Tourism and hospitality businesses celebrated at South of Scotland Thistle Awards
Tourism and hospitality businesses from across the South of Scotland were celebrated at the region’s fourth annual South of Scotland Thistle Awards ceremony at Peebles Hydro on Thursday 8 October.
With 15 award categories and 40 finalists from the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway, the awards shone a spotlight on the South of Scotland’s visitor economy, from long-established accommodation providers to brand-new ventures, unique visitor attractions and cultural events.
Alongside VisitScotland, we have supported the Awards, which is delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance.
The Awards were supported by Shortridge as headline sponsor.
The evening featured entertainment by Devin Casson and Haiver’s Bill Kennedy and John Bonnar, and funds were raised in support of The Harris Trust, the Borders charity that improves mental health and supports neurodivergent young people through inclusive music, sport, and outdoor learning.
Each winner took home a trophy, handcrafted by Selkirk-based Holmes Glass.
The businesses, organisations and individuals will now go on to represent the region at the national Scottish Thistle Awards finals in November.
South of Scotland Thistle Awards winners
• Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative – Burns Light, Dumfries
• Climate Action Award, sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland – Dod Mill, Lauder
• Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland – Lewis Graham
• Inclusion Award – Airhouses, Oxton
• Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience – Mostly Ghostly, Thornhill
• Best Bar or Pub – The Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn
• Best Visitor Attraction, sponsored by Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce – Abbotsford, the Home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose
• Best Hotel, sponsored by Shortridge Ltd – The Cairndale Hotel & Spa, Dumfries
• Employer of the Year – Dunskey Estate, Portpatrick
• Best Accommodation or Unique Stay – Airhouses, Oxton
• Best Eating Experience, sponsored by 3b Construction – OakHill Café & Deli, Carsluith
• Innovation Award, sponsored by VisitScotland – Cedar Hus Sauna, Melrose
• Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by Scottish Borders Council – Wigtown Book Festival, Wigtown
• Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use – Dod Mill, Lauder
• Individual of the Year – Romano Petrucci
Ruth and Jamie Knibbs, owners of Dod Mill, the winner of both the Climate Action Award and Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use, said:
“Dod Mill has had many custodians before us, and everyone who has lived and worked here has done something special with it.
"It is that kind of place - it compels you to look after it and develop it.
"We have tried to honour that, and to create somewhere that gives guests genuine rest and a real connection with nature."
Winner of the Rising Star Award, Lewis Graham said:
“I'm as humbled to have won the award as I am to get to work alongside so many talented, creative people across the region.
"I am proud to have come so far in so quickly and to have learnt so much."
Joanna Graham, Sauna Manager at Cedar Hus Sauna, the winner of the Innovation Award, said:
“When we started Cedar Hus, we didn’t have it all figured out and we still don't. We’ve been trying new things, taking chances and learning as we go.
"That’s what makes winning the South of Scotland Thistle Award for Innovation so special."
Winner of Individual of the Year, Romano Petrucci, said:
“Ten years ago people told us Stranraer was finished, so we proved them wrong.
"The Stranraer Oyster Festival, and everything that has followed it, exists because this community decided to back itself.
"I'm proud to have played my part, and prouder still of what Stranraer has shown it can do when it works together.”
David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, said:
“The South of Scotland Thistle Awards are now firmly established as one of the highlights of our regional calendar - and the standard this year has been exceptional.
“Once again, our tourism and hospitality businesses have shown the ambition, creativity and sheer quality that make the South of Scotland such a special place to visit.
"Behind every award are brilliant people working incredibly hard to create memorable, authentic experiences for our visitors, while supporting jobs, communities and our wider regional economy.
“Huge congratulations to every winner and finalist."
Russel Griggs, Chair of SOSE, said:
“This year’s South of Scotland Thistle Awards showcase once again the quality of the tourism and hospitality sector in our region.
“All 40 finalists should be congratulated for their efforts to ensure all visitors to Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders enjoy a world-class experience.
“Their success and resilience are key to the economic health of the South, with tourism and hospitality being one of our most important sectors, creating jobs, supporting communities and attracting investment.”
Barbara Smith, Chair of The Scottish Thistle Awards said:
"Congratulations to all of the businesses, events and individuals recognised at this year's South of Scotland Thistle Awards regional final.
"Their success reflects the innovation, dedication and passion that continue to make Scotland one of the world's most inspiring visitor destinations.
"From outstanding visitor experiences and exceptional hospitality to internationally renowned events and attractions, these winners showcase the very best of Scotland's tourism and events industry.
"They play a vital role in supporting jobs, communities and local economies while delivering memorable experiences for visitors from near and far."
Alystair Miller, Business Director at Shortridge, the event’s headline sponsor, said:
“It is crucial that Shortridge works hand in hand with the hospitality industry to help deliver service and quality that is second to none.
"That is why we are proud to support and sponsor the Thistle Awards, celebrating the people and businesses that set the highest standards across the industry.”