THE nominations deadline for The Scottish Thistle Awards 2017-2018 is fast approaching.

As Scotland’s tourism ‘Oscars’ get set to mark their 25th anniversary, people in Stirlingshire and across Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park are being urged to help ensure the region’s industry stars are celebrated as part of the ‘silver’ celebrations.

Over the past 25 years, more than 350 national winners have been crowned in the prestigious awards – each demonstrating success, innovation and excellence in Scottish tourism and hospitality.

Previous Stirlingshire and national park area champions to receive national awards have included Stirling Castle, winner of the 2012 Strathmore Spring Water Best Visitor Attraction Award, Cruise Loch Lomond which won the 2009 Innovation Award, Loch Lomond Seaplanes which won the same title in 2007, and Loch Lomond Castle Lodges – winner of the 1998 Small Business Marketing Initiative.

Nominations can be made across 16 different Scottish Thistle Awards categories for the 2017-2018 competition.

In celebration of the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017, a new category Best Heritage Tourism Experience Award – has been introduced.

Sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland, this will honour those who excel in bringing to life Scotland’s rich history, heritage and traditions.

The 16 awards categories are:

-Fishers - Most Hospitable Hotel

-Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House

-Best Accommodation Provider

-Historic Environment Scotland – Best Heritage Tourism Experience

-Innovation in Tourism

-Best Informal Eating Experience

-Best Restaurant Experience

-Best Pub/Bar

-Regional Ambassador

-Best Cultural Event or Festival

-Best Sporting Event

-Best Outdoor/Adventure Experience

-HIT Scotland Regional Rising Star

-Working Together for Tourism

-Best Visitor Attraction

-Tourism & Hospitality Hero

Anyone can nominate businesses, events or people whom they feel deserve recognition, up until Friday, June 23 at scottishthistleawards.co.uk

Nominees then have until Friday 30 June to submit their entries.

Entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts and shortlisted Stirlingshire and Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park entries will go head-to-head at the Central, Fife & Tayside regional finals ceremony in November.

Winners from that will then go on to the glittering national Scottish Thistle Awards final held next year.

Rebecca Brooks, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said: "The Scottish Thistle Awards is a chance to celebrate those who work tirelessly to ensure that all visitors, whether from Scotland or further afield, enjoy a truly memorable experience.

"Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it creates jobs and sustains communities. I’m delighted that these awards continue to recognise the shining lights within our industry.

"This year marks a very special anniversary for the Scottish Thistle Awards, it is our 25th anniversary. In that time we have recognised the dedication, talent and success of over 350 winners and this year is no exception.

"I’m urging everyone in Perthshire to help us celebrate in style by nominating the businesses, attractions and individuals that have inspired them.

"Even without a nomination, our fantastic Scottish tourism businesses can put themselves forward, so we would urge them to go online, find out what category or categories they think best represents them and enter."

The Scottish Thistle Awards are led by a panel of industry experts from several organisations including VisitScotland, Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, sportscotland and Wild Scotland.