TWO Helensburgh and Lomond business have struck gold at the regional Scottish Thistle Awards for the west of Scotland.

The Scottish Submarine Centre in Helensburgh received the Innovation in Tourism award, while Ashfield House in Arrochar received the prize for the Most Hospitable Guest House or B&B.

The ceremony was held at Òran Mór in Glasgow on Thursday night.

LATEST HEADLINES: Graham Norton's Helensburgh TV appearance to be broadcast this weekend

Cristina Sanchez-Navarro, the owner of Ashfield House, said: "I still cannot believe that out of the hundreds of amazing B&Bs in this category, I am really standing here accepting this year’s award!

"All I can say is I am honoured to be included in this prestigious group."

Brian Keating from the Scottish Submarine Trust, which runs the centre in West King Street, said: “The Scottish Submarine Centre is delighted to have received this award.

"Based in the heart of Helensburgh’s town centre, minutes from the home of John Logie Baird, the centre uses state of the art video technologies to create immersive experiences to tell recount history of submarines”

READ MORE: Your essential guide to what's on around Helensburgh and Lomond this weekend

The regional winners have earned their place at the prestigious Thistle Awards national final in March, where they will join the country’s tourism elite to be honoured with the highest accolade in the Scottish hospitality and tourism sector.

Rebecca Brooks, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel and VisitScotland Board member, said: “On behalf of the panel, I’d like to congratulate all our regional winners.

“Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it creates jobs and sustains communities.

"These awards let us recognise the unsung heroes of our industry who show real dedication and enthusiasm for Scotland’s tourism industry.

“I would like to wish all our regional winners the very best for the next stage of the competition."

READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines here