We’re proud to be double Thistle Award Winners!

We’ve got exciting news to share – The Real Mary King’s Close has just won two awards at VisitScotland’s Central & East Thistle Awards.

We were named Employer of the Year, which recognises the brilliant people who make the Close such a special place to visit. From our storytellers to our operations team, everyone plays a part in creating unforgettable moments underground—and this award celebrates the passion, care, and creativity that go into every guest experience.

On top of that, our General Manager, Paul Nixon, was honoured as Individual of the Year. Paul has led the Close since 2019, guiding us through record-breaking years, including welcoming over 282,000 visitors in 2024 and being named TripAdvisor’s number one visitor attraction in the UK. His award shines a spotlight on the whole team’s commitment to sharing Edinburgh’s hidden history with the world.

Speaking about his win, Paul said: “It’s an incredible honour to be recognised by VisitScotland and my peers in the industry. Tourism in Scotland is built on people – those who work within it, those who visit and those whose stories we tell – and I’m proud to represent such a talented team at The Real Mary King’s Close, doing it in such an immersive way.”

The Thistle Awards are all about celebrating the very best of Scottish tourism, so to come away with not one but two trophies is an incredible achievement – and it’s thanks to the wonderful guests who inspire us every day.

Next, we’ll be representing Edinburgh at the Thistle Awards’ National Final in Glasgow this November, and we couldn’t be prouder.

If you haven’t yet discovered the secrets beneath the Royal Mile, now’s the perfect time to see why we’re an award-winning attraction. Step back in time, meet the people who once lived here and uncover the real stories of Edinburgh’s past. Book your visit here!