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Icons of Whisky Scotland PR Agency of the Year 2023
Small PR Consultancy of the Year 2022

Small PR Consultancy of the Year 2022

Icons of Whisky Scotland PR Agency Highly Commended

Edinburgh-based Beeline PR specialises in:

Public Relations | Crisis and Reputation Management | Brand Building

We can:

create maximum impact through strategic communications

raise the awareness of your brand or organisation

support your business objectives

identify and communicate with target audiences

provide white-label services for other creative agencies

 

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Client work

About Beeline PR

Debbie Byers

debbie@beelinepr.com

CIPR

Debbie was Chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) in Scotland 2009/10 and also scooped the CIPR Award for Best PR Consultant under the age of 30 in Scotland in 1998.

Debbie Byers, Director

Debbie Byers established Beeline PR in September 2011.  The independent agency works with corporate clients and consumer brands as well as other creative agencies looking for strategic PR and business development support.  Services include brand building, media relations, business-to-business marketing support, crisis communications and reputation management, stakeholder and political engagement and social media strategy.

Each client is provided with a strategic tailored approach to both its campaign planning and the dedicated team selected to implement the activity.  Beeline PR is affiliated to a number of organisations and consultants to create positive working relationships for the benefit of the client.   

With more than two decades of experience, Debbie worked for leading PR consultancies in Edinburgh, London and Glasgow before establishing Beeline PR.

She is a business degree graduate and the past Chair of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations in Scotland representing its 750-strong membership from the private, public and charitable sectors.

Debbie has fostered a broad experience across consumer, business-to-business and corporate campaigns as well as issue-led media relations working across all sectors from financial and professional services to food and drink. 

In June 2018, Debbie also launched a purpose-lead motivational speaker agency, Speaker Buzz.  It is on a mission to inspire change by representing speakers with an authentic story to tell that can address today’s challenges from mental health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion to social impact.

Debbie sits on the advisory board of The House of Hope - Scotland's first dedicated breast cancer wellbeing and support centre, which will open its doors in Edinburgh in Summer 2025.

Jim Byers, Director

jim@beelinepr.com

Jim Byers, Director

Jim brings more than 20 years’ experience in journalism, communications and marketing to Beeline PR.

His career began in journalism, first as a feature writer in Edinburgh and later as an editor in London. During the first dot-com boom, he was content editor of a pioneering music website in London.

In Glasgow, Jim broadened his skills at a content and communications agency in Glasgow, where he managed print and digital projects for various clients, including The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s award-winning Unfiltered magazine.

On his return to Edinburgh, Jim moved into PR with specialist drinks marketing agency, Steely Fox. As associate director, he worked on variety of projects over several years ranging from brand creation and strategy, to experiential events, content creation and traditional PR.

A lifelong music fan, Jim also runs Edinburgh Music Lovers (EML). His mission with EML is to help make Edinburgh a music city.

Jane Lynchehaun

jane@beelinepr.com

Jane Lynchehaun, Account Director

Following the completion of her post-graduate diploma in PR at Queen Margaret University, Jane has developed her love of communicating and storytelling professionally since 2015. 

During her seven-year career in PR she has worked with a range of B2B clients in the technology, renewables, investment, fintech, startup, life science and manufacturing sectors, to name a few. She also has experience working with Third Sector organisations.

Jane strives to build a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding about each client that she works with, allowing her to deliver robust, insightful and impactful campaigns.

With strong media relationships and communication skills, her experience includes the launch of manufacturing innovators Vert Rotors’ ground-breaking air compressor design, driving media relations for The Scottish Government’s CivTech Accelerator programme, and promoting SSE’s renewable energy services for businesses. 

Before her PR career took off, Jane learned about Australian agriculture and the rules of rodeo during her time working for the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, studied the full spectrum of human nature whilst working in several hospitality roles and helped to roll out a new smart card initiative when working at The Law Society of Scotland. 
John Hatfield

johnhatfield@beelinepr.com

John Hatfield, Associate and Media Training Consultant 

John supports Beeline PR with copy writing for white papers, reports and in-depth comment pieces on behalf of our clients.  He is a former equities analyst, journalist, columnist and editor on national newspapers including the FT and Scotsman.  Also, the former head of media relations at ScottishPower. 
 
John also offers media training for our clients.  He is highly experienced in this area having trained a wide range of blue-chip clients including one in ten FTSE100, global professional services firms and public bodies, some of which are listed. 
Alan Twigg

alantwigg@beelinepr.com

Alan Twigg, Consultant Creative Director

Alan is an award-winning consumer communications consultant with more than 25 years’ experience developing creative comms strategies and building standout 360 brand communications campaigns for clients across consumer and lifestyle sectors from FMCG, retail and food and drink to sport, automotive, gaming, hospitality and travel and tourism.

A Scot based in London, he has led a number of agencies over the years and now works between direct clients and select agencies, including Beeline PR, supporting and directing on both business and creative development.  

Alan has worked on many leading brands and household names including Red Bull, Nintendo, expedia, McVities, Dominos, The National Lottery, UEFA Champion’s League, Continental Tyres, Hamleys, M&S, Waterstones, The Balvenie, Glenfiddich, Highland Park, Whyte & Mackay, Peroni, Yo! Sushi and InterContinental Hotels...to name but a few. 

Alan and Debbie worked together in London more than 20 years ago and have maintained their professional working relationship and friendship ever since.
Julie Dunn

julie@beelinepr.com

Julie Dunn, Social Media Manager

Julie combines 15 years of brand marketing experience and experience in strategic social media management to create engaging content for the social platforms of Beeline PR’s clients.  
Lotte Latimer

lotte@beelinepr.com

Lotte Latimer, Account Executive

Lotte studied English at The University of St Andrews, where she was awarded the Catherine Wyatt Fenty Memorial Prize for outstanding dissertation, and graduated with first class honours. While studying she developed a passion for both academic and creative writing, which she has carried on beyond her university career through her internship at Beeline PR, and in her free time. 

Previously Lotte has held in roles as a receptionist at The Royal Yacht Britannia, and as a host at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre during its time as a Mass Vaccination Centre throughout the pandemic, and during its time as a Festival Fringe venue. 

Carol Graham, Financial Controller

finance@beelinepr.com

Carol Graham, Financial Controller

Carol enjoyed an almost 20-year career with the global technology company, IBM, where the focus was on finding the right solutions for customers to build smarter businesses.
 
She was awarded the prestigious 'Best of IBM' award in 2017 for her achievements and contributions, a global recognition award for the top contributors to IBM’s business.

Carol is experienced in all business operations, from financial modelling and forecasting to negotiating and delivering.

Tino Nombro

Tino Nombro, Non-Executive Director 

Tino is an experienced business advisor and entrepreneur who helps develop Beeline PR’s growth. Tino founded and sold digital marketing company Ambergreen and advises a number of other companies. He is also a board member of the Homeless World Cup Foundation and advises Beeline PR’s sister business, Speaker Buzz sharing the ethos of inspiring positive change.

Bagel Byers

Bagel Byers, Wellness Manager

Contributes to walking meetings and end of day wind downs.  Sadly, not allowed in the office until our dog friendly policy changes so works from home.

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How we can help

As a small PR business with a carefully managed portfolio of clients, Beeline PR can offer senior level support and commitment at all times.  In addition to working with our own clients, we provide a white-label service to other PR consultancies and creative agencies that need support driving busy projects or assistance with securing new business.

Recent News from Beeline PR

29 January 2025

NEW SINGLE MALT WHISKY COLLECTION CELEBRATES THE SPIRITUAL HOME & HISTORY OF RENOWNED EDINBURGH WHISKY CLUB

New ‘Homecoming’ collection release features four premium aged whiskies with special labels designed by Edinburgh artist Shona Hardie to celebrate The Vaults, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s historic home in Leith

Following the launch of The Creators Collection last month, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is releasing Homecoming, a premium collection of four single malt whiskies that celebrates the history and traditions of the leading whisky club.
 
The collection is being released in collaboration with local artist Shona Hardie, who has designed bespoke bottle labels that capture different aspects of The Vaults in Leith, the venue which has been the spiritual home of the SMWS since 1983.
 
The history of The Vaults dates back to the 12th century, with the current building completed in 1787. Originally a wine merchant’s bonded warehouse, it is the oldest building in Scotland to have the same continual use through its centuries of life. Alongside its extensive collection of single cask whisky and spirits, The Vaults is known for its warm and eclectic interior. 
 
Shona Hardie is a painter and muralist from Edinburgh, known for her storytelling murals of the characters of Leith. The relationship between Shona and the SMWS began in 2023 when the artist was commissioned to create a mural for The Vaults, representing the history of the Society as well as the club’s unique range of flavour profiles.
 
