Tourism and hospitality businesses from across the South of Scotland celebrated their victories at the South of Scotland’s second annual Thistle Awards ceremony last night. The sell-out event took place at the Peebles Hydro where finalists enjoyed a night of live music, fine dining and ceilidh dancing.  

With 12 categories and 30 finalists from a pool of over 100 entries from across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards showcase the impressive scope and quality of the region’s burgeoning visitor economy. 

The South of Scotland Thistle Awards is delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and VisitScotland, with returning headline sponsor Caledonia Park Designer Outlet. 

This year saw the introduction of a brand-new award category, the Rising Star Award, which aims to recognise the emerging talent shaping the future of tourism and hospitality in the region.  

South of Scotland Thistle Award winners were unveiled in 12 separate categories. The winners, who will now go on to represent the South of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards finals in November, were:

• Best B&B or Guest House Experience – Queensberry House B&B, Moffat 
• Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay – The Outdoor Hotel, Auldgirth 
• Best Bar or Pub – Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge 
• Best Hotel Experience – The Ship Inn Hotel, Gatehouse of Fleet 
• Best Eating Experience – The Globe Inn, Dumfries 
• Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival – Wigtown Festival Company, Wigtown 
• Celebrating Thriving Communities – All Roads Lead to Whithorn, Whithorn
• Best Visitor Attraction – Famous Blacksmiths Shop Visitor Attraction, Gretna Green 
• Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience – Mostly Ghostly, Dumfries & Galloway 
• Tourism Individual of the Year – Kirsty Archer-Thompson, FSAScot, Abbotsford Trust
• Inclusive Tourism Award – Trimontium Museum, Melrose 
• Rising Star Award – Thania Meneses Flores, Trimontium Museum

Winner of the new Rising Star award category, Thania Meneses Flores, Trimontium Museum, said: “What an absolute honour to win this award. I was delighted to have been shortlisted for the Rising Star category in the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, and it’s a privilege to be a winner. 

“Trimontium is an amazing place to work and thrive, and this would not be possible without the support of trustees, staff and volunteers who have all believed in me since the beginning, who took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to join their team at the very start of my museum and tourism career.  I look forward to keeping contributing to our thriving community and sharing the fascinating story of the Roman Iron Age in Scotland.”

Kathleen Cronie, Founder Member of Mostly Ghostly, said:  "We're thrilled, honoured and delighted to be recognised for our contribution to Outdoor and Adventure Tourism, and extend our warmest thanks to everyone who has supported us over the past sixteen years. We also congratulate our fantastic co-finalists who work tirelessly to promote Scotland's spirit of adventure.”

Following a hugely successful inaugural event last year, the South of Scotland regional award-winners went on to win more national Thistle Awards than any other part of Scotland at the 2023 Scottish Thistle Awards national finals in Glasgow.  

David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said:“Following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural South of Scotland Thistle Awards, which saw our thirteen finalists go on to compete at the national awards, this year’s regional Thistle Awards has demonstrated that there is no limit to the quality and excellence of tourism talent in the region. 

“The South of Scotland Thistle Awards is a celebration of the stars of the tourism and hospitality industry in the region and I’d like to extend a huge congratulations not only to this year’s winners, but to all of our fantastic finalists, as well as thanks to our brilliant sponsors. 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. To our winners: good luck at the finals!” 

Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “I am delighted to see the South of Scotland Thistle Awards returning for its second year, after the success of its inaugural year in 2023. Last year, a number of local winners went on to achieve national Thistle Award titles, generating more visibility for the fantastic tourism sector we have in the South of Scotland. I am sure this year’s South of Scotland Thistle Award winners will again do our region proud on the national stage.”

Steven Walker, VisitScotland Board member and Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel said: “Congratulations to all the winners at the South of Scotland Thistle Awards. It is fantastic to see such recognition for the region’s diverse and vibrant tourism offering, as well as the passionate and dedicated individuals who work within it.  

“Tonight’s regional final builds on the success of the inaugural South of Scotland Thistle Awards and, as part of the Scottish Thistle Awards, marks an important celebration of the very best of our tourism and events industry. A special thanks to all the finalists for the part they play in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination. 

“To our regional winners, I wish you all the very best of luck at the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final in November.” 

Scott Wells, Caledonia Park Designer Outlet Centre Director, said: "We are very proud to have sponsored and supported the South of Scotland Thistle Awards again this year. It has been fantastic to recognise and celebrate the excellence and success of outstanding individuals, businesses, and partnerships within our tourism, hospitality, and events industry. We would like to congratulate all the winners, who champion the very best that the South of Scotland has to offer and wish them luck for the national final in November.”