South of Scotland’s tourism stars shine at third annual Thistle Awards
Tourism and hospitality businesses from across the South of Scotland have been celebrated at the third annual Thistle Awards.
The sold-out celebration brought together more than 180 finalists, partners and supporters from the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.
the awards once again shone a spotlight on the exceptional quality, creativity and innovation that continue to drive the South of Scotland’s visitor economy.
Delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and VisitScotland, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards were supported once again by Caledonia Park Designer Outlet as headline sponsor.
This year saw the refresh of the Community Tourism and Events Initiatives category, which now shines an even brighter spotlight on Scotland’s vibrant community-driven tourism developments, celebrating the grassroots projects and partnerships that bring places to life and create lasting local impact.
2025 also sees the return of the Climate Action and Innovation Categories, highlighting the region’s businesses and organisations committed to making a difference in the tourism landscape.
The South of Scotland Thistle Award-winners were revealed across 15 categories with 44 finalists.
Each winner took home one of the much-loved trophies, 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.
Winners
- Best B&B or Guest House Experience – Clint Lodge, Melrose
- Best Bar or Pub – Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge
- Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative – Stranraer Oyster Festival, Stranraer
- Best Eating Experience – Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen, Nr Kelso
- Best Hotel Experience, sponsored by Shortridge – The Murray Arms, Gatehouse of Fleet
- Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience – Mostly Ghostly, Dumfries and Galloway
- Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay – Loch Ken Eco Bothies, Galloway Activity Centre, Castle Douglas
- Best Visitor Attraction – Trimontium Museum, Melrose
- Climate Action Award, sponsored by VisitScotland – Wigwam Holidays, Wigtown
- Employer of the Year – The Cairndale Hotel & Spa, Dumfries
- Inclusive Tourism Award – The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels
- Individual of the Year – Katrina Reynolds
- Innovation Award, sponsored by Laggan – Trimontium Museum, Melrose
- Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival, sponsored by DG Unlimited – Dumfries International Street Food Festival, Dumfries
- Rising Star Award, sponsored by HIT Scotland – Laura Raeburn
Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said:
“The 2025 South of Scotland Thistle Awards have highlighted again the quality of service provided to visitors to our region, and the talented people working in this vital sector.
“With 44 excellent finalists across 15 categories – a record number shortlisted – it was inspiring to hear their stories and their efforts to ensure all visitors to the South of Scotland enjoy a world-class experience.
“The regional winners now move onto the Scottish finals, and I am certain several will be bringing national awards back to the South.”
Romano Petrucci, Chair of Stranraer Development Trust which delivers Stranraer Oyster Festival which won Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative, said:
"Eight years ago, we started with a simple idea: celebrate our incredible oysters and show the world what our town could achieve.
"This recognition proves that when communities come together with ambition and determination, extraordinary things happen."
Robert and Lucy Wilson, owners of Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen, winners of the Best Eating Experience, said:
"Gaining recognition for what we do, based on our farm near Kelso, makes all the effort that much more worthwhile.
"It is a real pleasure to share the story and produce of our farm and garden with guests - backed up by some awesome local producers.
"We look forward to welcoming many more folk as people search for that authentic immersive experience that often comes through the medium of food."
Thania Meneses Flores, Heritage Environment Resources Officer at Trimontium Museum, winners of the Innovation Award stated:
"Our VR experiences, developed in-house, are a source of great pride at Trimontium, and we are delighted to have this industry recognition of the team’s hard work and innovation in developing new ways to experience our local heritage and forgotten landscapes, helping to engage a whole new generation of historians."
David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, said:
"Building on the incredible momentum of the last two years, the 2025 South of Scotland Thistle Awards have once again highlighted the outstanding quality, creativity, and passion that define our region’s tourism and hospitality sector.
"From innovative businesses to inspiring individuals, this year’s finalists and winners embody the very best of what the South of Scotland has to offer.
"These awards are more than a celebration; they are a testament to the vital role tourism plays in our economy and our communities."
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said:
“The South of Scotland has a rich and varied visitor economy and this is a great opportunity to celebrate all the region has to offer.
“I was pleased to be involved in the launch of the area’s Responsible Tourism Strategy which aims to grow the sector by £1 billion within 10 years, supporting 20,000 jobs.
“This is already showing results, with South Scotland Destination Alliance telling me figures reveal a £250 million increase in the value of South of Scotland tourism over the last two years.
“I congratulate all of the nominees and winners from tonight’s awards, who have shown the quality and excellence visitors can expect from the region.”
Barbara Smith, Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said:
“Scottish Thistle Award winners join a prestigious roll of honour, earning recognition as one of the best in the country.
"This helps ensure that industry, and the individuals who work in it, are recognised for the positive impact they bring to the Scotland and our communities."
Scott Wells, Centre Director at Caledonia Park Designer Outlet, the event’s headline sponsor, added:
“We are absolutely delighted to be headline sponsors of the 2025 South of Scotland Thistle Awards, celebrating the exceptional talent across our region.
"With finalists in all 15 categories and a sold-out ceremony, it’s clear the entrepreneurial spirit in the South of Scotland is thriving."