Launching later this month, the Homecoming collection features four bottles of aged single malt Scotch whisky. These bottlings fuse whisky and creativity, celebrating the liquid art of whisky-making with Shona’s illustrations. 
 
With each bottle representing a distinctive aspect of The Vaults, the Homecoming collection features:
  • 20-year-old whisky Home is Where the Hearth is, lightly peated to mimic the warmth of the fireplace in The Vaults
  • Snug and Toasty, a spicy and sweet 32-year-old bottling representing a circle of friends gathering for a dram in the venue’s snug area
  • Bar-Room Buzz, a fruity 32-year-old whisky conjuring the liveliness and energy of the main members’ bar
  • Shore Reflections, a 30-year-old whisky matured in an ex-sherry cask with notes of leather and demerara sugar, paying homage to Leith’s historic role in the sherry trade
 
The full collection will be available on 29 January 2025 for £1295 with individual bottles ranging from £195 to £425.
 
Shona Hardie said: “As a local artist it has been fantastic to become part of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s incredible history through our collaboration on this exciting new collection. Homecoming is about reconnecting with the past and with your community – something I have tried to capture in my label designs.
 
“I wanted to tie in the fire and the hearth with the building itself. Walking through the gates to the warmth of the heart of the building, that to so many members is symbolic of a homecoming of sorts.
 
“The clinking of glasses signifies friendship – sharing a dram and finding like-minded people in the community The Vaults creates.”
 
Each instalment of the new Creators Collection series, which will be released over the next 12 months and beyond, will focus on a unique flavour story, whisky production technique and cask maturation.
 
Euan Campbell, Head of Whisky Creation at the SMWS, said: “The Homecoming collection is not just about whisky; it’s about a journey back to where it all began for the Society. We’ve come a long way in the last 40 years, with members all over the world, but The Vaults remains our spiritual home. This collection is about reconnecting with our past, honouring tradition and bringing those timeless values into the present.
 
“With this collection we’re inviting our members – wherever they are in the world – to experience a deeper connection to The Vaults, making every sip a celebration of tradition and a tribute to the enduring spirit of our heritage.”
 
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club known for its unique approach to single cask whiskies, providing limited edition bottlings to its members. Founded in 1983, the SMWS now has more than 40,000 members worldwide, with branches in over 20 countries including the UK, the United States, Australia and several across Europe and Asia.

10 January 2025

MARRIAGE OF BOURBON & SHERRY CASK MATURATION DELIVERS DUTCH DELIGHT IN LATEST EXPERIMENTAL FLAVOUR ADVENTURE FROM WHISKY CLUB

30th release in The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s innovative Heresy range showcases the secondary maturation skills of the club’s Whisky Team

The 30th release in The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s experimental small batch Heresy range showcases the secondary maturation skills of its Whisky Team and their mission to create unique flavour adventures for whisky fans.
 
Skooshy Stroopwafel - a rare single malt among the Heresy range which typically features blends - is a 11-year-old single malt Scotch whisky which showcases what happens when Speyside spirit is matured first in bourbon hogsheads then in European oak sherry butts.
 
The whisky began its journey on April 8, 2013, in bourbon hogsheads at a Speyside distillery. After eight years of initial maturation, the Society’s Whisky Team found these casks had developed a lovely fruitiness with gentle cereal notes and stone fruit sweetness.
 
Hunting for deeper, darker flavours, Head of Whisky Creation Euan Campbell transferred the whisky to four fresh European oak sherry butts from the Juan Pino cooperage, each seasoned for 13 months with Pedro Ximénez sherry, in Spain’s sherry triangle. The team regularly visit Jerez to taste the wine in their casks, allowing them to better understand the flavour profiles they would lend to the whisky and use their expertise to create the final result.
 
The choice of butts over hogsheads was deliberate - while European oak sherry hogsheads can provide quite an intense maturation, the larger volume of butts allows for a gentler wood influence while still delivering the sought-after sherry character. After 32 months of additional maturation, all four butts showed remarkably similar profiles, leading to their combination into this single bottling.
 
The marriage of bourbon and sherry cask maturation has created a dram that’s both complex and approachable. The Society’s Tasting Panel found themselves transported to a Belgian fair, with notes of lotus biscuits, muscovado sugar and whipped cream (known as “skooshy cream” in Scotland, home of the SMWS, on stroopwafel, all complemented by hints of pumpkin spice frappuccino.
 
With only 2,382 bottles available, Skooshy Stroopwafel is bottled at 50% ABV and will be available from January 10th for £55. https://smws.com/skooshy-stroopwafel/
 
“This release perfectly demonstrates our commitment to exploring the interplay between spirit and wood to create a unique adventure in flavour,” says Julien Willems, Whisky Quality Manager at SMWS. “While our Heresy range is known for innovative blends, we occasionally find single malts that embody the experimental spirit of the series. The decision to use sherry butts rather than hogsheads allowed us to enhance rather than overwhelm the distillery’s fruity character.”
 
The Society’s Heresy range selects and blends casks for maximum flavour impact. It started in 2017 with a 10-year old blend named Exotic Cargo, and has since featured bottlings including Peat Faerie – the first attempt to use peat while combining very different whiskies,  and Battle Axe, which was purely composed of Islay whiskies. The bottles are clear, differing from the SMWS’s signature dark green bottles, and each has a specially designed label unique to the batch.
 
There are several more Heresy releases to come this year with the next bottling launching in March for St Patrick’s Day.

20 December 2024

South of Scotland tourism conference is back with ambitious vision

Tickets are selling fast for the South of Scotland Destination Alliance’s fourth Annual Conference with guest speaker Timmy Mallet announced

Tickets are now on sale for the South of Scotland Destination Alliance’s (SSDA) fourth annual conference, a key annual gathering for tourism and hospitality in the South of Scotland with a packed programme of inspiring speakers, insightful panel sessions, and hands-on activities for guests.
 
Taking place on 19 March 2025 at The Peebles Hydro in the Scottish Borders, this year’s conference will feature a variety of speakers, including beloved TV personality, artist, and adventurer Timmy Mallett, who this year documented his journey cycling around Dumfries and Galloway to his social media following. 
 
Following the unveiling of the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy 2025-2035 at last year’s conference, this year the focus will remain on the four pillars of the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy: Inspire, Develop, Responsible, and Support. 
               
The ten-year plan was developed jointly by South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), Scottish Borders Council, Dumfries & Galloway Council and VisitScotland with input from dozens of regional tourism and hospitality businesses and local and national stakeholders.
 
The conference will revolve around the four main strands of the strategy with the aim of sharing experience, learning and inspiring new local collaborations between businesses. The Responsible Tourism Strategy will underpin all agency work in the South of Scotland over the next decade.
 
David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, said: “Our annual conference is a vital gathering of tourism and hospitality businesses from across the South of Scotland, with opportunities for businesses to inform the SSDA’s strategy as well as an inspiring programme of speakers and activities.
 
“Earlier this year we revealed STEAM data showing that the South of Scotland grew its visitor economy by 20% last year and increased visitor numbers by 26%, to over 5 million, making it clear the incredible potential of ambitious collaboration.
 
“This year’s event will focus once again on the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy as we come together to map out the next decade of sustainable growth. Book your tickets now to have your say!”
 
Gordon Smith, Destination Development Director at VisitScotland, said: “The SSDA conference is a key highlight in the tourism calendar and we’re proud to once again be supporting this important industry event.
 
“The South of Scotland is an incredible region, with a wide tourism offering. The past year has seen international tourism return in record numbers nationwide and while there are many positive developments in the region, we know that the cost of living and doing business remains a challenge for our valuable sector.
 
“At this time, it is vital that we embrace these opportunities to share knowledge and seek collaboration to help us achieve the aims of the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy.”
 
Timmy Mallett is best known for his colourful career as a children’s entertainer on shows like Wacaday. In recent years, he has gained acclaim as a passionate painter and cycling enthusiast, combining his travels with his art and love for local stories.
 
Timmy Mallett said: "Exploring Dumfries and Galloway by bike has been an absolute joy – the stunning landscapes and warm, welcoming communities are truly inspiring. My journey here has fuelled my love for cycling and sparked new ideas for my artwork, capturing the vibrant spirit of this remarkable region. I’m also excited to visit Peebles to speak with South of Scotland tourism businesses about the importance of providing travellers with authentic local experiences and how storytelling is a powerful tool to attract visitors. And, with any luck, I’ll get out on my bike again to enjoy the breathtaking trails of the Tweed Valley."
 
