TOURISM and hospitality teams from across the region are getting ready to find out if they’re winners in the the South of Scotland’s first ever dedicated regional Thistle Awards.
They take place in Dumfries on Thursday night with a whole host of finalists.
Meanwhile, the evening is set to be a celebration of regional produce and services.
From locally-sourced flowers, food and entertainment to audio-visual and creative support, photography and trophy production, the ceremony at the Cairndale Hotel will feature lots of things made right here in Dumfries and Galloway.
Guests will be treated to musical entertainment from local piper Gregor Grierson, as well as a specially arranged set by Dumfries and Galloway-based folk and Americana-influenced band Smith and McClennan, featuring former BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year, Emily Smith with husband and multi-instrumentalist Jamie McClennan.
The menu for the celebration includes fillet of Scottish beef with an Annandale Whisky sauce and salmon from Lockerbie’s The Barony Smokehouse served with oatcakes from Irvings Bakery in Castle Douglas, as well as a seasonal pumpkin soup spiced with Galloway chillies.
David Hope-Jones OBE, above, from organisers the South of Scotland Destination Alliance said: “It’s wonderful to see so many fantastic local specialist suppliers coming together to help us deliver an unforgettable occasion honouring the leading lights of tourism and hospitality in our region – it truly is a celebration of the South of Scotland, by the South of Scotland.”
