Local businesses add to region's tourist appeal

Kingsmuir House in Peebles will compete with some of Scotland’s leading accommodation providers in the Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House category at the national final of the Scottish Thistle Awards. The five-star gold property has built up a fantastic reputation for its quality of standards and proactive approach to customer care which have earned it outstanding online reviews.

Also at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final will be another Borders-based top tourism company - FishPal Scotland – which will battle it out against businesses across the country for the Scotland CAN DO Award for Innovation in Tourism. FishPal has won a great following amongst fishing fans and their praises for its user-friendly product, up-to-date information and great service.

Led by a panel of industry experts, the Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate tourism businesses or individuals across the country who have gone the extra mile to offer an outstanding visitor experience.

Scottish comedian Fred MacAulay will announce this year’s winners during a glittering ceremony at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Friday 18 March.

With the awards fast approaching, Fred got into the thistle ‘spirit’ at House for an Art Lover in Glasgow, another finalist in the Best Informal Eating Experience category at the awards. The, arts centre and cafe, in Glasgow’s Bellahouston Park, is built based on the unrealised works of iconic Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The flagship tourism awards, now in their 28th year, are led by several organisations, including VisitScotland, Aberdeen City and Shire Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Licensed Trade Association, Scottish Tourism Alliance and Wild Scotland.

Stephen Carter OBE, VisitScotland board member and chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said: “I’m thrilled that Fred will be joining us at the Scottish Thistle Awards to celebrate the stars of Scottish tourism, including Kingsmuir House and FishPal.

“Tourism is at the heart of the visitor economy in the Scottish Borders, generating economic success and growth opportunities by showcasing the very best of what the region has to offer. Every one of our amazing finalists should be extremely proud.”