Caroline Raeburn, Hotels Manager for the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “We are pleased to welcome the South Scotland Destination Alliance Annual Conference to Peebles Hotel once again, following on from the success of their Thistle Awards earlier this year.
 
“It’s a privilege to host such a key event for tourism and hospitality here in the South of Scotland. With a lineup of inspiring speakers, insightful panels, and engaging hands-on activities on offer, the conference presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the region’s dynamic tourism sector.
 
“As a hotel, we are committed to supporting and growing the hospitality and tourism industry, and we are proud to be part of an event that fosters collaboration and innovation. We look forward to continuing our role in championing South Scotland as a vibrant and thriving destination and can’t wait to welcome attendees in March.”
 
For more information visit: https://www.ssdalliance.com/conf25/

6 December 2024

Historic Aberfeldy tweed mill set to embark on a new chapter

The world-renowned Glenlyon Tweed Mill in Aberfeldy is set to embark on a new chapter in its history after announcing new ownership and building renovations.

Established by P & J Haggart Ltd. in 1850, the historic Scottish mill has been taken over by the parent company that oversees tweed, tartan and tailoring specialists Stewart Christie & Co.
 
The mill, whose patterns and designs have been inspired by one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens, continues to operate as a separate business under its renowned name and manufacture its distinctive collection of fabrics for a range of customers including tailors, designers, retail and trade clients, as well as prestigious sporting estates.
 
The mill building is undergoing renovations ahead of reopening its doors to the public in Spring 2025 when it will offer guided tours and opportunities for weaving apprenticeships, supporting future generations of Scottish artisans.
 
With former owner Michael Gates-Fleming remaining involved as a shareholder, Glenlyon’s new era will be ushered in by new director tweed and tartan specialist Vixy Rae, and finance director Daniel Fearn, backed by their partners Chairman Prof. James G McCallum and best-selling author Sir Alexander McCall Smith.
 
Glenlyon’s new Creative Director Vixy Rae said: “We are thrilled to announce the exciting takeover of the Glenlyon Tweed Mill in Aberfeldy by the five partners. This historic weaving mill, established in 1850 by the Haggart family, is embarking on a new chapter.
 
“Our vision is to revitalize this cherished building while honouring its rich heritage. We are committed to innovative tweed designs and custom creations, inviting visitors to experience the beauty of craftsmanship firsthand.
 
“As we prepare to re-open to the public next spring, we look forward to offering guided tours and creating the opportunity for weaving apprenticeships, to nurture the next generation of artisans.”
 
Co-director Daniel Fearn said: “Tweed is the fabric of Scottish countryside, and the mill stands as a testament to the enduring art of weaving. It is so important to us that we do our part to safeguard the future and reputation of the mill as we embark on this new chapter at Glenlyon.”
 
Chairman Professor James G McCallum of Wormistoune said: “This latest investment reaffirms our commitment to the legacy of Scottish weaving and tailoring and, importantly, to protecting the unique skills needed to continue such an important part of Scotland’s retail history.”
 
James Haggart founded the family firm in 1801 in Acharn, and began spinning local wool, weaving cloth and tailoring it into warm clothing. As the business flourished under the leadership of his sons, Peter and James, they took over the purpose-built mill in 1850 harnessing the power of the nearby burn.
 
The then self-sufficient mill produced rugged tweeds that gained Royal patronage, including the late Queen Mother, and served a diverse clientele. At one time they held as many as seven different Royal warrants in a 100 year period. Over the years, the mill has adapted and evolved, continuing to create fine, hardy tweeds that are sold nationally and internationally, including bespoke tweeds for luxury properties and estates, including recently Taymouth Castle and The Fortingall hotel.
 
Head of Weaving Operations Gordon Hermiston has worked at Glenlyon since leaving school at age 15 for 42 years and now trains Mill Hand and Apprentice Weaver Isaac Hawkins. The mill will take on more apprentices in the near future.
 
For more information visit https://glenlyonweaving.com/
https://www.instagram.com/glenlyon_tweed_mill/
 

30 November 2024

THE STARS ALIGN FOR THE SCOTTISH DARK SKY OBSERVATORY AS NEW HOME REVEALED IN DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

The new national astronomical observatory will be located at Clatteringshaws Loch within the Galloway Forest Park, Scotland’s only Gold Tier Dark Sky Park

More than three years after being destroyed by a fire, The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is set to have a new home in Dumfries & Galloway on the banks of Clatteringshaws Loch within the Galloway Forest Park, Scotland’s only Gold Tier Dark Sky Park. 
 
The news comes after the Board of Trustees of The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory completed their purchase of the site, which was previously home to the Clatteringshaws Visitor Centre, from Forestry & Land Scotland. The Trustees’ purchase of the site was backed with £200k of grant funding from South of Scotland Enterprise (SoSE) and support during the process from the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA). 
  
With plans to open in late 2026 after an estimated £1.5m redevelopment, the new site for The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory has been chosen for both the exceptional quality of the dark night skies overhead and its accessibility. Rated 2 on the Bortle dark-sky scale (1 being the highest), the area was designated in 2009 as Europe’s first ‘gold tier’ Dark Sky Park by the International?Dark-Sky?Association because of its relatively low population density and low levels of obtrusive artificial light. 
 
The former observatory opened in 2012 near Dalmellington in Ayrshire on the edge of the Galloway Forest Park but was destroyed in a fire on 23 June 2021. A return to the former site was ruled out last year following a feasibility study due to poor accessibility, lack of utilities and security concerns. 
 
The planned new observatory will comprise two observing domes, each featuring a large telescope, and a 360° planetarium offering immersive educational shows and night-sky simulations.  In addition, the new observatory will offer educational spaces, an exhibition area, a gift shop and a café. The redevelopment project will create a number of jobs and volunteering positions. 
 
With the planned telescope equipment, visitors will be able to see numerous nebulae, star clusters and galaxies, which are difficult or impossible to view from urban or light polluted skies. The observatory will also be well placed to observe transient phenomena like meteor showers, aurora, and comets, as well as providing daytime viewing of the sun through specialised solar telescopes. 
 
Marc Charron, Chairman of The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory Board, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have secured the purchase of such a wonderful site on which to create a new astronomical observatory. We are determined to create an outstanding facility that will inspire people for generations to come in the wonders to behold in a truly dark night sky.” 
 
Anthony Daye, Interim Place and Enterprise Director, SoSE, said: “We are delighted to have supported SDSO with the purchase of the site for its new astronomical observatory. With the South of Scotland now the country’s Natural Capital Innovation Zone, and SOSE also launching a new Space Strategy this year, the?development of an?astronomical?observatory is an example of how we can we use natural resources for the benefit of the region. These opportunities extend to tourism, with the planned observatory adding another visitor offering to the already fantastic tourism sector we have in the South of Scotland.” 
 
David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance added: "We are hugely excited at today's announcement as it will help further establish the South of Scotland as a?leading dark sky?destination.  By attracting visitors through the shoulder and winter months, the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory will extend our visitor season, helping local businesses thrive through the more challenging months.? In turn, this will have wider community benefit, increasing the number of year-round jobs and supporting restaurants and cafes to stay open longer.” 
 
The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is a charity and in addition to news of the new site, the Trustees have also revealed that the Astronomer Royal for Scotland (ARfS), Professor Catherine Heymans, will become the charity’s Patron.  Professor Heymans was appointed ARfS by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2021 and is the first woman to serve in the almost 200-year-old role.  
 
Professor Heymans said “In Scotland we’re incredibly proud of our internationally recognised Dark Sky sites, far from the streetlights that prevent urban-dwellers from seeing the true beauty of the cosmos. ?When the clouds clear?at Clatteringshaws Loch, deep within the Galloway Forest,?the sky is literally?teeming with stars. ?It's?the perfect location for the new Scottish?Dark Sky Observatory, which, like a Phoenix, is rising from the ashes of its much-loved predecessor, renewed as a bigger and better version of what came before.” 
 

22 November 2024

New campaign to promote South of Scotland as year-round destination

The latest Scotland Starts Here campaign has been launched to help bring more visitors to the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway over the winter months

The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) has launched a new marketing campaign inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the region over the quieter winter months to discover everything from frosty woodland walks and the region’s famous Dark Skies to delicious seasonal cuisine and charming local attractions.  
 
The campaign has launched alongside a series of 14 branded destination videos highlighting the diversity of the South of Scotland’s tourism offering across the region.
 
The new campaign, promoted through SSDA’s consumer-facing platform Scotland Starts Here, aims to boost visitor numbers to the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway during the winter off-season. It will run from September 2024 to March 2025.
 
Designed with feedback from tourism and hospitality businesses in the South of Scotland, the campaign includes a series of advertorials on Reach PLC titles, digital advertisements, social media activity across Scotland Starts Here channels, and a series of press trips to showcase the region's winter offer. There will also be a competition running to win a short stay in the South of Scotland.
 
This initiative is part of SSDA’s ongoing efforts to support tourism and hospitality businesses by promoting the South of Scotland as a year-round destination, reflecting the aims of the South of Scotland’s Responsible Tourism Strategy 2024-2034 to extend the season and encourage longer stays. 
 
The campaign builds on awareness generated in recent years including National Geographic Traveller (UK) naming the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, Scotland’s first UNESCO Biosphere, as the only Scottish destination in its renowned global Cool List 2024, as well as Lonely Planet selecting the South of Scotland as one of its Best in Travel destinations of 2023.
 
Established in May 2020, SSDA is an industry-led Destination Management and Marketing Organisation. Its mission is to position the South of Scotland—encompassing the Scottish Borders and Dumfries & Galloway—as a leading responsible tourism destination. By supporting local businesses, driving tourism growth, and promoting sustainable travel, the SSDA aims to generate £1 billion in tourism spend by 2030 and support thousands of new jobs in the region.
 
The launch of the new campaign follows the news that the South of Scotland Destination Alliance hit its 2025 Covid recovery targets of having a £750m visitor economy supporting 14,000 jobs 2.5 years early. 
 
The SSDA is funded by the Scottish Government through South of Scotland Enterprise, as well as its 660+ business members. It works to develop the South of Scotland as a world-class visitor destination and support tourism businesses to succeed in a sustainable and responsible way.   
 
Vanessa Wegstein, Marketing Manager at SSDA, said: “The South of Scotland has so much to offer in the winter months, from our stunning landscapes and rich literary heritage to the myriad local events and flourishing food and drink scene – and we want to encourage visitors to explore the region outside of the peak summer season, and to relax and recharge through becoming fully immersed in the region. 
 
“Following the success of our previous campaigns promoting cycling and Dark Skies in the region, to name a few, we are confident that we can continue to develop the South of Scotland as a year-round destination – Scotland starts here!”

10 November 2024

Sterling Home says thank you to customers with in-store promotions to celebrate its 50th birthday

The family-owned furnishing specialist marks its 50th anniversary with a weekend of special promotions for visiting customers

This weekend, Sterling Home is celebrating 50 years as Scotland’s leading family-owned home furnishing retailer with a series of exciting in-store promotions at Sterling Home Aberdeen.  
 
Founded in 1974, Sterling Home has grown from a single store in Tillicoultry to a nationwide brand with six stores. To mark its 50th birthday, Sterling Home is running a range of special promotions in all stores on both Saturday and Sunday and inviting customers to join the celebrations.
 
Throughout the weekend, customers can take advantage of several exciting offers:
  • Win an Overnight Stay at Stobo Castle – one lucky customer will win a luxurious overnight stay for two at Stobo Castle, Scotland’s only destination spa.
  • Spin-to-Win Wheel – spend £50 or more in-store and spin the wheel for a chance to win prizes such as Stressless chairs, Hypnos mattresses, Le Creuset cookware, Denby dinnerware, rugs, and more
  • Goody Bags – the first 10 customers in each store who spend less than £100 will receive a special goodie bag containing a selection of treats.
  • £50 Gift Cards – the first 10 customers spending over £100 in each store will receive a £50 gift card as a reward for their purchase
 
Sterling Home was founded by George Knowles who converted an old mill in Tillicoultry into a home furnishings store, inspired by the success of out-of-town retail parks in the United States.
 
Still family-run today, the business has ambitious plans for continued growth, including opening several new stores across Scotland, starting with a major new 50,000 sqft Sterling Home store in Hillington, Glasgow, early next year.
 
Euan Graham, Marketing and Digital Director at Sterling Home and grandson of founder George Knowles, said: “We are thrilled to celebrate this important milestone with our family of customers across Scotland. It’s been an incredible journey for us as a business and this weekend is our way of saying thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years. This Saturday and Sunday, we’re inviting our customers to come into our stores, join in the celebrations and take advantage of our exciting offers.”

4 November 2024

Taylors Snacks festive flavours available UK-wide

The Perthshire-based company is celebrating its second ‘Crispmas’ with a new seasonal range set to be sold in Dobbies Garden Centres across the UK

Taylors Snacks has released a range of unique seasonal flavours in the run up to Christmas including four brand-new products and the return of best-selling Toasted Marshmallow popcorn.
 
The festive flavours are available now in selected garden centres across the UK including Dobbies Garden Centres and will appear in Scottish supermarkets including Sainsburys and Co-Op from early November. The flavours will also be available to buy online UK wide.
 
The festive range also includes the return of best-seller Boxing Day Curry straight cut crisps, as well as the introduction of newcomers Amaretto & Orange toffee coated popcorn, Hot Honey Pigs in Blankets and Brie, Bubbly & Orange straight cut and Spicy Prawn Cocktail ridge cut crisps.
 
Taylors is also launching special edition 500g packs of the Pigs in Blankets flavour in Costco stores across the UK.
 
Made by the Taylors, a fourth-generation farming family, Taylors Snacks award-winning crisps are produced in Errol, Perthshire.  The business employs 150 people and is preparing for further growth in response to significant retail and customer demand.
 
The Perthshire-based company, which has been hugely successful across Scotland since the company rebranded from Mackie’s Crisps in 2023, announced its first UK listing with ALDI earlier this year following its official launch in March of last year, and holds ambitions of further UK expansion.
 
James Taylor, managing director of Taylors Snacks said: “Our product development team have been hard at work inventing delicious and surprising flavour combinations for our 2024 ‘Crispmas’, and we couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Dobbies, a Scottish company like ourselves, to bring our new festive flavours to consumers across the UK.
 
“Last year our seasonal range was a huge success, so we’re bringing back our bestsellers – and some innovative new flavours to tantalise your tastebuds.”
 
The Taylors Snacks core crisp range of thick cut crisps includes flavours such as Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Mature Cheddar & Onion, Pickled Onion, Flame Grilled Aberdeen Angus, Haggis & Cracked Black Pepper and Chilli Kick.
 
In addition to crisps, Taylors offers a range of lighter snacks such as Lentil Waves and popcorn. The Lentil Waves flavours are Sea Salt & Vinegar, Barbecue, Sour Cream & Onion and Thai Red Curry, while the popcorn is Sweet & Salted and Lightly Sea Salted. Taylors also produce a range of more indulgent popcorn, offering Toffee-coated and brand-new Salted Caramel flavour.

28 October 2024

South of Scotland tourism grows by £150 million (20%) in a year

New data reveals growth of visitor economy in the South of Scotland as the Deputy First Minister visits the Scottish Borders, meeting business leaders

With Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visiting the Scottish Borders, new independent tourism data has been announced showing the development of the visitor economy in the South of Scotland and the impact of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) - the tourism body for the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. 
 
The latest independent STEAM* figures show that the South of Scotland:? 
  • grew its visitor economy by 20% last year, increasing by £150m, to £911m;? 
  • created 14% more jobs, with 15,652 people now employed in tourism;? 
  • increased visitor numbers by 26%, to over 5 million.? 
 
The data shows that the SSDA hit its 2025 Covid recovery targets of having a £750m visitor economy?supporting 14,000 jobs, 2.5 years early. 
 
The SSDA, VisitScotland, South of Scotland Enterprise, Dumfries and Galloway Council?and Scottish Borders Council, with hundreds of businesses and communities, together co-authored the all-agency 2024-2034 South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy, which was launched in March 2024.  The Strategy has unprecedented ambition for the South of Scotland: it will increase the annual economic benefit of responsible tourism in the South of Scotland by £1bn and support a further?6,000 jobs. ? 
 
The latest STEAM figures announced today show that, in year one of this new strategy, the South of Scotland is already 50% ahead of target and well on course to hitting this £1bn of annual economic growth by 2034. 
 
During a visit to Newtown St Boswells to chair the Convention of the South of Scotland,?the Deputy First Minister met with the Chief Executive of the?SSDA, David Hope-Jones, as well as other local business owners, to discuss the visitor economy in the South?of Scotland.?? 
 
The SSDA is funded by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) as well as its 660+ business members.  It works to develop the South of Scotland as a world-class visitor destination and support tourism businesses to succeed in a sustainable and responsible way.   
 
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “Tourism is vitally important to the South of Scotland economy, supporting hundreds of businesses and thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
 
“With so many attractions, beauty spots and wonderful landscapes attracting both day trippers and overnight to the region, the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy is rightfully ambitious. 
 
