Wednesday 16 December

Four tourism businesses in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park have been shortlisted as Regional Finalists in the
prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards, putting them in contention for the national awards in March 2016.

The Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha and Venachar Lochside have been shortlisted for Friendliest Pub/Bar and Best Informal Eating Experience, respectively in the Central South East region, while Portnellan near Crianlarich is recognised in the Best Holiday Accommodation category.

Forest Holidays at Ardgartan, Argyll has been shortlisted in the Best Holiday Accommodation category in Central South West region, while Amy Lyons at Cameron House hotel is one of three outstanding Young Ambassadors in the region.

The Oak Tree has featured prominently in the National Park’s Year of Food & Drink Scotland activities, hosting the Balmaha Braw
Weekend featuring food stalls, cookery demonstrations and entertainment in October in the shadow of Conic Hill.

Venachar Lochside meanwhile has wonderful views over Loch Venachar in The Trossachs and food and drink to match. Proprietors Andrew and Carolyn make the most of the spectacular location, catering for locals, visitors, special occasions and fishing and boating expeditions.

Portnellan and Forest Holidays are representative of a growing range of quality accommodation providers in the National Park, from
“glampsites” and cabins to luxurious self-catering accommodation and five-star hotels.  

Mairi Bell, Head of Visitor Experience at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park said, “Recognition of these four businesses
and an outstanding, young tourism ambassador in the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards is a mark of the high quality hospitality experience people can have in the National Park.

“Our hospitality businesses have totally embraced the Year of Food and Drink Scotland, with more than 70 attending a conference we
held last year to highlight the opportunity. There has been a coordinated, concerted celebration of local produce, which has galvanised tourism businesses in the Park to keep the good working going.

“More than 65,000 people experienced food and drink festivals in the National Park this year and we expect more interest in 2016.”  

Christmas is a wonderful time to share food and drink with friends and family. Festive recipes from local businesses including the Oak Tree Inn and Venachar Lochside  are available at http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/foodanddrink/ with compliments of the season from Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

See you in 2016!  

Source Url: http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/looking-after/food-and-drink/menu-id-483.html