ASVA Celebrates Scotland’s Extraordinary Talent at the 2025 Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards
Added: 25 Nov 2025
On 19 November 2025, ASVA proudly announced the winners of the Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards 2025, honouring the individuals whose passion, innovation and dedication make Scotland’s visitor attractions truly world-class.
Sponsored by VisitScotland, the awards were presented at the annual ASVA Conference 2025, hosted by Alex Harvie, Head of City Marketing for Destination Glasgow.
The Inspiring People Awards are one of the sector’s most inclusive and accessible platforms for recognition, welcoming nominations from across teams, roles and organisations with free entry, no black-tie requirements, and short, accessible submissions that ensure the focus stays firmly on the people behind Scotland’s visitor experiences.
Michael Golding, CEO of ASVA, said:
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the winners of the 2025 Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards. These individuals represent the very best of Scotland’s visitor attractions sector. Each has shown remarkable dedication, creativity and passion for their work, helping to ensure our attractions continue to shine on a world stage. It has been a privilege to recognise their achievements here at the ASVA Annual Conference, surrounded by experts and innovators who share a commitment to advancing Scotland’s visitor attractions and the wider tourism sector.”
Alex Harvie, Head of City Marketing for Destination Glasgow, said:
“These awards are unique, they provide a way to recognise anyone from the attractions sector. They do so in an inclusive way, with entries no longer than an A4 sheet of paper, no cost to enter or come to the awards, and no black tie or dinner required. They are for everyone and celebrate the people who make our industry so special.”
✨2025 Winners✨
Rising Star Award
✨Winner: Megan Sherdley (The Real Mary King’s Close)
Megan was recognised for her outstanding leadership, commitment to inclusivity, and rapid career growth, rising from guest services to duty manager within four years. Her dedication to mentoring colleagues, curating ethically sourced products, and supporting organisational success made her a standout future leader in Scottish tourism.
Runners-up:
Sophie Hunter (New Lanark World Heritage Site)
Matilda Mear (The Scotch Whisky Experience)
Experience Maker Award
✨Winner: Ashleigh Pink (Dundee Heritage Trust)
Ashleigh transformed the visitor experience by diversifying offerings and revitalising stories that inspire both visitors and staff. Her leadership of the ambitious Discovery mast climb and a series of creative new activities, from pop-up cafés to seasonal events and improved visitor evaluation, highlight her exceptional drive to make experiences memorable.
Runners-up:
Ross Blevins (Historic Environment Scotland)
Ross Combe (National Museums Scotland)
Technology Innovator Award
✨Winner: Kate Lapping (New Lanark World Heritage Site)
Kate was honoured for her visionary work using AI, VR and leading-edge digital tools to preserve and expand access to New Lanark’s heritage. Her leadership in the SITEnetwork partnership has positioned the site as a model for inclusive, sustainable digital engagement.
Runners-up:
Paul Nixon (The Real Mary King’s Close)
Stephen Preston (St Giles’ Cathedral)
Sustainability Champion Award
✨Winner: Victoria Erasmus (Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery)
Victoria’s pioneering sustainability initiatives, including a renewable energy centre powered by a river source heat pump, have set a global benchmark for responsible tourism. Her work has eliminated the need for gas at the distillery and hotel, cutting carbon emissions by an estimated 250 tonnes per year.
Runners-up:
Ross Fraser (The Falkirk Wheel)
Pamela Sutherland (Inverness Botanic Gardens, High Life Highland)
People’s Hero Award
✨Winner: Caroline Currie (Burrell Collection, Glasgow Life)
Caroline was celebrated for her unwavering commitment to fostering community inclusion. From collaborations with Ukrainian cultural organisations to leading Pride celebrations and large-scale Lunar New Year events, Caroline’s work breaks down barriers and ensures everyone feels welcome in Glasgow’s cultural spaces.
Runners-up:
Isaac McCaffrey (Camera Obscura & World of Illusions)
Jennifer Pless (Scottish Maritime Museum)
A Celebration of Scotland’s Tourism Champions
The 2025 Inspiring People Awards shine a light on the individuals who consistently go above and beyond to ensure Scotland’s attractions remain outstanding, accessible and meaningful to visitors from around the world. ASVA encourages colleagues, partners and the public to join in recognising and celebrating this year’s exceptional winners and nominees.
“Together, let’s celebrate the people who make Scotland’s attractions truly world-class.”