FIFTEEN entries from the Borders have been put forward for top tourism accolades.

Now in its 25th year, the VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards recognise hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions and individuals who go the extra mile for customers.

And this year will see entries from across the region compete to win one of the 16 regional categories.

Paula Ward, VisitScotland regional director, told us: “I’m delighted to see that so many businesses and individuals from the Scottish Borders have been shortlisted for a regional Scottish Thistle Award.

“Every year, we see the tourism industry in the Scottish Borders continue to punch above its weight. 

“The fact that, this year, we have a remarkable 15 finalists is testament to the impressive range and depth of outstanding tourism businesses we have in the region. Tourism is more than a holiday experience, it creates jobs and sustains communities. 

“The Scottish Thistle Awards is a chance for us to celebrate those who work tirelessly to ensure that all visitors, whether from Scotland or further afield, enjoy a truly memorable experience. I wish all those shortlisted the best of luck in the regional final.”

A total of 350 businesses have been crowned winners over the past 25 years.

And this year’s local victors will be announced at the Lothian & Borders Regional Final held at Prestonfield House Hotel in Edinburgh on November 23.

Rebecca Brooks, chairwoman of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel, said: “It’s fantastic that in this special anniversary year, we’ve had such an overwhelming response to this year’s competition. 

“These awards aim to find the crème de la crème of Scotland’s tourism industry, to recognise the shining lights who have shown real commitment and dedication to the industry.”

The nominations from the Borders are:
 

Best Accommodation Provider:
Airhouses (Lauder) and Spital Tower Tourism Ltd 'Ruberslaw Wild Woods Camping' (Denholm)
Best Informal Eating Experience:
Carfraemill (Lauder) and Seasons - Full of Flavour (Melrose)
Best Outdoor/Adventure Experience:
Born in the Borders (Jedburgh)
Best Restaurant Experience:
Firebrick Brasserie (Lauder)
Most Hospitable Hotel:
Cringletie House Hotel (Peebles) and Windlestraw (Walkerburn)
Best Heritage Site:
Robert Smail's Printing Works (Innerleithen)
Regional Rising Star:
Eric Desneuf, Le 2016 Limited (Hawick) and Peter Gilchrist, Peter Co & Associates Limited (Galashiels)
Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House: 
Allanton Inn (Duns) and Kingsmuir House (Peebles)
Regional Ambassador:
Jo Sutherland, Carfraemill (Lauder)
Best Visitor Attraction:
Abbotsford (Melrose)