Local MSP Bruce Crawford has submitted a motion to the Scottish Parliament, praising the Stirling-based winners of this year’s Thistle Awards.

 

Venachar Lochside, located on the banks of Loch Venachar in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, was awarded Best Informal Eating Experience, and that Loch Earn Tourism Bliss Trail 2017, which runs through Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans, won the Geotourist – Innovation in Tourism award

 

Mr Crawford’s motion has been supported by MSPs from a number of parties. It says:

 

That the Parliament congratulates the two Stirling area-based winners at the 2017-18 Scottish Thistle Awards; notes that Venachar Lochside, located on the banks of Loch Venachar in the heart of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, was awarded Best Informal Eating Experience, and that Loch Earn Tourism Bliss Trail 2017, which runs through Balquhidder, Lochearnhead, Strathyre and St Fillans, won the Geotourist – Innovation in Tourism award; recognises the important role that tourism plays in the Stirling area, and commends VisitScotland in association with a number of tourism-related partners for organising Scotland’s tourism industry “Oscars” for over 20 years.

 

Commenting, Bruce Crawford said:

 

“This is an excellent result for Venachar Lochside, a fabulous venue in a spectacular setting, and for Loch Earn BLiSS Trail, which attracts many visitors, inspired by our fantastic natural setting.

 

“To celebrate this success, I have submitted a motion to the Parliament and passed on my congratulations to both organisations.

 

“The fact that the Stirling area secured two Thistle Awards this year is a strong vote of confidence in our local tourism sector – which is at the very heart of our local communities and our local economy.”