“This data is an encouraging indication that this ambition can be realised, and we will continue to work with the SSDA, SOSE and partners and businesses across the region to continue showcasing the region as a destination and driving economic and social benefits that come from a thriving tourism sector.”
 
David Hope-Jones OBE, South of Scotland Destination Alliance CEO, said: “It’s fantastic to see what, together, the South of Scotland can achieve when we all push in the same direction. We have one, clear plan as to how we will support responsible tourism to drive local community and economic benefit.  We are investing in that plan and we are now seeing the demonstrable results of this. 
 
“Each £1 that has gone into the SSDA in the last year has resulted in £275 of increased local economic benefit.  We are hugely grateful to the Scottish Government and SOSE for their belief and investment in South of Scotland tourism. 
 
“We recognise that there are huge challenges for local businesses, with profitability harder than ever.  This is why it’s so important we plan ambitiously, think strategically, work collaboratively, and act decisively.  We need to be louder and prouder than ever: telling the world all the South of Scotland has to offer so we attract responsible, high-spending visitors.   
“Tourism is everyone’s business.  Done well, it provides quality jobs, attracts real investment, and supports the products and services which local communities also enjoy. As the economy contracts, it’s more important than ever that we continue on this course if we want to see sustained economic benefit and community prosperity.” 
 
Karen Jackson, South of Scotland Enterprise’s Director of Strategy, Partnership and Engagement, said: “These figures are very encouraging and reflect the significant hard work which has taken place since the South of Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector faced the challenges of COVID.
 
“A partnership approach has been key to this progress, such as the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy which is key to support and develop our rural visitor economy in a sustainable way.
 
“We have a collective aim to make our region a world-class visitor destination and SOSE is committed to working with SSDA, VisitScotland, Dumfries & Galloway and Scottish Borders councils and the industry to achieve this goal.”
 
*STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) is a tourism economic impact modelling process.

24 October 2024

“I wish I’d known about this” – Fair for You launches new Scotland campaign with Gail Porter

Charity-owned lender Fair for You has teamed up with TV presenter Gail Porter to address newly unveiled figures on poverty in Scotland

Fair for You, a responsible, not for profit lender, has launched a new campaign in Scotland with Gail Porter in response to shocking new figures on household poverty across Scotland. 
 
The figures, newly released by financial inclusion organisation Fair4All Finance, reveal that 1.6m Scots (36% of all adults) are living in financially vulnerable circumstances[1].
 
A recent pilot by Fair for You, funded by Social Investment Scotland, has helped 1000 Glasgow residents to buy essential household items they might otherwise have gone without[2]. Following the success of the trial, the social enterprise has announced that it will expand its affordable lending across the whole of Scotland to help more Scots at risk of furniture and appliance poverty. The charity End Furniture Poverty reports that in Scotland there are 130,000 people living without a freezer, 74,000 without a sofa and 120,000 lacking a bed for each of their children.[3]
 
TV presenter and former model Gail Porter, who fought back from crippling bankruptcy and homelessness, has teamed up with Fair for You with the aim of helping more Scottish people spread the cost of essential purchases with responsible lenders. Organisations like Fair for You will only lend what people can afford and provide customers with control over repayments.
 
A household name from her TV and modelling work in the 1990s, Gail developed alopecia in 2005 leading to her work drying up and, coinciding with other personal issues, forcing her to declare bankruptcy in 2017.
 
Gail, who is now a Patron of the charity which owns Fair for You, said: “A helping hand from a responsible, not for profit lender like Fair for You can help people avoid furniture or appliance poverty, supporting them to make their house a home. The alternative is living in deep deprivation, which I have experienced, or being burned by high-cost credit, or the exploitative tactics of illegal lenders.”
 
Gail is also calling out banks for turning their backs on customers - even those who can afford to repay - because they don’t want to go to the trouble of making small loans.[4]
 
She said: “The cost-of-living crisis has hit people hard, and I know that many people would be in serious hot water if they had to find a way to buy a new washing machine or replace a key appliance. I remember the horror of not being able to get a new washer when my young daughter was going to school, and I know how hopeless things can feel when bills are piling up, but also how much of a boost it can give you - practically and mentally - when you find a helping hand. I wish I’d known about this when I was struggling.
 
Alastair Davis, CEO of Social Investment Scotland, adds: “Fair for You provides a much-needed lifeline for families in Scotland struggling to make ends meet, providing access to finance and advice to help them secure essential household items. The ethical lender understands the pressures facing low-income households and the impact financial exclusion can have on their wellbeing, and we’re pleased to support its activities as it seeks to support even more households across Scotland.”
 
Charlene McLaughlin from Glasgow South Side has used Fair for You several times in the past five years to buy essential items including a double bed, washing machine and tumble dryer.
 
She said: "When you've got four kids, if your washing machine breaks down you can't really wait until you've saved up to buy a new one, so being able to get home essentials through Fair for You has been really helpful, as it's convenient being able to pay back each week. Lots of my family are now using Fair for You too, and I'm pleased to hear that they are able to support more households across Scotland."
 
Simon Dukes, chief executive of Fair for You, says:?“The latest data from Fair4All Finance shows that more than a third of Scots are in financially vulnerable circumstances, and data earlier this year showed that 29% of Scottish households have no savings.[5] When people have no financial safety net, they may feel they have no option in a moment of financial stress but to turn to high cost credit or illegal lenders.
 
“We’re proud of the support we do provide, and we are helping more and more customers all the time thanks to Social Investment Scotland - and also now thanks to Gail, who is destigmatising the issue of financial exclusion by being so honest about her experiences of appliance poverty and just how hopeless it can feel without the right support.”
 
Fair for You was set up by the Fair Credit Charity in 2015 to enable people who aren’t being well served by banks and other mainstream lenders to buy household items including beds, washing machines, fridges and furniture with fair and flexible repayments. A range of leading retailers partner with Fair for You including Hotpoint, Argos and Iceland.
 
Those in need can check out the Fair for You website to find out more: https://www.fairforyou.co.uk/

9 October 2024

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR WHISKY FANS WITH THE LAUNCH OF SPECIAL WINTER SERIES

Four limited-edition single malt whiskies released for the winter season by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is launching a special Winter Series featuring four exceptional bottles of limited-edition single malt whiskies, each celebrating a significant seasonal moment from October to January.
 
This Winter Series from the world’s biggest whisky club features four bottles with specially designed labels that highlight Halloween, Christmas, Hogmanay and Burns Night. Each label is marked with one of the letters ‘S’, ‘M’, ‘W’, or ‘S’, and adorned with original artwork to embody the spirit of these celebrations. 
 
In addition, each bottle contains a QR code that leads to an immersive experience – a video of SMWS Tasting Panel Chair, Robin Laing, singing or narrating a story or poem about the related seasonal event.
 
The full Winter Series which costs £310 will be available on the Society’s website from 18th October, with the individual bottles then released each month through the winter.
Landing page - https://smws.com/spirit-of-the-season/
 
Each bottle in the Winter Series is a limited edition, as is the case with all SMWS releases, with fewer than 300 bottles available of each release. This Series features:
 
  • Halloween Bottle: Supernaturally Sweet Smoke (Cask No. 53.483)  £92.00
    • Peated whisky aged 12 years in a 1st fill ex-PX hogshead.
    • Deep smoky character with sweet notes including spun sugar, plum jam, and maple-cured bacon.
  • Christmas Bottle: Merry Christmas (Cask No. 121.110) £63.00
    • Deep, rich, and dried fruits flavour profile, aged 8 years in a 1st fill ex-sherry hogshead.
    • Seasonal notes of dates, figs, and walnuts complemented by exotic hints of rum-soaked raisins and luxury cigars.
  • Hogmanay Bottle: Welcome in, 2025 (Cask No. 39.305)  £69.00
    • Sweet, fruity & mellow, aged 12 years in a 1st fill ex-bourbon barrel.
    • A lively combination of lemon juice, red apple, and apricot Danish pastry, perfect for toasting the new year.
  • Burns Night Bottle: Supper Sipper (Cask No. 88.31) £95.00
    • Sweet, fruity & mellow, aged 15 years in a 1st fill ex-PX hogshead.
    • A richly layered whisky evoking aromas of treacle tart and rocky road, with hints of mango and cranberry in the finish.
 
Euan Campbell, Head of Whisky Creation at SMWS, said: “Whisky is made to be shared, and there is no better time to share a dram than during special occasions over the winter months. With this Winter Series, we wanted to capture the magic of these moments, bottling whiskies that bring people together and celebrate the diverse flavours that define the Society. Each release is a representation of our commitment to creating unique experiences for our members, and we hope they will add a little extra warmth and flavour to the season’s celebrations.”
 
