South of Scotland Tourism Awards Return for Fourth Year Running
The South of Scotland’s regional Thistle Awards are back for 2026, showcasing the finest in Scottish tourism and hospitality across the region, with applications now open.
Spearheaded at national level by VisitScotland, in collaboration with regional partners, the awards celebrate excellence in the hospitality and tourism sector.
Since the inaugural South of Scotland Thistle Awards in 2023, local engagement and support from businesses continues to grow, with applications growing 30% from 2023 to 2025.
Last year saw the South of Scotland Thistle Awards culminating in a sold-out celebration at GG's Yard, Laggan near Gatehouse of Fleet, attended by the leading lights of tourism and hospitality from right across the region. Among the 180 finalists, partners and supporters who gathered for the evening, 15 businesses and individuals took home a coveted regional award.
The success didn’t end there – the South of Scotland triumphed at the national finals in November, taking home five Scottish Thistle Awards, including in national only categories for Best Luxury Experience and Outstanding Sporting Event.
Nominations opened on Monday 2 March – and entries today on 16 March – for the regional 2026 South of Scotland Thistle Awards, now sponsored by the commercial laundry business, Shortridge Ltd and delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), supported by South of Scotland Enterprise.
Members of the public are encouraged to nominate a business, community, or event that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to the industry. The breadth of categories allows for recognition across both traditional sectors and emerging areas, including those that champion inclusivity and support their local communities.
Last year, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards saw 142 applications and more than 170 nominations from across the region.
Entries must be submitted by the closing date of 27 April 2026, with the regional shortlist due to be announced in July.
For 2026, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards are welcoming as headline sponsor Shortridge Ltd, a key player in showcasing the very best in tourism and hospitality.
With years of experience helping to create the world-class warm Scottish welcome guests expect, Shortridge supports tourism businesses across Dumfries & Galloway, the Scottish Borders and beyond. Sharing the ambitious vision to establish the region as a must-visit, must return destination, Shortridge applauds the hard work and dedication delivered by the hotels, restaurants, and attractions nominated for these prestigious awards.
On a national-only level, the 2026 Thistle Awards also feature the new category Positive Impact Inbound Tour Operator Award, highlighting tour operators making a difference in the industry.
Plans are already under way for this year’s awards celebration on Thursday 8 October at Peebles Hydro Hotel in the Scottish Borders.
To find out more about the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, including nomination guidelines and information about the entry process, visit the SSDA’s online Thistles hub.
Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), said:
“The South of Scotland Thistle Awards are a hugely important celebration of the remarkable achievements of our local tourism and hospitality businesses and we are delighted to be supporting them.
“I would encourage local businesses to put their names forward. Winning a Thistle Award is a great way to not only promote your own enterprise, but also raise the profile of the South as a fantastic place to live and visit.”
David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said:
"We are thrilled to welcome Shortridge Ltd as headline sponsor for this year’s South of Scotland Thistle Awards! Having such a prestigious partner with us is a testament to the strength and ambition of our region’s tourism and hospitality sector.
“The Thistle Awards are all about celebrating the 'best of the best'; the people and businesses who make the South of Scotland a world-class destination. This is your moment to shine! I strongly encourage every business, large or small, to step forward and submit an application. Whether you’re delivering unforgettable visitor experiences or are leading the way in innovation, we want to hear your story. Let’s show the rest of the country exactly why the South of Scotland is the place to be!”
Shortridge’s Operations Director, Susan Peat, said:
“At Shortridge we’re committed to supporting the Scottish hospitality industry by providing a dependable laundry service that lives up to the warm welcome that our hotels and restaurants provide for visitors. The South of Scotland is already known the world over for its hospitable approach and we hope that, by supporting the Thistles, we can help our fantastic hospitality industry to maintain this reputation.”
Gordon Smith, VisitScotland Destination Development Director – South of Scotland, said:
“Every year, tourism and events businesses from across the South of Scotland demonstrate an exceptional standard of excellence at the Scottish Thistle Awards. Through the entries submitted, we see how their dedication, creativity and professionalism make a significant contribution to the visitor economy as well as to the wellbeing of our communities.
“The South of Scotland Thistle Awards are a fantastic way to recognise this outstanding work and to celebrate the people whose efforts strengthen the region’s reputation as a welcoming, must-visit destination.
“Entering is free, so if you believe you represent the very best of the South of Scotland’s tourism and events industry, I encourage you to put your business forward and showcase the outstanding talent, innovation and hospitality that Scotland – and the region - is famous for.”
Richard Hermon, Owner of Loch Ken Eco Bothies, which won Best Self-Catering or Unique Experience at both the regional and national Scottish Thistle Awards, said:
“These awards really do make a difference. Not only do they recognise our wonderful facilities, but also it’s a tremendous boost for our staff who work tirelessly to give our customers a unique experience. Further, the process has really helped keep our business in the public eye with huge and varied publicity opportunities, as well of course as profiling the region. I would urge everyone to get involved.”
Katrina Reynolds, Owner of the Allanton Inn and Borderland Food Tours took home the South of Scotland Thistle Award for Individual of the Year in 2025. She said:
“I was exceptionally proud to win this award in 2025 and encourage everybody to get involved by nominating individuals making a difference in our region.
“I feel being awarded Tourism Individual of the Year seeks to recognise those who champion the South of Scotland with genuine passion and commitment through everything they do. Consistently going the extra mile and showcasing the very best the region has to offer makes a big and real difference. They ensure that visitors discover what makes this part of the country so special while supporting local communities and businesses along the way.”
Callum McCann, General Manager at Knockinaam Lodge, which was awarded Best Luxury Experience at the national Scottish Thistle Awards, said:
“Winning Best Luxury Experience meant a great deal to the whole team at Knockinaam Lodge. Having been finalists the previous year, it was incredibly rewarding to receive the recognition for the hard work, care and passion that everyone puts into creating a special experience for our guests every day.”