The Scottish Country Sports Tourism Awards Celebration Dinner was held on Tuesday, 26th November 2024, at Gleneagles Hotel, bringing together key figures from Scotland’s country sports tourism industry to celebrate the exceptional achievements of this year’s award winners.
Organised by Kirk Norbury, Project Manager for Country Sport Scotland, the event recognised the vital role the country sports sector plays in Scotland’s economy, rural communities, and its global reputation. Country Sport Scotland, proudly operated by the British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC), continues to champion the industry’s contributions both at home and on the international stage.
Speaking on the night, Kirk Norbury emphasised the significance of the award winners, saying:
“This evening is all about celebrating you — our award winners. You represent the very best of Scotland’s country sports sector. Your dedication, innovation, and vision elevate not only your own ventures but also Scotland’s reputation as a world-class destination for country sports. Tonight, we honour your contributions with the recognition you so thoroughly deserve.”
The evening also served as an opportunity to reflect on the sector’s broader impact.
“The country sports sector is integral to Scotland’s tourism offering, drawing visitors from across the globe who are eager to experience our unique way of life. These visitors not only contribute to the local economy but also engage with our rural communities, creating meaningful connections with our landscapes and its people,” said Norbury.
Award winners were first announced at the Scottish Game Fair and were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to the country sports sector. Among those honoured were:
Awards were presented to:
- Best Sporting Estate 2024: Kingairloch Estate
- Best Sporting Agency 2024: International Hunting Scotland
- Best Sporting Innovator 2024: Twin Peakes Fly Fishing
- Best Sporting Accommodation 2024: Buccleuch Arms
- Best Sporting Retailer 2024: Campbell’s of Beauly
The success of the evening was made possible thanks to the support of The Gleneagles Shooting and Fishing School, whose hospitality provided the perfect backdrop for the celebrations. Norbury expressed his gratitude:
“A special thank you to The Gleneagles Shooting and Fishing School for graciously hosting this year’s dinner at Gleneagles and for their support of the Scottish Country Sports Tourism Awards. Your commitment to promoting our sector.”
The importance of country sports to Scotland’s tourism economy and rural communities was further highlighted by Peter Clark, Director of BASC Scotland, who attended the evening. He remarked:
‘Country sports’ tourism is paramount to the success of the rural economy, with shooting and conservation alone, bringing £760 million of benefits to Scotland annually.
‘Tourism of this nature has spin-off benefits for conservation and habitat management, given the income from domestic and international guests is re-invested in projects to enhance biodiversity.
‘Country sports tourism’s potential is far-reaching and providing rural jobs and employment in areas where there would be no other viable alternative’.
Plans are already underway for next year’s awards, with nominations set to open in spring 2025.
