Tourism and hospitality businesses from across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at the fourth annual South of Scotland Thistle Awards.
The South of Scotland’s tourism and hospitality industry came together at Peebles Hydro on Thursday 8 October 2026 for an evening celebrating the businesses, individuals and organisations helping to make the region a leading visitor destination.
With 40 finalists competing across 15 award categories, the sold-out ceremony recognised excellence, innovation, sustainability and exceptional visitor experiences throughout the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway.
From unique accommodation and award-winning attractions to innovative wellness experiences and cultural festivals, the awards highlighted the diversity and strength of the South of Scotland’s visitor economy.
Organised by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), with support from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and VisitScotland, the event was sponsored by Shortridge and featured live entertainment alongside fundraising for Borders-based charity The Harris Trust.
Scottish Borders Businesses Shine at the Awards
Businesses across the Scottish Borders enjoyed particular success, with several organisations recognised for their contribution to the region’s tourism offering.
Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce was proud to sponsor the Best Visitor Attraction Award, which was presented to Abbotsford, the Home of Sir Walter Scott, in Melrose.
The award recognises the important role visitor attractions play in showcasing the region’s heritage, culture and unique experiences.
Other Scottish Borders winners included:
Dod Mill, Lauder – Climate Action Award and Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use
airhouses, Oxton – Inclusion Award and Best Accommodation or Unique Stay
Cedar Hus Sauna, Melrose – Innovation Award
These achievements demonstrate the creativity, ambition and commitment to excellence that continue to strengthen the Scottish Borders tourism sector.
South of Scotland Thistle Awards 2026: Full List of Winners
Congratulations to all the winners:
Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative: Burns Light, Dumfries
Climate Action Award: Dod Mill, Lauder
Rising Star Award: 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: Abbotsford, the Home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose
Best Hotel: The Cairndale Hotel & Spa, Dumfries
Employer of the Year: Dunskey Estate, Portpatrick
Best Accommodation or Unique Stay: Airhouses, Oxton
Best Eating Experience: OakHill Café & Deli, Carsluith
Innovation Award: Cedar Hus Sauna, Melrose
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival: Wigtown Book Festival, Wigtown
Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use: Dod Mill, Lauder
Individual of the Year: Romano Petrucci
Each winner received a handcrafted trophy created by Selkirk-based Holmes Glass, adding another Scottish Borders connection to the celebrations.
Recognising Innovation, Sustainability and Community Impact
The awards celebrated more than exceptional hospitality. They also recognised businesses embracing sustainability, developing innovative experiences and making a positive contribution to their communities.
Ruth and Jamie Knibbs, owners of Dod Mill, which received two awards, spoke about their commitment to creating somewhere guests can genuinely relax and connect with nature.
Meanwhile, Cedar Hus Sauna's Innovation Award recognised the business's willingness to experiment, embrace new ideas and develop a distinctive visitor experience in Melrose.
Individual of the Year winner Romano Petrucci was recognised for his contribution to Stranraer's regeneration, including the success of the Stranraer Oyster Festival.
Together, these stories reflect the entrepreneurial spirit and community commitment driving tourism across the South of Scotland.
Supporting a Thriving South of Scotland Visitor Economy
Tourism and hospitality remain vital to the region's economy, supporting employment, local businesses, investment and vibrant communities.
David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, praised the exceptional standard of this year's finalists.
“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.”
He also highlighted the dedication of those working behind the scenes to deliver memorable visitor experiences while supporting the wider regional economy.
Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, reinforced the sector's importance, recognising the resilience and achievements of businesses across the region.
The awards also provided an opportunity to support The Harris Trust, a Scottish Borders charity helping young people through inclusive music, sport and outdoor learning.
Looking Ahead to the National Scottish Thistle Awards
Following their regional success, the winners will represent the South of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards finals in November 2026.
The Scottish Borders Chamber of Commerce congratulates every winner and finalist on their achievements and is delighted to have supported an event celebrating the businesses and people who contribute so much to our region.
A special congratulations to Abbotsford, the Home of Sir Walter Scott, winner of the Chamber-sponsored Best Visitor Attraction Award.
We wish all the regional winners every success at the national finals and look forward to seeing the South of Scotland's tourism and hospitality sector continue to thrive.
Image credit: South of Scotland Destination Alliance | Phil Wilkinson
