FIVE Borders firms are celebrating after scooping top tourism and hospitality gongs.
The first regional Thistle Awards took place in Dumfries last week.
They were set up to recognise businesses and groups across the south of Scotland.
Finalists of the Scottish Thistle Awards, held at the Cairndale Hotel and Leisure Club, enjoyed the glitz and glamour of the evening.
The Borders businesses will now represent the area at the national Scottish Thistle Awards in December.
The Borders winners at the regional awards included:
- 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
- Best Visitor Attraction – Trimontium Museum
The awards aim to shine a light on all that the region has to offer.
On his win, Rory Steel, from The Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge, said: “Bringing the Cross Keys Inn back to life has been a hugely rewarding experience and we are thrilled to be recognised in this way.
“This Thistle Award is testament to the passion and enthusiasm of our team who work brilliantly to keep the pub at the heart of our community.”
Bill Cross, the owner of Cringletie, added: “To be a regional finalist in the Thistles is fabulous, but to be named as winner of Best Hotel Experience, and in such prestigious company, is a great honour.
“This recognises the hard work and commitment of our whole team and we are extremely proud to be bringing the award home to Peebles.”
It was also a successful evening for the Allanton Inn.
Katrina Reynolds said: “We were over the moon that The Allanton Inn was shortlisted for Best Eating Experience but to win this prestigious award for the South of Scotland is humbling recognition for our community and our hard working team, who always strive to passionately showcase all things local and the best our region has to offer.”
Celebrating the calibre of all the finalists, David Hope-Jones, chief executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said the event was a “wonderful way” to honour the “leading lights in tourism and hospitality from our region”.
He added: “The independent judging panel were blown away by the calibre of all those who applied for the Awards, and while of course last night was all about recognising our brilliant local winners, we want to celebrate and pay tribute to everyone who took part in the process.
“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.”
On winning the award for Outstanding Cultural Event of Festival, Borders Book Festival director Paula Ogilvie said: “Borders Book Festival is delighted to have won this prestigious award.
“We really value such a positive endorsement of our work and our enhanced programme in 2022, celebrating Scotland’s Year of Stories.
“None of it would have been possible without the support of our community, our volunteers, and our small and very passionate team.”
The Trimontium Museum in Melrose also secured an important win.
Frances Mann, a volunteer and visitor experience manager, said: “What an honour to win this award.
“We were delighted to have been shortlisted for the South of Scotland Thistle Awards and are privileged to be a winner. It is our amazing volunteers and staff who have made this possible.
“We look forward to continuing to share the story of the Roman Iron Age with our visitors, whether local, national or international.”
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