The South of Scotland’s regional Thistle Awards is returning for a third year running and members of the public are being encouraged to show their support for an outstanding local hotel, restaurant, visitor attraction or event by nominating businesses to consider applying once direct entries open later this month.
Following the resounding success of last year’s ceremony, the Awards will once again showcase the finest in Scottish tourism and hospitality across the region with nominations open from 3 March.
Direct entries open on Monday 17 March allowing businesses to put themselves forward for a Thistle Award by the 28 April closing date, with the regional shortlist due to be announced in early July.
Regional winners who scoop a trophy at the awards event in October will go on to fly the flag for the South of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards at the end of 2025, spearheaded at a national level by VisitScotland in collaboration with regional partners.
Delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and VisitScotland, and once again proudly sponsored by Caledonia Park Designer Outlet, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards 2025 is set to be held on Thursday 2 October later this year, with the venue to be announced in the coming weeks.
Last year, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards saw over 100 applications and more than 80 nominations, with finalists representing the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in 12 awards categories against their counterparts from the rest of the country at the National Awards in October.
2024 winners included ghost and local history tour company Mostly Ghostly from Dumfries & Galloway for Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience; organic farm The Outdoor Hotel, which offers self-catering bell tents and bothy accommodation in Auldgirth, for Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay; and Thania Meneses Flores from Trimontium Museum in Melrose for the new 2024 Rising Star Award.
To find out more and enter, see the SSDA’s website.
David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said: “The South of Scotland Thistle Awards are returning for a third year following the incredible success of last year’s ceremony in Peebles, with the leading lights of the region’s visitor economy recognised by their industry peers throughout Scotland for their hard work and dedication to quality and excellence.
“Now is your chance to shine a spotlight on a hospitality or tourism business in your local community that deserves to be celebrated – get your nomination and encourage them to apply to be recognised for all the fantastic work they do!”
Scott Wells, Caledonia Park Designer Outlet Centre Director, said: “We are very proud to sponsor and support this year’s South of Scotland Thistle Awards. It is a fantastic opportunity to recognise and celebrate the excellence and success of outstanding individuals, businesses, and partnerships within our tourism, hospitality, and events industry.”
Chair of the SSDA, Vicki Steel, said: “It’s amazing to see the South of Scotland regional Thistle Awards going from strength to strength as we head into our third year and I am honoured to be a part of it as new Chair of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance.
“The Scottish Thistle Awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the leading lights of the South of Scotland’s visitor economy, and the people and businesses that make it all happen. As a previous winner, I’ve experienced first-hand the real business benefit that comes from these awards and so I’d encourage everyone to get involved – nominate your local tourism heroes and help us make 2025 our best year yet!”
Russel Griggs OBE, 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.”
