Here in the South of Scotland we want to celebrate and encourage the excellence our hospitality and tourism providers offer. It is one of the key reasons the SSDA took on organising the inaugural 2023 South of Scotland Thistle Awards. One of five regional awards, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards winners go on to compete at the national Scottish Thistle Awards.  

Last year’s local engagement and support from tourism businesses exceeded all expectations culminating in the South of Scotland winning six national Thistles – more than any other part of Scotland. It was quite the party! But it was also an evening filled with pride and reflection on the quality of the offering of hospitality and tourism in the South of Scotland.  

We are thrilled to be able to talk about our South of Scotland and National Thistle Awards winners as we promote the South of Scotland to a worldwide audience.  What better welcome for those coming to visit than to be staying/eating/visiting places that have garnered Scotland’s tourism Oscar!  

The South of Scotland 2024 awards was supported for a second year by Headline Sponsors, Caledonia Park, and took place on the evening of 3rd October 2024 at Peebles Hydro in the Scottish Borders. 

Our twelve regional winners will now go on to represent the South of Scotland in the national Scottish Thistle Awards in Glasgow on Thursday, 21st November. We will be cheering them all the way!

South of Scotland Thistle Awards
SSDA CEO David-Hope Jones
2023 Silver Thistle Winners Wilma & David Finlay
The South of Scotland Thistle Awards, crafted by Holmes Glass, Selkirk.
2023 Winners Melanie & John Allen, Nithbank Country Estate

Thank you to our Sponsors

Headline Sponsor

Best Hotel Experience

Best Visitor Attraction

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience

Best Bar or Pub

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival

Drinks Reception

 

Delivered by South of Scotland Destination Alliance

Supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and VisitScotland