Rosslyn Chapel has been shortlisted for two categories in the Regional Final of the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards.
The Chapel is one of the finalists in the ‘Best Heritage Tourism Experience’ category, sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland, and themed to coincide with the ‘Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017’. The two other finalists are Robert Smail’s Printing Works and the Edinburgh and SE Scotland Branch of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association.
Rosslyn Chapel has also made the shortlist in the category ‘Working Together for Tourism’, which celebrates two successful partnerships in 2016. In September, the Chapel worked with Film Mobile (now Indy Cinema Group) and sponsor Quilter Cheviot, to stage two outdoor screenings of ‘The da Vinci Code’, on location, marking the 10th anniversary of the film’s release. Then, in October, an innovative project was established with renowned Lego artist Warren Elsmore to recreate the lower part of the Chapel’s famous Apprentice Pillar using Lego. Workshops were arranged for schools and families and the Lego installation was displayed beside the original Pillar, enhancing the experience for visitors. Both events created good media coverage and contributed to increased numbers over Autumn.
Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said ‘It’s fantastic news that we have been shortlisted in two categories of the Scottish Thistle Awards Regional Final. Both recognise the dedication and commitment of our whole team, who work hard, day after day, to ensure that Rosslyn Chapel provides one of the best visitor experiences in Scotland’.
The Lothian and Borders Regional Final will take place at Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh on Thursday 23 November 2017. This year marks the ‘silver’ anniversary for the prestigious competition, which celebrates success, innovation, excellence and best practice in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry