Tourism and hospitality businesses in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders are being encouraged to enter the South of Scotland Thistle Awards 2024, back after a brilliantly successful inaugural year to celebrate the leading lights of the region’s burgeoning visitor economy.

Awards organisers, the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) has announced that Peebles Hydro in the Scottish Borders will be the proud host venue for the 2024 award celebration later in the year.

Set to be held on 3 October, this prestigious event will showcase and pay tribute to the quality and excellence of the South of Scotland’s tourism, hospitality and events sector, recognising the invaluable contribution made by individuals and businesses right across the region.

The nomination process began for the 2024 South of Scotland Thistle Awards earlier this month, with members of the public already showing their support for an outstanding local hotel, restaurant, visitor attraction or event.

Direct entries opened on Monday, allowing businesses to put themselves forward for a Thistle Award by the 28th of  April closing date, with the regional shortlist due to be announced in early July.

Regional winners who scoop a trophy at the awards event at Peebles Hydro in October will go on to fly the flag for the South of Scotland against their fellow regional winners from the rest of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards. 

Led by VisitScotland in collaboration with regional partners and due to be held towards the end of 2024, this year’s event marks the 30th anniversary of the Scottish Thistle Awards programme.

Last year, after a sell-out first ever regional awards celebration, the South of Scotland went on to scoop more national awards than any other single region, winning six Scottish Thistle Awards in total.

Delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and with Caledonia Park, Johnstons of Elgin, Fishers and The Cairndale Hotel returning as sponsors, the South of Scotland Regional Thistle Awards 2024 will this year feature a new ‘Rising Star’ award category to recognise emerging talent shaping the future of tourism in the region.

Entries for the 2024 South of Scotland Regional Thistle Awards open on 18 March, closing on 28 April. 

David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said: “The South of Scotland Thistle Awards are heading to the Scottish Borders for what promises to be a very special event at Peebles Hydro this October, following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural regional awards celebration in Dumfries.

These awards shine a very welcome spotlight on the remarkable achievements of our local tourism and hospitality businesses, whose hard work and dedication to quality and excellence really put the South of Scotland on the map as a thriving visitor destination. 

As entries officially open, we encourage as many fantastic businesses as possible to step forward and seize the opportunity to be honoured at the Thistle Awards this year.”

Caroline Raeburn, Hotels Manager at Peebles Hydro, who herself scooped a Tourism and Hospitality Hero Thistle Award at the Lothian & Borders regional finals in 2022, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Peebles Hydro has been selected as the venue for the prestigious South of Scotland Thistle Awards for 2024. 

Hosting this landmark event underscores our commitment to excellence in hospitality and tourism in the South of Scotland and is testament to the warmth and hospitality of the Peebles Hydro team.

We are proud to be able to showcase not only the impressive event and conferencing capabilities of our venue but also the vibrant spirit and quality of tourism in our region.”

Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “We had a hugely successful first South of Scotland Thistle Awards in 2023, with six of our regional winners going on to claim national titles.

With that success in mind, I would encourage businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector to enter the 2024 South of Scotland Thistle Awards and join us for a fantastic night at the Peebles Hydro later this year.”

Rob Longworth, Heritage Manager at Trimontium Museum, which won Best Visitor Attraction at the inaugural South of Scotland Thistle Awards in 2023 said: “Winning the Best Visitor Attraction 2023 has been a fantastic experience. It has provided the team of volunteers, trustees and staff at Trimontium Museum with the understanding that their hard work has been acknowledged and judged as the best of the best.

The awards process from application to presentation has brought a sense of pride and fulfilment to the team and the associated impact on our profile and visibility for customers has been much welcomed.”

Keith Mundell, Retail Sales and Operations Manager for Johnstons of Elgin in Hawick, said: “We’re so proud to be sponsoring the south of Scotland Thistle awards, we don’t shout enough about what we do, and we should.

 It’s brilliant to celebrate communities, tourism and hospitality business and attractions. These events give the south of Scotland a well-deserved spotlight on everything we have been doing for years.”