A number of Dumfries & Galloway tourism businesses are celebrating after winning a prestigious regional tourism award Including DGWGO’s very own RB.
The region beat of stiff competition from areas including Ayrshire & Arran, Glasgow and Argyll & The Isles to take the top prize in four categories at the Central South West Scottish Thistle Awards regional final.
Held last night (Wednesday 4 November) at Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel, the prestigious competition celebrates excellence, innovation and success within the local tourism industry.
Winners included The Kirkcudbright Art and Crafts Trail, which was named the ScotRail Best Visitor Attraction. Judges described the popular attraction as “a highly valued and great visitor experience”, while its organisers were praised for their passion and ‘can do attitude’.
The closely contested Best Outdoor/Adventure Experience category was won by Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre, which claimed the title ahead of fellow Dumfries and Galloway finalists, Galloway Activity Centre and Forest Enterprise Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park.
The judges were particularly impressed by Laggan Outdoor Activity Centre’s unique range of products (including a horizontal bungee) which “seem to be constantly evolving, to attract and enthuse many different visitors.” The company was also commended for the ambition of its dedicated team and its “very impressive customer feedback on social media.”
Dalbeattie’s Kerr Cottage B&B was named the Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House, impressing judges with its clear commitment to customer service and high level of repeat business.
Finally, Robin Baird of DGWGO- Dumfries and Galloway! What’s Going On? was named Regional Ambassador in another category dominated by the region. Other finalists included Keith Muir, Head of Tourism at Galloway Forest Park and Vincent and Ruby Marr of Marrbury Smokehouse, Carsluith Castle.
The regional award winners will now go on to fly the flag for Dumfries & Galloway and the wider Central South West region at the glittering national finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards at Edinburgh’s EICC in March next year. The Scottish Thistle Awards final will form part of the 2016 Scottish Tourism Week’s Signature Programme, where Scotland’s tourism industry descend on the Capital for a range of must-attend events showcasing Scotland as an ultimate destination for food, drink and hospitality.
Stephen Carter OBE, VisitScotland Board Member and Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, said: “2015 has been an excellent year for both Scottish tourism and the Scottish Thistle Awards. The sheer calibre and volume of entries has been amazing. On behalf of the panel, I’d like to congratulate our winners for their hard work, commitment and enthusiasm over the past year. They should be incredibly proud of themselves.
“Tourism is at the heart of the economy, creating jobs and sustaining communities. Tonight has been an opportunity for us to celebrate those who have gone the extra mile to ensure that a trip to Scotland is an unforgettable experience.”
A number of Dumfries & Galloway businesses were shortlisted for the Scottish Thistle Awards Central South West regional final. These included The Buccleuch and Queensberry Arms Hotel in Thornhill (Fishers Cleaning Services Ltd – Most Hospitable Hotel); Loch Ken Eco Bothies and Ross Bay Retreat coastal self- catering holiday cottages (Best Holiday Accommodation); The Selkirk Arms Hotel; (Best Informal Eating Experience); andThe Star Hotel at Twynholm (Tennent’s Friendliest Pub/Bar)
Paula McDonald, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “My congratulations go to all of our Dumfries & Galloway winners and finalists at the Scottish Thistle Awards regional finals. The number of industry representatives we had up for awards across so many categories is a fantastic recognition of their commitment to excellence and the incredible successes each has achieved. The accolades they have won are very well-deserved as they are all wonderful assets to the region’s tourism industry.
“The standard of all of the nominees at the regional finals was incredibly high so it was great to see so many fantastic businesses and individuals representing Dumfries & Galloway and demonstrating the exceptional quality and superb standards of service offered by so many of our tourism and hospitality establishments.”
The Scottish Thistle Awards is led by a panel of industry experts from several organisations including VisitScotland, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Wild Scotland, Scotland Food & Drink and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association.
2015 saw a record breaking 615 entries submitted, including hundreds of nominations from members of the public keen to recognise hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions and individuals who go the extra mile to provide customers with exceptional service.
Regional finals are taking place throughout November in different locations around Scotland covering – in addition to Central South West – the areas of Fife and Tayside, Central South East, the Highlands and Islands (organised by the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards) and Aberdeen City and Shire (which will this year be organised by Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards).
For more information on the Scottish Thistle Awards, please visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk