Daily Wildlife Noss Boat Tours
+44 (O) 7595540224
Daily Wildlife Noss Boat Tours+44 (O) 7595540224
We’re absolutely delighted that Seabirds-and-Seals – The Original Noss Boat has won Best Visitor Attraction at the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2026.
Often described as the “Oscars of Scottish tourism”, the Thistle Awards celebrate excellence across Scotland’s tourism industry. Having celebrated a double win for Best Visitor Attraction and Inclusive Tourism in 2023, winning Best Visitor Attraction again means so much to us.
Shortlisted alongside two other visitor attractions, including another local boat tour company, we were thrilled to be announced as the winner. We now go forward to represent the Highlands and Islands at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final in November 2026.
Celebrating Shetland’s wildlife and scenery
Sharing the wildlife and spectacular coastal scenery of Bressay and Noss is at the heart of what we do. Every tour brings opportunities to connect with nature, from the towering seabird cliffs to inquisitive seals and unexpected encounters along the way.
In their announcement, the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards team highlighted how our tours showcase the remarkable wildlife and coastal scenery that make Shetland special. They recognised the value of experiences that connect visitors with the natural heritage of the Highlands and Islands.
Seeing that connection celebrated is particularly meaningful to us. We want our guests to leave with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of these islands and their wildlife.
An award shared with our team and supporters
We couldn’t attend this year’s ceremony, having just completed our final tours of the season. Special thanks go to Karen and John from No.88 Kitchen & Bar here in Shetland, who were attending the awards, with Karen collecting our award on our behalf.
It brought back lovely memories of the 2023 awards evening, when we celebrated our double win and partied the night away with Karen and John. No.88 had also been shortlisted again that year for Best Eating Experience after being awarded ‘Highly Commended’ the year before for the same category, so it was a wonderful evening celebrating together and cheering on fellow Shetland finalists.
To win Best Visitor Attraction again in 2026 is another proud moment in our family business’s story. The business celebrates 34 years in 2026, and we’re proud to carry that story forward, welcoming visitors from Shetland and around the world.
None of this happens without the people around us. A heartfelt thank you to our fantastic crew, our family, everyone who has joined us aboard, and our collaborators, suppliers, partners and supporters near and far. Every recommendation, review and word of encouragement means so much.
A memorable end to the season
This win follows our announcement in early September as finalists for Purpose-Led Business of the Year at the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Awards 2026. It has been a wonderful way to round off another busy season and look ahead to 2027.
Thank you to the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards organisers, the judges, awards sponsor Royal Bank of Scotland, and our Best Visitor Attraction category sponsor, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks. Congratulations to all our fellow finalists and winners.
For now, we’re celebrating a very special achievement: two-time Highlands and Islands Best Visitor Attraction winners — 2023 and 2026.
Marie & Brian
Seabirds-and-Seals – The Original Noss Boat
