2026 REGIONAL FINALISTS


Browse the 2026 South of Scotland Finalists below.

NB: Please visit the South of Scotland Thistle Awards for further information or to book tickets for this region.

South of Scotland Thistle Awards

Best Accommodation or Unique Stay

Airhouses, Lauder

Black Bull Inn, Duns

Braeview Escapes, Coldingham

Best Bar or Pub

Millar's L'Atelier Du Vin Ltd, Kirkcudbright

Teeroom Bar, Kippford

The Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn

Best Community Tourism & Events Initiative

Burns Light, Dumfries

Creation Mill, Langholm

Hike & Bike Hub, Galashiels

Best Eating Experience

1610 at The Globe Inn, Dumfries

Ernespie Farm Shop & Kitchen, Castle Douglas

Oakhill Cafe & Deli, Carsluith

Best Hotel

The Cairndale Hotel and Spa, Dumfries

Knockinaam Lodge, Stranraer

SCHLOSS Roxburghe, Kelso

Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience

Eat, Sleep, Ride, Lamberton

Mostly Ghostly, Thornhill

Wild Dook Sauna, Lochmaben

Best Self-Catering or Exclusive Use

Airhouses, Lauder

Dod Hill, Lauder

The Green House Cabin, Ettrickbridge

Orroland Holiday Cottages, Kirkcudbright

Best Visitor Attraction

Abbotsford - The Historic Home of Sir Walter Scott, Melrose

Lochcarron of Scotland, Selkirk

The Whithorn Trust, Newton Stewart

Climate Action Award

Dod Mill, Lauder

Faldonside Eco LLP, Melrose

The Green House Cabin, Ettrickbridge

Employer of the Year

Dunskey Estate, Stranraer

Inclusion Award

Airhouses, Lauder

Coldingham Brave Bayers CIC, Coldingham

Individual of the Year

Romano Petrucci, Central Cafe and Stranraer Development Trust

Innovation Award

The Cairndale Hotel & Spa, Dumfries

Cedar Hus Sauna, Melrose

Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival

DunsPlayFest, Duns

Northern Lights, Dumfries

Wigtown Book Festival, Wigtown

Rising Star Award

Lewis Graham, Feast Café, Portobello and Kirk Coo Brew

Zoey Darnbrough, Annandale Distillery Group

John Picken, Domes by the Sea Ltd

Winners will be announced at the South of Scotland Thistle Awards on 8th October 2026 at Peebles Hydro, Peebles.

Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors

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