SIX East Lothian nominees have been shortlisted for the Scottish Thistle Awards, Scotland’s premier tourism and events awards.

The Scottish Thistle Awards shine a spotlight on individual businesses and people working in the tourism and events industry.

More than 300 entries were submitted, including nearly 1,000 nominations from members of the public.

Regional finalists will go head-to-head at the Lothians & Borders Regional Final in Edinburgh on October 27.

Coast to Coast Surf School in Dunbar has been shortlisted for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience. Based at Belhaven Surf Centre, the school offers surfing, paddleboarding, skateboarding and coasteering classes to the public through experienced instructors.

The school is up against A Wee Pedal in Edinburgh and Beirhope Alpacas, based near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders.

Food tourism

Two East Lothian businesses have been shortlisted for the Food Tourism Award.

Drift cafe – overlooking Canty Bay, east of North Berwick – and NB Distillery, based at Halfland Barns, near Auldhame, are up against the Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh for the award.

The Lammermuir Festival, a festival of classical music which takes place in venues across East Lothian each September, has been shortlisted for Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, as has the giant puppet STORM by Vision Mechanics, which was created at Drummohr, near Prestonpans. The two East Lothian nominees are joined in the category by Edinburgh International Festival.

Finally, the Mercat Grill in Whitecraig has been shortlisted for Best Eatery Experience and will compete against Cafe St Honore and Wedgwood The Restaurant, both of which are based in Midlothian.

Responsible tourism is at the heart of the refreshed Scottish Thistle Awards and, as well as a new category celebrating those businesses and events which have embraced responsible tourism, every entry was required to provide clear evidence – covering the last two years – of how the business addressed four key areas of a low-carbon economy: inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.

Steven Walker, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “Now more than ever, the Scottish Thistle Awards present an opportunity to showcase tourism as a force for good, helping to ensure that tourism is recognised for the positive impact it brings to the country.

“The Scottish Thistle Awards have attracted entries from right across the country, with every one of the shortlisted regional finalists demonstrating a commitment to innovative, collaborative and sustainable practices that are helping to support the recovery of our valuable tourism and events industry.

“On behalf of the panel, I would like to congratulate all regional finalists and wish each and every one of them the very best of luck at the regional finals and beyond.”