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Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards 2024 Finalists Announced

The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), the organisation dedicated to inspiring, representing, and supporting the visitor attractions sector in Scotland, is delighted to announce the finalists for the 2024 Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards.

This year marks the introduction of the refreshed awards, to better recognise the diversity of talent and dedication across the sector. The awards are all about celebrating individuals who bring passion, creativity, and commitment to their roles, whether they’re on the front lines or working behind the scenes who play a crucial role in making Scotland’s attractions truly world class.

The winners will be announced at the ASVA Annual Conference, to be held at the Perth Concert Hall on Thursday 14th November. The event, which brings together leaders and professionals from across Scotland’s tourism and attractions sector, will provide a fitting stage to celebrate the remarkable achievements of those who have gone above and beyond in their roles.

The awards feature five categories: Rising Star, for the up and comers making waves and showcasing talent in the visitor attraction sector; Experience Maker, to recognise those delivering world class experiences whether face-to-face or behind the scenes; Technology Innovator, celebrating individuals enhancing technologies or implements impactful new solutions; Sustainability Champion, honouring those making an impact on responsible tourism and preserving attractions for future generations; People’s Hero, acknowledging the person who is at the heart of a team or communities, fostering inclusivity, accessibility and building connections.

Celebrate the finalists below (in alphabetical order):

Rising Star:

  • Sarah Baudouin (The Real Mary King’s Close)
  • Madeline Greene (Black Watch Castle & Museum)
  • Lindsay MacAndrew (National Trust for Scotland)

Experience Maker

  • Alex Geddes (Peterhead Prison Museum)
  • Ashleigh Pink (Dundee Heritage Trust)
  • Lindsay Ross (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland)
  • Katie Scott (The Real Mary King’s Close)

Technology Innovator

  • Emilie Lumineau (The Real Mary King’s Close)
  • Grant McGuigan (Camera Obscura & World of Illusions)
  • Silvana-Anastasia Neagu (Johnnie Walker Princess Street)
  • Sophie Walker (Dundee Heritage Trust)

Sustainability Champion:

  • Jonathon Dodds (Mercat Tours)
  • Phillipa Lumsden (Camera Obscura & World of Illusions)
  • Kirsty Vavasour (Diageo Scotland Brand Homes)

People’s Hero:

  • Ciara Courtney (Provan Hall Community Management Trust)
  • Fiona Johnston (Palace of HolyroodHouse)
  • Elicia Walpole (The Real Mary King’s Close)

ASVA CEO, Michael Golding said: “We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the finalists for this year’s Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards. The calibre of entries we received showcases the talent and dedication that make Scotland’s visitor attractions truly world class. These awards not only highlight individual achievements but also shine a spotlight on the collective efforts of our sector to deliver unforgettable experiences.”

ASVA Chair, Paul Nixon said: “The Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the passion and dedication that individuals bring to our sector. It’s the people who truly make Scotland’s attractions world class, and these awards are about celebrating their hard work, creativity, and commitment. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at the ASVA Annual Conference.”