Mercat Tours has announced that Managing Director Kat Brogan has been awarded the Silver Thistle Award at the 2024 Scottish Thistle Awards.
The annual awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses, showcasing their excellence, collaboration and innovation. The industry panel hand-selected the Silver Thistle Award, recognising exceptional commitment to Scottish tourism. In the judges’ words, Kat embodies the “very spirit of the Silver Thistle Award; a leader whose passion, vision, and excellence have left a lasting impact on Scottish tourism.”
Kat Brogan said, “I am so grateful to stand on the shoulders of my parents, Des and Win Brogan, who founded Mercat Tours and taught me what passion and dedication truly mean. This award is a celebration of all the people and partnerships that make our industry so remarkable. To the incredible team at Mercat and everyone in this inspiring sector – this is for all of us.”
Within this inspiring sector, Kat has worked diligently to ensure that ‘good business does good’. From partnerships with Skill Development Scotland and Living Wage Foundation to projects like Our Stories, Your City, which reconnects vulnerable communities with Edinburgh, she encourages businesses to benefit communities and the planet ahead of profit.
Kat’s leadership has made Mercat Tours one of Scotland’s most innovative and progressive tourism businesses. From being the first Living Hours accredited tourism business in Scotland and receiving the Gold Standard Fair Tax Mark Accreditation to most recently achieving the accolade of being the UK’s first B Corp-certified visitor attraction, Kat has consistently raised the bar for excellence.
She continues to strive for these accolades because they “show how serious we are about making positive social, environmental and cultural impact the purpose of all we do.”
Under Kat’s stewardship, Mercat Tours has championed inclusivity, fair labour practices, and sustainable tourism. Her efforts have set a new standard for how tourism can support local communities and deliver meaningful, positive change.
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