Dumfries and Galloway tourism and hospitality businesses have claimed two-thirds of the South of Scotland’s second annual Thistle Awards.
The winning eight will now go on to represent the South of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards finals in November.
The sell-out ceremony, which unveiled the 12 separate category winners from 30 finalists, was held at the Peebles Hydro on Thursday night where finalists enjoyed a night of live music, fine dining and ceilidh dancing.
More than 100 entries had been received this year from across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway for the awards which are organised by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and VisitScotland. The main sponsor was Gretna’s Caledonia Park Designer Outlet.
Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience was won by Dumfries-based Mostly Ghostly Tours whose founding member, Kathleen Cronie, said: “We’re thrilled, honoured and delighted.” Extending “warmest thanks to everyone who has supported us over the past 16 years”, she said: “We also congratulate our fantastic co-finalists who work tirelessly to promote Scotland’s spirit of adventure.”
The Best Eating Experience Award was given to the historic Globe Inn, Dumfries,. The accolade adds to the proud recipient’s recognition in the Michelin Guide for the second consecutive year. Its head of hospitality, Jonathan Brett said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award. It’s a testament to the hard work and passion of our entire team.” Head chef Fraser Cameron added: “We’re committed to using the finest local ingredients to create innovative dishes that truly capture the spirit of Scotland.”
Best Visitor Attraction was won by the Famous Blacksmiths Shop Visitor Attraction at Gretna Green.
John Holliday, chairman of Gretna Green Ltd, expressed his delight at the recognition. He said: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award, which is a reflection of the passion, commitment, and excellence of our entire team. At Gretna Green, we strive to create exceptional and memorable experiences for all our visitors, and this recognition reinforces our dedication to providing world-class hospitality.”
The Queensberry House B&B in Moffat won Best B&B or Guest House Experience. It said: “We are on cloud nine after winning Best B&B Experience – for the second time. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent service for our guests – they deserve it – and spreading the word about the many treasures of Moffat and the South of Scotland. So to be recognised by the industry is just wonderful. Thank you to everyone who voted for us and especially to all our friends and supporters.”
The Thistle for Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay went to The Outdoor Hotel at Auldgirth.
The Ship Inn Hotel at Gatehouse of Fleet won Best Hotel Experience and, in the west of the region, Wigtown Festival Company were triumphant as Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival winners, and the Celebrating Thriving Communities Thistle went to All Roads Lead to Whithorn.
David Hope-Jones, chief executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance said: “This year’s regional Thistle Awards has demonstrated that there is no limit to the quality and excellence of tourism talent in the region.
“Tourism is a vital part of our local economy and the businesses and individuals who participated in this year’s regional Thistle Awards encapsulate exactly what makes the South of Scotland such an unforgettable place to visit.”
Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise was certain the winners would “again do our region proud” on the national stage.”
This year saw the introduction of a new category, the Rising Star Award, which aims to recognise the emerging talent shaping the future of tourism and hospitality in the region.
It was won by Thania Meneses Flores of the Inclusive Tourism Award winner, Trimontium Museum at Melrose .
Tourism Individual of the Year was won by Kirsty Archer-Thompson, FSAScot, Abbotsford Trust, and the Cross Keys Inn at Ettrickbridge, won Best Bar or Pub.