THERE'S cause for a double celebration as two Peebles restaurants scored big at a prestigious awards ceremony in the capital.

On the back of an already busy year for Ally and the team, with an upcoming appearance on BBC Two's Great British Menu, and an additional role as chef at Peebles Golf Club, Osso Restaurant in Peebles have landed the Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year 2017 at the Scottish Food Awards: Awards for Places.

In addition to the eatery on Innerleithen Road, The Tontine Bistro from the town's hotel, also scored two awards which were held on Sunday, May 7 at the Principal Edinburgh Hotel in Edinburgh.

The hotel was awarded a Commendation award for Community Bistro, plus a Gold Medal in the Real and Local Food Awards category.

Chef Ally McGrath, from Osso told us: "We are absolutely delighted to of won this award, it means an awful lot to us to be recognised by our peers and to win in such a tough section as well is just wonderful.

"I must admit I was slightly overwhelmed when they announced our name, it took a few seconds for it to register. 

"There were a lot of the top people from the industry there it was a really nice night to be involved with. And winning the award just topped off a wonderful night."

In addition to the two Peebles establishments, the Borders were also well represented at the ceremony.

The Blue Coo Bistrot and Bar in Melrose was awarded a Gold Meal in the Real and Local Food category, plus Chez Roux from the Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Club in Kelso won the Borders Restaurant Award 2017.

Of the dozens of nominations each year, the winners are categorised into eight different groups; Destination for Distinction, Best in Class, Retail and Specialist, The Gold Medals, Honours for Stars, Rural Restaurant Champion, City Restaurant Champion, plus Restaurant of the Year.

The Scottish Food Awards are presented at two separate events. The Spring Awards Dinner presents the annual awards for places in May, and in November at The SCOFA Academy Awards Ball issues several awards for people and for products.