Best Visitor Attraction Winner

 

We’re delighted to share that Camera Obscura & World of Illusions has been named Best Visitor Attraction at the 2026 Central and East of Scotland regional Scottish Thistle Awards.

 

The award recognises the quality of the visitor experience we offer from our home at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where visitors can explore more than 100 interactive exhibits across five floors, enjoy panoramic rooftop views and discover our historic Camera Obscura show.

 

 

The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate excellence across Scotland’s tourism and events industry, recognising the businesses and organisations creating memorable visitor experiences and making a positive contribution to Scotland’s visitor economy.

 

Being named Best Visitor Attraction in the Central and East of Scotland regional final is therefore a particularly special achievement for our team.

 

Camera Obscura was also shortlisted in three other categories at the 2026 regional awards: the Climate Action Award, Employer of the Year and Innovation Award. Being recognised across four different categories reflects the wide range of work taking place behind the scenes to continually improve the attraction and the experience we provide for our visitors.

 

 

Andrew Johnson, General Manager at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said:

“Winning Best Visitor Attraction is a strong recognition of the work our team is doing to raise the bar for the overall visitor experience. We are proud to see that commitment recognised alongside some of the region’s leading tourism businesses.

 

“Being shortlisted across four categories reflects the breadth of work happening across the attraction, from creating a more sustainable and inclusive visitor experience to investing in our people and embracing innovation.

 

“This award is a true testament to our team, who are constantly looking at how we create a memorable experience for every visitor who comes through our doors.”

 

The Best Visitor Attraction award follows several other recent accolades for Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.

 

In 2025, we won the Inclusion Award at the Central and East Scotland regional Scottish Thistle Awards, recognising our work to create a welcoming and accessible visitor experience for people with a wide range of needs and abilities.

 

Camera Obscura was also named National Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year in 2024, following regional wins for Employer of the Year and Climate Action.

 

In 2023, we were named the Scottish Thistle Awards’ national winner for Innovation in Tourism.

 

The latest Thistle Award also comes during another exciting year for the attraction. Camera Obscura was ranked among the top three visitor attractions in the UK by Which? and awarded Recommended Provider status, while also receiving a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2026 and achieving a five-star ASVA Quality Grading.

 

We’re incredibly proud to be named Best Visitor Attraction at the 2026 Central and East of Scotland regional Scottish Thistle Awards, and even prouder of the team who make the experience possible every day.

 

We look forward to welcoming you soon.