A magnificent seven triumphed in Thursday night’s regional final of the Scottish Thistle Awards.
The event, organised by VisitScotland, celebrates the very best of the country’s tourism sector.
Lee Medd, from Annandale Distillery in Annan, was named as the region’s Tourism and Hospitality Hero.
He was praised by judges for his “can do” attitude in “going above and beyond” to ensure visitors have the best experience possible and that his staff are well supported.
Lee, who is group marketing, PR and training manager at the distillery, said: “I honestly cannot believe I have won this award.
“I don’t think of what I do as heroic. I just do what I can to ensure that everyone has their best possible experience when they come to Dumfries and Galloway.
“We have such an amazing region, I’m proud to play my part in it and I hope that this award will help shine a light on the amazing people, places and businesses that we have.”
The Devil’s Porridge Museum in Eastriggs, received the Best Visitor Attraction Experience award.
The museum, which tells the story of HM Factory Gretna WWI munitions site was praised by judges for its “creativity and involvement with the local community”.
Richard Brodie, chairman of Eastriggs and Gretna Heritage Group which runs the facility, said: “The Devil’s Porridge is delighted to receive this award. To be the best visitor attraction is a great accolade, especially when you consider the quality of our competition.”
He added: “The Devil’s Porridge tells an amazing story of human endeavour in WWI and our success is a credit to our great team of enthusiastic volunteers and professional staff.”
There was also delight for Caroline Egan and Miles Hargreaves, co-owners of Queensberry House in Moffat, which was named Best B&B or Guest House Experience.
Judges praised the B&B for driving local community engagement across the area.
In a joint statement, the pair said: “What an honour. This is the highlight of our lives. For a small business like ours to win such a prestigious award when the competition is so strong, we are over the moon and overwhelmed with joy – and will probably stay like this for some time yet. Thank you.”
The Working Together for Tourism category, sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland, was awarded to Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.
Judges praised the biosphere for demonstrating a strong community-led collaborative approach and sharing their sustainable and responsible activities with the wider industry.
Marie McNulty, deputy manager and business development lead officer, said: “We are thrilled. It’s especially meaningful for coming in the biosphere’s 10th anniversary year, as we celebrate a decade of supporting people, planet, and our regional economy through a huge variety of collaborative projects.
“We will continue to work with our amazing range of local businesses and via community-led tourism initiatives to ensure authentic, immersive and sustainable Biosphere experiences are available to visitors from near and far.”
The Ship Inn Gatehouse of Fleet won two awards – Best Hotel Experience (under 20 rooms) and its restaurant received the Best Eatery Experience title.
Kitchen Coos & Ewes at High Airyolland Farm near Glenluce was awarded the Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience award.
And the Best Self Catering Accommodation Experience award went to Loch Ken Eco Bothies.
The regional winners, chosen from more than 500 entries, will now go forward to the national final next February.
