Katie Scott shortlisted for Tourism Individual of the Year 2023

The Scottish Thistle Awards are just around the corner…

And we have some exciting news to share! 🎉

Our very own Operations Manager, Katie Scott, has been officially shortlisted as a Regional Finalist for the prestigious Tourism Individual of the Year Thistle Award in Scotland, following on from being named one of the Top 100 Women in Tourism in Scotland in March 2022.

The nomination is testament to Katie’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service, her dedication to fostering community and inclusivity, her passion for sustainability, and her role as a positive change ambassador in the tourism industry…

But what does that all actually mean? We asked Katie about her career development at The Real Mary King’s Close since 2016 and put together an overview of the exciting changes she’s been helping to make to the tour, the team, and the wider Scottish tourism community since.

Career development at The Real Mary King’s Close

Katie’s journey at The Real Mary King’s Close began in 2016 when she joined as a Tour Guide, portraying Jonet Nimmo, the youngest daughter of Mary King.

In 2018, she expanded her role by training as a Guest Services Team Member and Designate Duty Manager, showcasing her versatility and willingness to take on new challenges. While balancing her responsibilities at The Real Mary King’s Close with a career in theatre between 2016 and 2019, Katie’s dedication to the attraction paid off when she was promoted to Guest Experience Manager in May 2019.

In her role as Guest Experience Manager, Katie made significant contributions to the attraction’s creative development. She took on the responsibility of crafting engaging and informative tours, conducting meticulous research, and collaborating with local historians to ensure historical accuracy. Every new experience launched at the attraction over the past four years bears Katie’s creative touch and dedication to providing guests with an immersive journey through history.

In January 2023, she received a well-deserved promotion from Continuum Attractions, becoming the Operations Manager. In this pivotal role, Katie oversees all on-site activities at The Real Mary King’s Close, ensuring that every aspect of the guest experience is nothing short of exceptional.

Katie’s Impact at The Real Mary King’s Close

Katie’s Thistle Award nomination is not just a recognition of her career progression but also a celebration of her extraordinary contributions that go above and beyond her core responsibilities.

Her commitment to community and inclusivity is evident in the tours she has developed, such as the ‘Herstory’ tours and Pride History Tours. These initiatives have not only helped us to celebrate diversity but forge meaningful partnerships with organisations like Strutsafe and LGBT Youth Scotland, making The Real Mary King’s Close a welcoming space for all.

Furthermore, her dedication to creating a welcoming and supportive work environment is exemplified by her adaptation of shifts, attentiveness to mental health concerns, and organisation of stress-reducing activities. On the other hand, her interest in fostering professional growth and motivating her staff to exceed their targets has led to a fully cross-trained team and promotions within the company.

The Scottish Thistle Awards

The list goes on. We are immensely proud of Katie’s achievements, and we believe her Thistle Award nomination is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her dedication, creativity, and passion for providing exceptional service.

We are very excited to hear about the results of the awards ceremony on Thursday 21st September. Good luck, Katie!