Former Gleneagles chairman picks up award for tourism work
THE former Gleneagles chairman who helped bring the Ryder Cup to Scotland has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the tourism industry.
Peter Lederer was presented with the prestigious Silver Thistle Award at an awards ceremony in Glasgow earlier this month.
He was among 13 winners from the hospitality trade who received a Scottish Thistle Award at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. They included Edinburgh-based eateries Mimi’s Bakehouse and The Kitchin, Cheers bar in Fraserburgh, Auchrannie Resort on Arran and Islay’s Laphroaig Distillery.
A former chairman of Gleneagles, Lederer was recognised for his work in transforming the Perthshire hotel into a luxury resort and for improving quality, educational standards and training opportunities within Scotland’s tourism industry.
Presenting the award to Lederer, tourism minister Fergus Ewing said it was “well deserved”.
“For many years he has worked tirelessly to promote the tourism industry at home and overseas,” said Ewing.
“He was instrumental in the successful Scottish bid for the Ryder Cup and since then has worked on behalf of the tourism industry and of Scotland to ensure that Scotland cemented its reputation as the ‘home of golf’.”
This year the awards also extended a special thank you to the people of Glasgow for the warm welcome they offered guests during the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
With a particular focus on customer service, members of the public were invited to nominate their tourism champions, with judges determining the final winners.
Stephen Carter, VisitScotland board member and chairman of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said: “2014 was an exceptional year for Scottish tourism; it was the year we welcomed the world.
“I’d like to congratulate all our tourism champions for their dedication and commitment to Scotland’s tourism industry.
“Tourism is at the heartbeat of the Scottish economy and all those nominated, are leading the way when it comes to making our country a fantastic place to visit and do business.”