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is an international whisky club known for its unique approach to single cask whiskies, providing limited edition bottlings to its members. Founded in 1983, the SMWS now has over 41,000 members worldwide, with branches in over 20 countries including the UK, the United States, Australia, and several across Europe and Asia.
 
The Winter Series bottles are available for members of the Scotch malt whisky Society only
For more information, and become a member visit www.smws.com/

4 October 2024

South of Scotland Thistle Awards returns to celebrate tourism stars

The 12 winners of the region’s second annual Thistle Awards will go on to represent the South of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards in November

Tourism and hospitality businesses from across the South of Scotland celebrated their victories at the South of Scotland’s second annual Thistle Awards ceremony last night. The sell-out event took place at the Peebles Hydro where finalists enjoyed a night of live music, fine dining and ceilidh dancing. 
 
With 12 categories and 30 finalists from a pool of over 100 entries from across the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards showcase the impressive scope and quality of the region’s burgeoning visitor economy.
 
The South of Scotland Thistle Awards is delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and VisitScotland, with returning headline sponsor Caledonia Park Designer Outlet.
 
This year saw the introduction of a brand-new award category, the Rising Star Award, which aims to recognise the emerging talent shaping the future of tourism and hospitality in the region. 
 
South of Scotland Thistle Award-winners were unveiled in 12 separate categories. The winners, who will now go on to represent the South of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards finals in November, were:
Best B&B or Guest House Experience – Queensberry House B&B, Moffat
Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay – The Outdoor Hotel, Auldgirth
Best Bar or Pub – Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge
Best Hotel Experience – The Ship Inn Hotel, Gatehouse of Fleet
Best Eating Experience – The Globe Inn, Dumfries
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival – Wigtown Festival Company, Wigtown
Celebrating Thriving Communities – All Roads Lead to Whithorn, Whithorn
Best Visitor Attraction – Famous Blacksmiths Shop Visitor Attraction, Gretna Green
Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience – Mostly Ghostly, Dumfries & Galloway
Tourism Individual of the Year – Kirsty Archer-Thompson, FSAScot, Abbotsford Trust
Inclusive Tourism Award – Trimontium Museum, Melrose
Rising Star Award – Thania Meneses Flores, Trimontium Museum
 
Winner of the new Rising Star award category, Thania Meneses Flores, Trimontium Museum, said: “What an absolute honour to win this award. I was delighted to have been shortlisted for the Rising Star category in the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, and it’s a privilege to be a winner.
 
“Trimontium is an amazing place to work and thrive, and this would not be possible without the support of trustees, staff and volunteers who have all believed in me since the beginning, who took a chance on me and gave me the opportunity to join their team at the very start of my museum and tourism career.  I look forward to keeping contributing to our thriving community and sharing the fascinating story of the Roman Iron Age in Scotland.”
 
Kathleen Cronie, Founder Member of Mostly Ghostly, said:  "We're thrilled, honoured and delighted to be recognised for our contribution to Outdoor and Adventure Tourism, and extend our warmest thanks to everyone who has supported us over the past sixteen years. We also congratulate our fantastic co-finalists who work tirelessly to promote Scotland's spirit of adventure.”
Following a hugely successful inaugural event last year, the South of Scotland regional award-winners went on to win more national Thistle Awards than any other part of Scotland at the 2023 Scottish Thistle Awards national finals in Glasgow. 
 
David Hope-Jones, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said: “Following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural South of Scotland Thistle Awards, which saw our thirteen finalists go on to compete at the national awards, this year’s regional Thistle Awards has demonstrated that there is no limit to the quality and excellence of tourism talent in the region.
 
“The South of Scotland Thistle Awards is a celebration of the stars of the tourism and hospitality industry in the region and I’d like to extend a huge congratulations not only to this year’s winners, but to all of our fantastic finalists, as well as thanks to our brilliant sponsors. Tourism is a vital part of our local economy and the businesses and individuals who participated in this year’s regional Thistle Awards encapsulate exactly what makes the South of Scotland such an unforgettable place to visit. To our winners: good luck at the finals!”
 
Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “I am delighted to see the South of Scotland Thistle Awards returning for its second year, after the success of its inaugural year in 2023.
 
“Last year, a number of local winners went on to achieve national Thistle Award titles, generating more visibility for the fantastic tourism sector we have in the South of Scotland.
 
“I am sure this year’s South of Scotland Thistle Award winners will again do our region proud on the national stage.”
 
Steven Walker, VisitScotland Board member and Chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel said:?“Congratulations to all the winners at the South of Scotland Thistle Awards. It is fantastic to see such recognition for the region’s diverse and vibrant tourism offering, as well as the passionate and dedicated individuals who work within it.??
 
“Tonight’s regional final builds on the success of the inaugural South of Scotland Thistle Awards and, as part of the Scottish Thistle Awards, marks an important celebration of the very best of our tourism and events industry. 
 
“A special thanks to all the finalists for the part they play in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination. 
 
“To our regional winners, I wish you all the very best of luck at the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final in November.”?
 
Scott Wells, Caledonia Park Designer Outlet Centre Director, said: "We are very proud to have sponsored and supported the South of Scotland Thistle Awards again this year. It has been fantastic to recognise and celebrate the excellence and success of outstanding individuals, businesses, and partnerships within our tourism, hospitality, and events industry. We would like to congratulate all the winners, who champion the very best that the South of Scotland has to offer and wish them luck for the national final in November.”

26 September 2024

GLOBAL WHISKY CLUB LAUNCHES NEW COURSE TO HELP WHISKY FANS BECOME EXPERTS IN AN HOUR

Flavour experts The Scotch Malt Whisky Society creates its first accredited course explaining how whisky is made and where its huge range of flavours come from

With whisky on people’s minds as winter approaches, the world’s leading whisky club has launched a new course to help more people learn about the complex spirit.
 
The Focus on Flavour Education Pack has been created by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) in partnership with The Edinburgh Whisky Academy. The Society has been on a mission to explore flavour since it formed in 1983, and specialises in unique single malt, single cask whiskies that are not available anywhere else. Each bottling they create is different, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.
 
The Edinburgh Whisky Academy is the only centre for Scotch whisky and gin education approved by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
 
The course is suitable for both curious beginners and seasoned whisky enthusiasts and aims to elevate your whisky knowledge. Students will gain a deep understanding of all aspects of the whisky creation process, and how each part of that process can contribute towards the flavours of different whiskies.
 
Paired with a curated tasting pack, the course delves into how the whisky-making process – from malting and mashing to distillation and maturation – shapes the unique flavours in each Society whisky.
 
The course is delivered through a series of five videos supported by online information, specially developed articles and helpful images. Students then take an online test and receive a certificate when successful. It takes around an hour to complete, and it is possible to revisit the material as often as desired.
 
The tasting pack contains four 50ml bottles labelled Cask A, Cask B, Cask C and Cask D. The labels do not provide the name, flavour profile, or distillery code. This allows participants to really focus on the flavour as they learn how different flavour profiles are developed.
 
Anne Phillips, Marketing Director at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, said: “At the SMWS we believe whisky is for everyone, and developed this course to share our expertise gleaned over 40 years of whisky creation with anyone who wishes to find out more about this incredible and diverse spirit.”
 
Students will learn about the art of making casks and how different species of oak used for the barrels impact the flavour profile of the whisky inside, the difference between charring and toasting a barrel, and how the shape of the still can influence the flavour development of the spirit.
 
The course also outlines the Society’s unique approach to whisky, explaining how each bottle sold undergoes a rigorous testing process by a secret tasting panel comprised of impartial whisky experts. SMWS bottles do not include distillery information, instead focusing on flavour descriptions, and each whisky is assigned to one of 12 flavour profiles as a guide to the character of the whisky in the bottle.
 
The Focus on Flavour education pack costs £65 for members and £75 for non-members and is available to purchase here.

19 September 2024

GREEN TOURISM JOINS FORCES WITH TRAVEL COUNSELLORS TO OFFER SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATION TO PARTNERS

The new partnership is driven by growing consumer demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly travel options

Green Tourism, the leading global provider of sustainability certification for the tourism and hospitality sector, has formed a strategic partnership with the UK’s largest and fast-growing technology platform for travel entrepreneurs Travel Counsellors.
 
The collaboration, which comes as a response to a trend of increasing consumer demand for sustainable travel experiences, will help Travel Counsellors’ direct contract hotels to gain Green Tourism’s internationally recognised sustainability certification.
 
Green Tourism’s standard, which is recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), allows businesses to demonstrate credible engagement with sustainability issues to eco-minded leisure and corporate guests, as consumers increasingly look to book eco-friendly trips.
 
