Award follows opening of renovated Schoolhouse property in February 2026
Straloch Highland Retreats has been named Best Self Catering or Exclusive Use at the Scottish Thistle Awards. Judges recognised the business’s achievements and development over the past 12 months, with the launch of The Schoolhouse in February 2026 being central to this. The new exclusive use property, which sleeps ten, marks an exciting chapter for the family-run business.
The five-bedroom Schoolhouse is housed in a restored 19th-century former village school that had stood vacant since 2010. Owner Lucy Holt, who was brought up on the estate and is a former pupil, led a two-year renovation to transform the building into a luxury rural retreat. The property combines original character with modern touches, including a six-seater hydrotherapy hot tub.
Straloch Highland Retreats was founded by Lucy Holt in 2015, initially with two cottages. The business has grown thoughtfully, maintaining its focus on creating immersive and memorable Highland stays.
The wider collection also features River Cabin, an off-grid retreat designed for couples. Straloch’s ethos, captured in its strapline “Highland Escapism,” focuses on encouraging guests to slow down, reconnect, and return.
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Now in their 30th year, the Scottish Thistle Awards recognise excellence across Scotland’s tourism and events industry. The awards celebrate the innovation, collaboration, and commitment that help Scotland stand out as a visitor destination.
Straloch Estate is a small, family-run estate set within 3,000 acres in Highland Perthshire, on the southern edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Since opening to guests in 2015, the estate has developed a reputation for its high-quality self-catering accommodation and thoughtful approach to hospitality.
It has received over 300 five-star reviews and regional recognition from VisitScotland, including “Best Self Catering Holiday Accommodation Experience 2020”. The estate is situated just 15 minutes from Pitlochry and offers outdoor activities such as woodland exploration and loch rowing within its grounds.
