Ayr Airshow Scoops Top Tourism Award at Scottish Thistle Awards

South Ayrshire Council’s flagship event, the International Ayr Show – Festival of Flight, has been crowned “Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative” at the West of Scotland Regional Final of the Scottish Thistle Awards.

Photo: Connor Mollinson/VisitScotland

The council-run airshow picked up the prestigious accolade during a ceremony held in Glasgow on Thursday 25 September.

Organised by Visit Scotland, the Scottish Thistle Awards have recognised the best of the country’s tourism, hospitality and events industry for more than 30 years, celebrating innovation, excellence and success across the sector.

In 2024, the Festival of Flight drew over 250,000 visitors to Ayr’s shorefront, making it the largest free public event in Scotland. Across two days, crowds enjoyed 27 aerial displays, while the bustling Festival Village offered a wide range of trade and catering stalls.

The event not only honours Scotland’s rich aviation heritage but also highlights the region’s growing aerospace industry and inspires young people to consider STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) career paths.

Following its regional success, the airshow will now go forward to the 2025 Scottish Thistle Awards National Final, taking place in Glasgow this November.

South Ayrshire Council’s Assistant Director – Communities, George Hunter, said:

“It’s an honour for South Ayrshire Council to have been recognised at the regional final of the Thistle Awards and I’m delighted that we have the chance to showcase our event at the national final. The team behind the airshow has worked tirelessly to make this the biggest free event in Scotland and to put South Ayrshire on the map, so it’s fantastic to see their dedication praised at such a prestigious awards ceremony.”

Barbara Smith, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, added:

“Huge congratulations to South Ayrshire Council and its International Ayr Show - Festival of Flight for their Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative win at the Scottish Thistle Awards West final. It is inspiring to see an event so important to the local area and beyond gain well-deserved recognition for the hard work they do. It all contributes to boosting our visitor economy and making Scotland such a must-visit, must-return destination. Scottish Thistle Award winners join a prestigious roll of honour, earning commendation as one of the best in the country. This helps ensure that the industry, and the individuals who work in it, are recognised for the positive impact they bring to the country and our communities. I wish the council and Festival of Flight team the best of luck for the national final in November.”