme of the Year Award - HAGGiS Adventures
- Training and Skills Development Award - Mercat Tours
- Tourism Entrepreneur Award - Rabbie's Small Group Tours
- Best Café, Bar or Restaurant Award- Loch Leven's Larder
- Best Guest House or Bed & Breakfast Award- Ardtorna
- Best Sporting Event Award- The Tour of Britain
- Partnership in Tourism Award - VisitLanarkshire
- Best Nature Based Experience Award - Aigas Field Centre
- Best Hotel Award- Duisdale House Hotel
- Best Visitor Attraction Award - The Glenlivet Distillery & Visitor Centre
- Best Shopping Experience Award - Johnstons of Elgin
- Best Cultural Event Award - Tiree Music Festival
- Best Self-Serve Accommodation Award - Whitefalls Spa Lodges
- Marketing Campaign of the Year Award - Wilderness Scotland
Mr Leckie, who won the top award, was said to be "well-kent face" in tourism circles as both the chairman of the Scottish Tourism Alliance and also through his work at Crieff Hydro, where he has been at the helm for nearly two decades.
He is the fifth generation of his family to run Crieff Hydro since its doors opened in 1868.
Over the past 20 years it has transformed itself into a luxury resort for family and adventure holidays.
Mike Cantlay, chairman of VisitScotland, said: "Stephen has committed his life to ensure that tourism at both a local and national level is the best it can be, he doesn't just meet expectations he always goes above and beyond them."