South of Scotland Thistle winners announced

Winners of the South of Scotland Thistle Awards were announced at a ceremony at GG's Yard in Laggan on Thursday 2 October. 

Businesses from across the south regions, representing accommodation, visitor attractions, events, food and drink and more, celebrated with colleagues and friends as the 2025 regional winners were announced. 

The Scottish Thistle Awards is an annual celebration of the very best in tourism and events, recognising excellence, collaboration and innovation within one of the country's most important and biggest growing sectors. The South of Scotland Thistle Awards ceremony is one of five regional finals, with the winners of each going on to compete at the national final in November.

Read on for the South of Scotland winners.

South of Scotland Thistle Awards winners 2025. ©Phil Wilkinson

Abseiling at Galloway Activity Centre

Best B&B or Guest House

Clint Lodge, Melrose

Best Hotel Experience

The Murray Arms, Gatehouse of Fleet

Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay

Loch Ken Eco Bothies

Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative

Stranraer Oyster Festival

Best Eating Experience

Wilson's Farm and Kitchen, Kelso

Best Bar or Pub

The Cross Keys Inn Ettrickbridge

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival

Dumfries International Street Food Festival

The Cross Keys Inn

The Trimontium Museum, Melrose

Best Visitor Attraction

Trimontium Museum, Melrose

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience

Mostly Ghostly, Thornhill

Climate Action Award

Wigwam Holidays, Wigtown

Innovation Award

Trimontium Museum, Melrose

Inclusion Award

The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Galashiels

Employer of the Year

The Cairndale Hotel & Spa, Dumfries

Individual of the Year

Katrina Reynolds, Allanton Inn

Rising Star

Laura Raeburn - Park Hotel (Crieff Hydro Group)

Spa at the Cairndale Hotel