Double celebration for community-owned Loch Ness Hub and Travel at Scottish Thistle Awards
A community-owned visitor centre near Loch Ness is celebrating a double win at an awards event to recognise the best in Scotland’s tourism and events industry.
Loch Ness Hub and Travel in Drumnadrochit received the Innovation in Tourism Award at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final.
Its managing director Russell Fraser also won Tourism Individual of the Year which celebrates individuals who act as ambassadors for change within the industry, showcasing a commitment to tourism as a force for good.
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The awards ceremony, delivered by VisitScotland, was held at the Hilton Glasgow.
The Innovation in Tourism award, sponsored by The Times Scotland, celebrates businesses taking significant steps to improve and invest in the future of 21st-century Scottish tourism.
Loch Ness Hub was launched as a community benefit company four years ago by Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association (Gurca) and took ownership of the former tourist information centre and toilets in Drumnadrochit.
Offering sustainable tourism solutions, baggage and shuttle transfers for long-distance trails, guided tours, local insights, and eco-friendly practices, the hub prides itself in supporting local businesses and preserving the area’s unique environment.
The judges were particularly impressed with the way Loch Ness Hub and Travel brings together a variety of services in a unique and innovative way which is rooted in sustainability and promotion of the local area.
There was also recognition for its managing director Russell Fraser who has dedicated much of his life to community organisations in Drumnadrochit.
He was presented with the Tourism Individual of the Year.
As managing director of Loch Ness Hub and Travel since 2021, he has transformed the community-owned venture into a model for sustainable and responsible tourism.
The judges said with more than 20 years experience as a self-employed entrepreneur, Russell expanded Loch Ness Travel to provide first-class baggage and people transfer services, as well as tourism retail.
His commitment to sustainability and community engagement is evident through initiatives such as the introduction of eBike hire and securing the Green Tourism Gold Award for Loch Ness Hub.
On receiving the award, he said: “Living on the shores of the world-famous Loch Ness, I am extremely proud to champion Drumnadrochit and Glen Urquhart to the world, with a focus on community led initiatives and showcasing everything our community has to offer, simultaneously demonstrating that we are much more than a monster!
“Leading Loch Ness Hub and Travel, representing our community, as well as being chairman of Scottish Community Tourism (SCOTO), is an honour.
“With such a supportive and talented board of directors and passionate colleagues, I am proud to be at the forefront of Scotland leading the way in community-led tourism.”
Nevis Range, based in Torlundy, won the award for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience.
Steven Walker, chairman of the Scottish Thistle Award industry panel, said it was a remarkable achievement for the Highlands and shone a spotlight on the excellent tourism offerings available in the region.
"Earning recognition as one of the best in the country is a fantastic accomplishment,” he said.
“It not only shines a spotlight on the region but also underscores the positive impact our tourism and events industry has on Scotland as a whole.
“Winning a Scottish Thistle Award means joining a prestigious roll of honour, placing these winners among the country’s finest and opening doors to new opportunities.”
More than 700 entries were submitted by individuals, businesses, events, and community organisations in this year’s awards.
The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered in partnership with Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards (HITA), the Aberdeen City and Shire Thistle Awards (ACSTA) and the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, supported by a panel of industry representatives.
This year’s national sponsors included headline sponsor, Johnstons of Elgin, plus Abbey UK, The Macallan Estate, LNER, STV, Jacobite Loch Ness Cruises, SLTA, Historic Scotland, and Fishers.
