BUSINESSES and individuals working within the tourism and events industry in Scotland have received recognition at Scotland’s premier tourism and events awards.
The South of Scotland scooped six awards at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final that took place at the Glasgow Hilton on Friday 1 December.
The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate the very best of tourism in Scotland and the excellence, collaboration and innovation that is helping to support the responsible growth of the industry.
The Cross Keys Inn in Ettrickbridge, the Scottish Borders, was named Best Bar or Pub, sponsored by the Scottish Licensed Trade Association. The Inn came under new ownership in February 2023 and, after a major refurbishment, the management team is committed to creating a warm, welcoming hub for visitors and locals. Judges praised the Cross Keys Inn for its very active programme of engagement with the local community and groups.
On receiving the award, Rory and Vicki Steel, owners of the Cross Keys Inn said: “We were absolutely thrilled to win this award in our region and we’re honoured to fly the flag for the South of Scotland in the Thistle Awards National Final. To win again this evening really is the best end to our first year of operating. We can’t thank our whole team and our local community in Ettrickbridge enough for all their support and we’re looking forward to building on this success throughout 2024!”
Best Bar or Pub – from left to right – presenter Gary Innes, Rory and Vicki Steel from The Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge, Marshall Bain from the Scottish Licensed Trade Association and presenter Jennifer Reoch.
Around 400 guests attended the special event that marks the culmination of the Scottish Thistle Awards programme for 2023. The evening was hosted by TV presenter Jennifer Reoch and broadcaster Gary Innes with entertainment by Cammy Barnes.
Photo credit: Connor Mollison