Five Ayrshire businesses have been recognised at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards.
Businesses at Cumnock, Ballantrae, Dundonald and Arran were among the winners announced at a ceremony at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow on Thursday, September 19.
More than 700 entries were received across all categories for the awards which are organised by VisitScotland.
Winners from across Ayrshire and Arran included Blackstone Clydesdales which was named as Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience.
The family-run farm based in Cumnock is home to a small select breeding herd of Clydesdale horses as well as other animals. It was praised by judges for its “inspiring approach to protecting, conserving and celebrating Scotland’s connect to Clydesdales”.
Owner John Duncan said: “We are both honoured and humbled to receive the Scottish Thistle Regional Award.
“To our amazing team, visitors and followers who are helping us preserve the stars of this award the Scottish Clydesdale, recognised as the workhorse of the world and a breed with a true legacy worthy of preservation.”
It was a clean sweep for Ayrshire and Arran in the accommodation award categories as Glenapp Castle took home the Best Hotel Experience award, the Boathouse at Littlemill on the Isle of Arran was awarded Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay and the Best B&B or Guest House Experience award was presented to Dumfries House Lodges (The Kings Foundation).
Chris Ingram, Glenapp Castle sales and reservations manager, said: “We are honoured to have been chosen for this award as Best Hotel Experience.
“What makes Glenapp Castle and our Hebridean Sea Safari unique is our ability to deliver distinctive experiences to our guests, showing that our very special part of South West Scotland has a diverse range of breathtaking sights and fascinating wildlife, all which can be enjoyed in traditional Glenapp style.”
Situated in the picturesque village of Kildonan with uninterrupted views of the islands of Pladda and Ailsa Craig, the Boathouse was entirely designed and built by owners Max and Judi Worthington.
Judi said: “Max and I are absolutely thrilled to have won this award. The Boathouse is a partnership in the truest sense of the word.
“The combination of our skills is what helps to make the place feel so special. We are incredibly fortunate to live in such a beautiful location, and it gives us enormous pleasure to be able to share it.”
Andrea Finch, restaurant manager at Dumfries House Lodge said: “We are delighted to be recognised as Best B&B or Guest House Experience.
“The five-star Dumfries House Lodge is the jewel in the crown of the Dumfries House Estate. We are so delighted to have a fantastic team who ensure all guests are treated like royalty.”
The final Ayrshire winner were the Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO who were awarded the Celebrating Thriving Communities title.
Judges praised the trust for “developing a thriving community and visitor hub with a strong educational thread”, after taking over the management of the Castle Visitor Centre.
Chair Anne Campbell, said: “Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO is honoured to receive the Scottish Thistle Award for Celebrating Thriving Communities in the West of Scotland.
“This recognition highlights our charity’s dedication to encouraging community spirit, and to promoting a sense of ownership, engagement and pride in our national heritage. We thank all our supporters and partners for making this achievement possible.”
VisitScotland regional director Lynsey Eckford said: “Congratulations to all of the winners from Ayrshire and Arran at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards. It is fantastic to see such recognition for our tourism offering and the passionate and dedicated individuals who work within it.
“These awards demonstrate the variety and quality of the tourism and events offering in the region and I would like to extend my best wishes to the regional finalists, in particular the regional winners as they now go forward to the National Final in November.”
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