Scottish tourism marketing organisation, VisitScotland, has launched its Thistle Awards for 2006, seeking to reward the best businesses working in the country’s tourism industry.

The 10 categories for this year’s awards were unveiled at Musselburgh Racecourse this week, winner of the 2005 award for best small business marketing initiative.

“Now in their 15th year, the Scottish Thistle Awards are firmly established as the benchmark of excellence and innovation across Scottish tourism,” said Philip Riddle, VisitScotland’s chief executive.

“The awards provide the perfect platform for tourism businesses throughout Scotland to showcase the quality of products and services they provide to the visitor.”

Businesses can enter as many categories as applicable before the closing date of 1 June. The finalists will be announced in September and the winners unveiled at a gala dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) in October. Details: www.visitscotland.org/thistleawards