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A little recognition can go a long way: 2025 winners reflect on their Inspiring People Awards
Added: 14 Sep 2026
With entries for the Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards 2026 closing this Friday, some of last year’s winners have been reflecting on what being recognised by their peers has meant to them.
Every day, people across Scotland’s visitor attractions are going above and beyond; creating memorable experiences, supporting their colleagues, finding new audiences, generating income, breaking down barriers and making their organisations better places to visit and work.
The Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards, supported by VisitScotland, are an opportunity to recognise those individuals and celebrate the difference they make.
And, as some of our 2025 winners explain, a nomination or award can have an impact long after the ceremony itself.
Recognition that builds confidence
For Megan Hamilton from The Real Mary King’s Close, winning the Rising Star Award in 2025 provided an opportunity to stop and recognise just how far she had come.
Megan said the award meant much more than simply receiving recognition. It allowed her to reflect on her development, the challenges she had overcome and the impact of her commitment and hard work.
She also credits the award with giving her greater confidence in her own experience and encouraging her to think about the next stage of her career.
“I felt energised to take stock of my role and responsibilities and ask myself: what next? What can I do better and how can I push myself? I feel I carry myself with more confidence and trust my experience when leading and supporting my team, and that is thanks to this award.”
Her advice to anyone wondering whether to enter themselves or nominate somebody else is simple:
“Trust your instincts and take that step! It might just bring recognition, confidence and encouragement when it’s needed most.”
Celebrating the team behind the achievement
Ashleigh Pink from Dundee Heritage Trust, winner of the 2025 Experience Maker Award, also found that the recognition extended beyond the individual receiving the award.
For Ashleigh, winning was an opportunity to celebrate the wider team and their shared commitment to continually improving the visitor experience.
“Winning the Experience Maker award was a fantastic recognition, not just for me but for the brilliant team around me. It gave us a real sense of pride and reinforced the importance of constantly looking at how we can do things differently to create experiences that people remember.”
Her message to potential 2026 nominees?
“I’d encourage anyone to enter or nominate a colleague – you never know where a little recognition might take you.”
Recognising work that can sometimes go unseen
For Caroline Currie from the Burrell Collection, Glasgow Life, being named People’s Hero in 2025 provided valuable recognition for her work putting people and communities at the heart of decision-making.
Caroline works to make the museum welcoming and relevant to people who may not traditionally feel that a fine and decorative arts museum is for them. Winning the award gave her greater confidence in that approach and encouraged her to speak up even more strongly for the people she works with and for.
She said:
“When we are tirelessly thinking of the needs of others and trying to make our services the best they can be for everyone, but sometimes traditionally unheard groups, it can be quite lonely – so knowing that your peers, industry and wider circle appreciate that is priceless.”
Caroline believes the recognition starts before someone even wins an award.
“Do it – it gives a great confidence boost. Even the nomination in itself is a boost.”
Who deserves that recognition in 2026?
This year there are five Inspiring People Award categories, giving attractions plenty of opportunities to recognise the different people making an impact:
- Rising Star – for the up-and-comers making waves in the industry.
- Audience Builder – recognising those growing audiences and finding new ways to connect people with their attraction.
- Commercial Excellence – recognising those driving commercial success while supporting a great visitor experience.
- People’s Hero – celebrating those at the heart of our communities, fostering inclusivity and accessibility.
- Experience Maker – recognising those delivering world-class experiences, face-to-face or behind the scenes.
Entering is simple. Choose the category, tell us about the person you are nominating and the difference they have made. You can nominate a colleague or put yourself forward, and ASVA members can submit more than one nomination.
All shortlisted nominees will receive a complimentary ticket to the ASVA Conference at Perth Concert Hall on Thursday 12 November, where this year’s winners will be announced.
So, who deserves a little recognition at your attraction?
Entries close at 5pm on Friday 18 September 2026.