Green Tourism is also now compliant with the Travalyst coalition criteria, which aims to create industry alignment and consistency in the sustainability certifications shown on travel booking platforms.
 
Supported by sustainability consultancy Mission: Net Zero, the new initiative offers hotels and hospitality businesses who partner with Travel Counsellors a comprehensive sustainability roadmap towards earning Green Tourism’s certification.
 
Participating hotels will be guided through the process of implementing sustainable practices, from energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction to water conservation and biodiversity protection.
 
Other benefits to partners include 10% off Green Tourism’s annual fees for the lifetime of membership, third-party verification that upholds globally recognised sustainability standards, and tailored guidance for continual improvement in responsible tourism practises. 
 
The partnership aligns with Travel Counsellors’ broader commitment to responsible travel, following the launch of its Responsible Travel campaign earlier this year. The campaign highlights sustainable destinations and hotels, ways to support local communities, and tips to reduce the carbon footprint of travel.
 
Travel Counsellors' August 2024 Travel Tracker report revealed that 45 per cent of holidaymakers surveyed said that recent coverage of the climate crisis has made them consider more sustainable travel options.  Travel Counsellors’ partnership with Green Tourism aims to make the eco-friendly choice easier for consumers to make. 
 
Andrea Nicholas, Chief Executive of Green Tourism, said: “With eco-minded leisure and corporate guests increasingly seeking out sustainable travel experiences, this groundbreaking arrangement between Green Tourism and Travel Counsellors will help more businesses make positive impacts and cost savings, enhance their reputation, and gain a competitive advantage.”
 
Joe Whittle, Sustainability Lead at Travel Counsellors, said: “At Travel Counsellors, we recognise the growing desire from our customers to make more responsible and sustainable travel choices. Our partnership with Green Tourism reflects our commitment to supporting our partners in adopting best practices that protect the environment and enhance the sustainability of the travel experiences we offer as we continue our journey to more sustainable travel.”
 
For more information, visit Green Tourism – Travel Counsellors

17 September 2024

WORLD-RENOWNED WHISKY CLUB CELEBRATES 25 YEARS IN LONDON

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s Greville Street venue is hosting a series of special events and releasing a limited-edition bottle in celebration of its 25th anniversary

The world’s biggest whisky club is hosting a series of special events and releasing a limited-edition bottle to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its London members rooms at 19 Greville Street in Hatton Garden – and non-members are invited to join the festivities.
 
The main event at the whisky bar, which boasts more than 500 limited edition single malts, will be The Gathering on Wednesday 25th September, featuring a tasting of four 25-year-old whiskies, hosted by the Society’s Master Ambassador John McCheyne. The Society will also be hosting other special events around the anniversary, including tastings with Glenallachie distillery’s Ambassador Ronan Currie (18 September) and The Heart Cut’s co-founder Georgie Bell (24th September). All the events are open to whisky fans who are not members of the Society.
 
For its silver anniversary, The Society is releasing a limited-edition bottle of single cask single malt whisky. Called ‘A Sliver Darling’, the whisky was distilled in 1999, the year Greville Street opened, and matured for 19 years in an oloroso sherry butt followed by five years in a first fill Pedro Ximénez hogshead.
 
Founded in Edinburgh in 1983, the Society now has more than 41,000 members in the UK and around the world, with international branches in countries such as Taiwan, China and Japan. Its Greville Street member’s rooms was its first venue outside of Scotland.
 
Due to Greville Street’s central location, it has often hosted famous faces – from chef Jamie Oliver’s team to Westminster MPs.
 
Simone Malavolta, General Manager at Greville Street, said: “We have built an incredible community of like-minded whisky fans over the years, many of whom have developed life-long friendships over a few drams. We believe whisky brings people together, and invite anyone who is interested in what we do to join us as we celebrate this milestone, and toast the next 25 years of flavour discovery together.”

23 August 2024

Budge up, Dave – Future Asset competition encourages schoolgirls across Scotland to tackle gender disparity in financial services

Registration for the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition is now open until 06 September

Now in its fifth year, the Growing Future Assets Investment Competition challenges 13-18-year-old schoolgirls in Scotland to become investment whiz kids by identifying and pitching a company with great investment potential. Teenage girls in Scotland can register for the competition now and are in with a chance to win prizes of up to £1000 for their school and up to £200 in vouchers per student.
 
Until recently, there were more men named Dave working as UK fund managers than women in total. Today, only 12% of UK fund managers are women. Future Asset aims to close the gender gap in this sector, empowering teenage girls across the country by teaching them the skills they need to consider a career in investment management.
 
Scotland is the 2nd largest financial hub in the UK after London, yet a poll commissioned by Scottish Financial Enterprise found that almost 60% of 16-24-year-olds were unlikely to consider a career in financial services, while just under a quarter (23%) of people in Scotland do not believe financial services represents an attractive or secure career for young people.
 
Another study reveals that many women lack confidence around investing, with one quarter stating that they don’t know what to invest in, and 19% saying they don’t know how to invest. However, there is clear evidence the sector would benefit from eliminating gender disparity. Analysis by Fidelity Investments found that on average women’s holding outperformed men’s annually by 0.40 percentage points.
 
Spaces in the competition are in high demand both in and outside the central belt. 110 teams competed last year from 30 out of 32 council areas of Scotland. Since inception in 2020, over 1800 students across the country have taken part.
 
Successful applicants will take part in a “Dragons’ Den” style competition over 10 weeks, which allows them to experience the role of an investment manager. Competing teams each work with a professional “Competition Coach” - volunteer investment professionals from leading firms such as Martin Currie, Baillie Gifford and Stewart Investors who coach teams online and in person - to learn how to pitch a company with great investment potential.
 
Jen Mair, Chair of Future Asset and CEO of Martin Currie Investment Management, said: “Careers in finance can be rewarding, creative and lucrative, and we remain committed to eliminating gender disparity in this sector so that anyone can consider working in investment.

“In the last half-decade, it has been inspiring and encouraging to see girls from every corner of the country take advantage of the competition and the resources we have to offer, and we look forward to seeing them enjoy successful careers in the industry It’s clear that diversifying the financial workforce brings many benefits for all, and while there is still much work to be done, I believe the future of the investment sector looks very bright.”
 
Registration for the competition closes on 06 September 2024. Competition Kick Off  workshops take place in August and September in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Inverness , and the competition deadline is on Friday 29 November 2024, with winners announced on Friday 07 March.

16 July 2024

SHORTLIST AND NEW AWARD UNVEILED FOR THE RETURNING SOUTH OF SCOTLAND THISTLE AWARDS

The South of Scotland shortlist for the region’s second dedicated Thistle Awards has been unveiled alongside the announcement of brand-new award category

The shortlist for the South of Scotland’s dedicated regional Thistle Awards - Scotland’s leading tourism and events industry accolades - has been revealed today (16 July 2024) alongside a brand-new award category.
 
Back following a hugely successful inaugural year, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards is once again showcasing the very best of the region’s burgeoning visitor economy.
 
The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) today announced the shortlist for the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, with 30 tourism businesses, events and individuals – including over 20 new entrants – in the running to receive the prestigious awards selected from a pool of over 100 entries from across the region.
 
Of the finalists, three have been shortlisted for the Rising Star Award, a brand-new for 2024 award category which aims to recognise the emerging talent shaping the future of tourism and hospitality in the region. 
 
In the running for the new award category are Kylah Anderson from Barend Holiday Lodges in Dalbeattie, Lizzie Koronka from New Town Hall Bunk House in Wigtown and Thania Meneses Flores from Trimontium Museum in Melrose.
 
Trimontium Museum also features in the shortlist for the Inclusive Tourism Award category as well as the Celebrating Thriving Communities category, going head-to-head with All Roads Lead to Whithorn in Whithorn.
 
Meanwhile Gather near Gatehouse of Fleet is once again shortlisted for the Best Eating Experience accolade, alongside The Globe Inn in Dumfries and Knockinaam Lodge Hotel in Portpatrick. 
 
In the running for the Best Visitor Attraction category are Gretna Green Ltd in Gretna Green; Robert Smail’s Printing Works in Innerleithen; The Whithorn Trust in Whithorn, all new entrants to this year’s South of Scotland Thistles Awards.
 
The South of Scotland Thistle Awards, delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and VisitScotland, with headline sponsor Caledonia Park Designer Outlet, will take place at the Peebles Hydro on the 3rd of October later this year.
 
Spearheaded at national level by VisitScotland, in collaboration with regional partners, the 2024 Thistle Awards commemorate the 30th anniversary of the esteemed Scottish Thistle Awards Programme.
 
