The 12 winners of the region’s second annual Thistle Awards flew the flag for the South of Scotland at last night’s national awards ceremony, securing four victories
Leading lights of tourism and hospitality in the South of Scotland celebrated at the national Scottish Thistle Awards ceremony in Glasgow last night, taking home four awards altogether, with two winners from the Scottish Borders and two winners from Dumfries and Galloway.
With finalists representing the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in 13 award categories against their counterparts from the rest of the country, the awards ceremony showcased the impressive scope and quality of the South of Scotland’s burgeoning visitor economy.
The South of Scotland winners of the Scottish Thistle Awards were:
Dumfries and Galloway:
Best Eating Experience – The Globe Inn, Dumfries
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival – Wigtown Festival Company, Wigtown
Scottish Borders:
Best Bar or Pub – Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge
Inclusive Tourism Award – Trimontium Museum, Melrose
The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate excellence in the tourism and events industry, helping to shine a spotlight on a crucial part of the local economy.
David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said: “We’re really proud of our outstanding tourism and hospitality sector here in the South of Scotland – from our unforgettable experiences and attractions to our incredible accommodation and food and drink offering. Last night’s success reflects this quality and excellence, with four regional finalists taking home national awards. This is the South of Scotland’s second best year in the 30 year history of these prestigious awards.
“I’d like to extend a huge congratulations to all of the finalists and winners of the national Scottish Thistle Awards.
“Tourism is a vital part of our local economy and everyone who participated in our second regional South of Scotland Thistle Awards has done their region proud, proving that there is truly no limit to the quality and excellence of tourism talent in the South of Scotland!”
The second regional South of Scotland Thistle Awards were held at the Peebles Hydro earlier this year, delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and VisitScotland, with returning headline sponsor Caledonia Park Designer Outlet.
This year saw the introduction of a brand-new award category, the Rising Star Award, which recognises the emerging talent shaping the future of tourism and hospitality in the region.
Planning is already under way for the next South of Scotland Thistle Awards in 2025, with entries due to go live in the spring.
