Wild Sauna Experience Celebrating Tourism Award Finalist Success

Wild Scottish Sauna is celebrating after reaching the final stages of the Central and East Scotland Thistle Awards.

The company, which offers a luxury sauna experience located on the award-winning Kingsbarns Beach in St Andrews, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience category.

Launched in August 2023 by avid cold water swimmers Jayne McGhie and Jamie Craig-Gentles, Wild Scottish Sauna promotes the physical and mental benefits offered by a unique hot/cold wellness experience.

Whilst also positively promoting Scotland’s natural resources and local landscapes, the duo has established a growing business which appeals to local residents and tourists alike.

The company now employs nine local staff, who are supported by several volunteers, all of whom are passionate about sharing the benefits of cold water swimming and sauna therapy with the many intrigued customers who visit daily.

With impending plans to add a second sauna on East Sands Beach, and a goal of having a sauna located on a beach, river and loch, the flourishing business has rightly secured an accolade as a finalist in these prestigious tourism awards.

Commenting on the award finalist success, co-founder Jayne McGhie, said, “We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted as a finalist.  We have huge passion for what we offer, but setting up the business was a risk nevertheless.  However, we have surpassed many of our business goals to date and have a vision for the future which we are really excited about.”

Business partner Jamie Craig-Gentles, added, “It is a great achievement to be recognised amongst the best businesses in the industry.  Our biggest motivation is delivering a first class experience to our customers, and the positive feedback we have received is testament to the exceptional efforts of our whole team.  We are really looking forward to attending the awards ceremony and celebrating with other finalists from across the industry.”

A total of 47 tourism and hospitality businesses and individuals from across the Central and East Scotland region have been shortlisted for final judging across the various award categories.

The shortlisted regional finalists will attend an awards ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh on September 26. National winners will then be announced at the Scottish Thistle Awards final in November.