Hat-trick of tourism awards for the region

A luxurious Victorian home in Peebles was among the regional winners of the Scottish Thistle Awards

SBSR Kingsmuir House win Scottish Thistle Award November 2015

Kingsmuir House was named Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House at the Central South East regional finals the tourism awards.

Judges praised the Peebles property for its “outstanding online reviews”, its achievements in maintaining quality and the important role it plays in its community.

Malcolm Mullarkey of Kingsmuir House, said: “We are over the moon to collect the award. It makes me so proud that the quality, attention to detail and customer service we provide to all of our guests has been recognised.

“This has been an outstanding year for us and adding this award to what has already been a very successful year exemplifies our passion and commitment to strive to consistently exceed our customers’ expectations, whilst taking an innovative and proactive approach to customer care. It’s such an accolade for Kingsmuir House and for the Borders, especially the Royal Burgh of Peebles, to be recognised and rewarded in this way.”

Another Borders business, FishPal – Fish Scotland walked away the winner of the Scotland CAN DO Award for Innovation in Tourism. Commended on the numbers of users and bookings it has generated, judges described the site as a “great product, demonstrating excellent results.” Judges also commented on the hard work by FishPal- Fish Scotland to “provide its customers with the best service and the most up-to-date information, whilst building links with fisheries and other businesses.”

CEO Mark Cockburn said: “I am absolutely delighted and proud to have won the Scotland CAN DO Award for Innovation in Tourism for the Central South East region. It recognises the significant growth, customer service and success of our company as the Go To Fishing company for anglers visiting Scotland from the UK and across the globe to come fishing. A real team effort and thanks to all the business’s and beats in the Borders who have supported us in our journey so far.The final award of the night went to John Henderson of Born in the Borders, who took the title of Regional Ambassador.”

Winners will now go on to fly the flag for the Scottish Borders and the wider Central South East region at the national finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards at Edinburgh’s EICC in March next year.

This story was taken from our sister publication The Southern Reporter.