PUBS across the Borders have won praise for keeping customers safe.

A total of 21 premises received awards at the Best Bar None Borders prize-giving at the Buccleuch Arms, St Boswells, on March 5, with 16 venues gaining the ‘gold’ ranking.

The Town Arms Inn, Selkirk, was among the top performers in the annual scheme encouraging responsible practice in licensed premises.

The pub’s manager Louise Stephen said: “It’s just fantastic - everyone works really hard and it’s a hard job and it’s nice to get recognition for the hard work we do.”

Displaying phone numbers for taxi firms and encouraging customers to order soft drinks were among the practices which impressed inspectors in Borders pubs.

The owner of the George & Abbotsford in Melrose, Dawn Barrett, said she was proud her establishment secured a gold award. Mrs Barrett took over the George & Abbotsford with her husband Graham in November 2018.

Mrs Barrett said: “I just think the staff have achieved so much in the last year and to get this award just shows all the hard work has paid off.”

Three pubs scored so highly that they will progress to the national finals, with the ceremony due to take place at Dunblane Hydro on March 19.

The Central Bar in Peebles has been shortlisted in the ‘newcomer’ category, while the Queens Head Hotel, Kelso, is among the contenders for the ‘best hotel bar’ crown.

The Plough Hotel in Yetholm is vying for success in two categories - ‘best individual pub/bar’ and ‘heart of the community’.

Central Bar owner Roddy Mackay said he feels privileged to be heading to the Best Bar None Scotland ceremony.

He said: “If we won it would be just amazing, that would be terrific - especially being the first time we’ve entered.”

The Borders’ Best Bar None coordinator Nick Walker said: “Best Bar None plays a vital role in ensuring everyone can enjoy a safe night out, and I would like to congratulate all the venues which have taken part.

“Safety has to be the first priority on a night out, and all our licensed premises have shown a real commitment placing the welfare of staff and customers first.”

Councillor John Greenwell, chairman of the Scottish Borders Licensing Board, said it was “really reassuring” to see customer care and safety being taken seriously.

He added: “I congratulate all of our worthy winners and also wish Kelso’s Queens Head, Plough Hotel in Yetholm and Central Bar in Peebles the best of luck in the national Best Bar None finals.”

The following establishments picked up a gold awards in Best Bar None Borders: Barony Castle Hotel in Eddleston, The Bridge Inn in Peebles, The Buccleuch Arms in St Boswells, The Carters Rest in Jedburgh, The Central Bar in Peebles, The Cobbles in Kelso, The Cross Keys in Peebles, The Dryburgh Abbey Hotel in St Boswells, The George and Abbotsford Hotel in Melrose, Horse and Hound in Bonchester Bridge, Hunters Hall in Galashiels, OBLO in Eyemouth, The Plough Hotel in Yetholm, The Queens Head Hotel in Kelso, The Temple Hall in Morebattle and the Town Arms Inn in Selkirk.

Silver Awards were given to the following: The Bourtree in Hawick, Coopers Bar in Hawick, The Liddesdale Hotel in Newcastleton and the Tontine Hotel in Peebles.

A bronze accreditation was given to The County Hotel in Peebles.