Chapel shortlisted for tourism award
July 24, 2024
Rosslyn Chapel has been shortlisted in the regional final of the Scottish Thistle Awards, Scotland’s premier tourism and events industry awards.
The Chapel is in the running for the category ‘innovation in tourism’ and the application was based on two innovative projects in 2003 – in May, the delivery of four hives and in October, the installation of new bespoke architectural lighting in the Chapel.
The introduction of four hives re-established a connection between the building and bees, which stretches back nearly 600 years. When the Chapel was built, some of the stone carvings incorporated access for bees, to provide a safe haven, as bees were considered to be sacred. During recent conservation works, twenty-two such hives were discovered. The new hives were provided by Webster Honey, based in Kinross, with beekeepers tending the hives every 7-10 days during the honeybee season. The four new hives were welcomed by pupils in Roslin Primary School’s Eco-Committee. Their artwork was used to design the hives and they gave each hive a name. The first honey was harvested in autumn 2023, producing 174 jars, and having the new hives inspired a new retail category – Chapel Bees – in the gift shop.
The new architectural lighting was made by Stoane Lighting, based in Midlothian. Previously, lighting was poor in some of the most significant parts of the Chapel and the aims behind this project were to position the Chapel as a year-round visitor destination; increase visitor satisfaction; promote the Chapel for private evening visits; and enhance the Chapel’s approach to sustainability.
Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said: ‘It’s great news to be shortlisted for these two projects, which were both innovative themselves and provided innovative ways to enhance our visitor experience and support income generation. Both were delivered in partnerships and have had positive impacts. We will now seek to build on our ‘Chapel Bees’ retail collection with more products and have started to identify additional areas within the Chapel, where better lighting will further enhance the building and experience for visitors. These relatively simple innovations are not, therefore, for short-lived benefit but will lend themselves to longer-term impacts and further innovative work in due course.’
VisitScotland Regional Director, Neil Christison, said: “It is fantastic to know that Rosslyn Chapel will be flying the flag for Midlothian in the regional finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards. This exciting inclusion demonstrates the creative and innovative ways tourism businesses are considering their offering and the future of Scottish tourism. I wish Rosslyn Chapel and all those shortlisted the very best of luck at the Central & East Scotland Thistle Awards.’
There are a total of 15 regional categories in this year’s programme, celebrating the very best of Scotland’s people, accommodation sector, food and drink, outdoor experiences and visitor attractions. Additionally, there are three national-only categories that celebrate Scotland’s outstanding sporting events, business events and luxury experiences.
The awards champion innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices, in line with the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Outlook 2030.
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field. Entrants to all categories must evidence how they have embraced best practice covering the four key areas of a low carbon economy, inclusivity, thriving communities and Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 26th September.
Picture: Pupils from Roslin Primary School welcome the new beehives and Guide Jenny Beddoe-Stephens shows off the new lighting
Credit: Rob McDougall
Posted in Tourism
