A popular West Dunbartonshire tourism attraction has won a prestigious regional tourism award for the second year running.
Sea Life Loch Lomond was named Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards regional final at Radisson Blu in Glasgow.
The Balloch-based aquarium, which opened in 2006, will now progress to the Scottish Thistle Award national finals in November where they could retain the title for two consecutive years after successfully claiming the prize in 2023.
The Scottish Thistle Awards, with headline sponsor Johnstons of Elgin, shine a spotlight on individual businesses, people and partnership working. They have become an annual celebration of excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country’s most important sectors.
The Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year category celebrates employers who have demonstrated a real commitment to the welfare of their employees, providing a supportive and inspiring work environment. Diversity and inclusivity should be core to the business, ensuring the right conditions for workers from all backgrounds to thrive and succeed.
Judges praised the team at Sea Life Loch Lomond for its positive approach to diversity and inclusion and its established links to local schools and colleges.
Kathryn Adam, General Manager at Sea Life Loch Lomond said: “We are delighted to win this award for our region once again. This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the inspiring and supportive work environment we provide for our team at Sea Life Loch Lomond.
“We pride ourselves on being a truly inclusive and inspirational place to work. I want to extend a huge thank you to my amazing team and to the Scottish Thistle Awards for this recognition.”
VisitScotland Regional Director Lynne Cooper said: “Huge congratulations to the Sea Life Loch Lomond for this incredible achievement.
“The success of a business is largely down to the motivation and wellbeing of its staff and it’s fantastic to see the team prioritising this in such an inspirational way. It is clear to see why Sea Life Loch Lomond continues to be such a popular attraction for the region.
“I wish the team the greatest luck for the national final where they will not only be representing the region but the West of Scotland too.”