South of Scotland Thistle Awards celebrate the best local tourism providers
Winners will go on to compete in the national awards in December
Leading tourism and hospitality businesses from across the South of Scotland are being celebrated, following a dedicated regional ‘Thistle Awards’ ceremony at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries.
Thirteen different categories saw providers from across Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders recognised with a range of accolades, including best innovation in tourism, and a thriving communities award.
The award ceremony, which took place on Thursday the 5th of October, was the first of its sort.
While the Thistle Awards have been running across Scotland for nearly three decades, never before have businesses from Dumfries & Galloway and the Borders had the chance to compete in their own regional class, an aspect organisers say has inspired more entrants.
Previously, businesses from Dumfries & Galloway were up against rivals from the West district, including Glasgow.
Delivered in partnership with South of Scotland Destination Alliance, the award organisers are championing the new opportunity.
It’s understood the South of Scotland region now offers a more comparable playing field for businesses to enter onto.
David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance says:
“Hosting our first ever South of Scotland Thistle Awards has been a wonderful way of bringing together and honouring the leading lights in tourism and hospitality from our region.
“It’s been a celebration of the South of Scotland, by the South of Scotland.”
“The independent judging panel were blown away by the calibre of all those who applied for the Awards
“I’d like to thank all our generous sponsors and fantastic suppliers for helping make our inaugural awards event such a roaring success.
“Now we wish our splendid winners every success as they get ready to fly the South of Scotland flag at the national Scottish Thistle Awards finals on 1 December.”
Ensuring a focus was placed on all things local to the South of Scotland throughout the evening, organisers were dedicated to sourcing local produce, and delivering authentic Scottish table settings made from thistles and fir.
A full list of winners across the thirteen categories is visible below:
Innovation in Tourism – Dalscone Farm
Best B&B or Guesthouse Experience – Nithbank Country Estate
Best Self-Catering Accommodation Experience – Arden Holiday Cottage
Best Bar or Pub – The Cross Keys Inn Ettrickbridge
Best Hotel Experience – Cringletie
Best Eating Experience – Allanton Inn
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival – Borders Book Festival
Climate Action Award – Nithbank Country Estate
Celebrating Thriving Communities Award – The Devil’s Porridge Museum
Best Visitor Attraction – Trimontium Museum
Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience – Kitchen Coos and Ewes
Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year – The Beagle Country Pub and Barend Holiday Lodges
Tourism Individual of the Year – Melanie Allen (Nithbank Country Estate)
Winners will now go on to represent the South of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards in December.
Ben Best, owner of Dalscone farm and winner of the Innovation in Tourism Award said: “We work incredibly hard every day to create content and grow our social media presence and we are proud to be able to contribute to the local tourism industry and bring visitors from not only the UK, but all over the world to Dumfries & Galloway.”
Ben, amongst his fellow regional winners will now have eyes set on the national awards.
But, South of Scotland Destination Alliance CEO David Hope- Jones is making clear that everyone who took part in the process deserves recognition, not just those who have come out on top.