Finalists’ reactions:
 
Thania Meneses Flores, Trimontium Museum, said: “I am delighted to be shortlisted for the Rising Star Award – it’s so important to have an award recognise those of us at the beginning of our careers in tourism. Having started at Trimontium as a remote intern in 2020 I first joined the staff team as Community Archivist for Creativity and Inclusion and I am now the Heritage Environment Resources Officer, focusing on digital resources, accessibility and inclusion, as well as developing the new Heritage and Landscape Observatory project at Trimontium with digital and hybrid experiences merging archaeology, history and VR technology.” 
 
Lee Medd, Group Marketing, PR & Training Manager for Annandale Distillery, which took ownership of The Globe Inn in 2019, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Best Eating Experience in this year’s Thistle Awards. With the recent promotion of the hugely talented Fraser Cameron from Sous Chef to Head Chef and being named runner up in the Restaurant of the Year category in the Scottish Excellence Awards, it’s been an incredibly exciting couple of years for The Globe Inn.”
 
Julia Muir Watt, The Whithorn Trust, said: “We're absolutely delighted to be shortlisted, recognising the hard work of our staff and the inspiration we get from our archaeological collection to tell new stories to visitors. Whithorn's heritage is world-class and awards like this help increase public awareness and interest in the exceptional archaeology we have here.”
 
Gethin Chamberlain, Five Turrets, said: “We’re delighted to have been shortlisted for a Thistle Award. It’s more important than ever for tourism businesses to be seen to be at the heart of their communities and hopefully this reflects the way we have tried to create something that benefits our guests and local residents and businesses.”
David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, said: “The first South of Scotland Thistles Awards last year was a resounding success, with so many brilliant tourism and hospitality businesses, events and individuals recognised for their excellent contributions to the region’s community and tourism economy.

“This year’s Thistle Awards sees the introduction of the Rising Star Award, which aims to spotlight the achievements of outstanding individuals who are at the start of their careers within the tourism and hospitality industry.

“My congratulations to those shortlisted today for the South of Scotland’s returning Thistle Awards, whose hard work and remarkable achievements continue to put the region on the map as a leading global destination!”

Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists for the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, whose nominations reflect the hard work, dedication and passion our tourism and hospitality sector has.
 
“I look forward to the 2024 Awards night, and the winners going on to the national Thistle Awards, which last year saw businesses and individuals from the South pick up a magnificent six titles.”
 
Gordon Smith, Destination Development Director at VisitScotland, said: “Congratulations to all those shortlisted for the South of Scotland Thistles, which builds upon the success of the inaugural awards last year.
 
“These entries show the strength and depth of the tourism offer in the region, from quality accommodation and experiences to examples of collaboration and innovation, that brought wins at the national finals in 2023.
 
“Tourism excellence is at the forefront of South of Scotland Responsible Tourism strategy and it’s encouraging to see so many businesses and experiences matching those ambitions.”
 
Caledonia Park Designer Outlet Centre Director Scott Wells said: “We are incredibly proud to sponsor the South of Scotland Thistle Awards for a second year running – last year we supported the inaugural regional awards in showcasing the success and excellence of tourism talent across both the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway, and we’re excited to use our platform to champion these brilliant individuals, businesses, and events once again.
 
“Recognising the quality and innovation that the region has to offer is hugely important to us and we are honoured to play a part in such a vital celebration of the tourism and events industry in the South of Scotland.”
 
The full South of Scotland Thistle Awards shortlist, by category:
Best B&B or Guest House Experience
  • Inglestone House Guest House, Kelso
  • Queensberry House B&B, Moffat
Best Bar or Pub
  • The Beagle Country Pub, Dalbeattie
  • Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge
Best Eating Experience
  • Gather, Laggan, Gatehouse of Fleet 
  • The Globe Inn, Dumfries
  • Knockinaam Lodge Hotel, Portpatrick
Best Hotel Experience
  • The Cairndale Hotel & Spa, Dumfries 
  • Gretna Hall Hotel, Gretna Green 
  • The Ship Inn, Gatehouse of Fleet
Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience
  • Beirhope Alpacas, Hownam near Kelso 
  • Glentress, by Peebles
  • Mostly Ghostly Tours, Thornhill 
Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay
  • Five Turrets, Selkirk 
  • Grobdale of Girthon, Laurieston 
  • The Outdoor Hotel, Dumfries 
Best Visitor Attraction
  • Gretna Green Ltd, Gretna Green 
  • Robert Smail’s Printing Works, Innerleithen
  • The Whithorn Trust, Whithorn
Celebrating Thriving Communities
  • All Roads Lead to Whithorn, Whithorn 
  • Trimontium Museum, Melrose
Inclusive Tourism Award
  • Trimontium Museum, Melrose
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival
  • Alchemy Film and Arts, Hawick
  • Borders Book Festival, Melrose 
  • Upland Arts Development CIC (Spring Fling), Dumfries and Galloway
  • Wigtown Book Festival, Wigtown 
Rising Star Award
  • Kylah Anderson - Barend Holiday Lodges, Dalbeattie
  • Lizzie Koronka - New Town Hall Bunk House, Whithorn
  • Thania Meneses Flores – Trimontium Museum, Melrose
Tourism Individual of the Year
  • Kirsty Archer-Thompson - Abbotsford, Melrose
The Scottish Thistle Awards are delivered by VisitScotland in partnership with regional awards programmes. The five different regional award ceremonies will take place in September and October before the regional winners battle it out for a Scotland-wide accolade at the National Final in November.  
 
Responsible tourism is at the heart of the Scottish Thistle Awards, supporting the aim for Scotland to be recognised globally as a leader in this field.  

12 July 2024

POSITIVE SIGNS AHEAD AT THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF MAJOR CYCLE ROUTE ACROSS THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND

Businesses across the South of Scotland are welcoming the official launch of the now fully signposted 250-mile Kirkpatrick Coast 2 Coast cycling route

Local cyclists and businesses celebrated the official launch of the Kirkpatrick C2C: South of Scotland’s Coast to Coast today in Langholm – a popular place for cyclists to stop along the now fully signposted route – following its successful soft launch last summer.
 
Named after Kirkpatrick Macmillan, the 19th-Century Dumfriesshire blacksmith who invented the first pedal-driven velocipede, the now fully signposted route stretches 250 miles from Stranraer in the west to Eyemouth in the east, making it one of the longest coast to coast cycle routes in the UK.
 
Cyclists, business owners and tourism leaders from the local region attended the launch including: Christine Finlay from Trailbrakes Biking Holidays; Angela and George Crow from Hike & Bike Hub in Galashiels; Julie Edwards a champion for the Breeze women’s cycling group; David Killean from Hawick Cycling Club; John Galloway of Eskdale Hotel and Langholm Explore And Discover; and David Hope-Jones, chief executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance.
 
The news of the official launch comes after it was announced that The Scottish Borders will host the opening stage of this year’s Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, as the 20th edition of the modern race gets underway in Kelso on Tuesday 3 September.
 
In the year since the first cyclists started tackling the KC2C ride, the scenic route has seen businesses from across the region welcoming an influx of visitors seeking to explore the landscape of the South of Scotland on two wheels.
 
Kirkcudbright-based business Trailbrakes Biking Holidays, which specialises in providing bespoke cycling tour adventures across Scotland, England and Wales, has noticed an increase in enquiries and estimates that bookings for the Kirkpatrick Coast 2 Coast made up approximately 10% of its business for the 2024 season.
 
The business offers tours of the entire route or parts of the route, including accommodation, transport, maps, GPS and phone support, with co-founders Pete Corson and Christine Finlay describing the route as “a great ride with very little traffic and great scenery”, and reporting good reviews from customers.
 
Another business reporting increased cycle tourism since the first cyclists started attempting the route last summer is Ernespie Farm at Castle Douglas. David McMiken, who runs the farm, cites the launch of the Kirkpatrick C2C route, as well as the increased popularity of cycling post-covid, as reasons for the rise in visitors arriving on bike.
 
Last year Ernespie Farm – which includes a farmhouse kitchen, garden centre, gift shop and soft play facilities – received support from South of Scotland Enterprise’s Cycling Infrastructure Fund to create a repair station with washing facilities and lockers for the increasing number of cyclists visiting Ernespie. The family business is looking to target the cycling audience further, with plans to increase food and drink takeaway options and expand indoor and outdoor seating areas.
 
Other businesses who have benefitted from the launch of the Kirkpatrick C2C route include the Eskdale Hotel in Langholm, which has seen over 100 rooms booked so far this year for guests arriving on bike; Shepherd’s Rest campsite, where 30-50% of the guests are cyclists in an average week; and Newcastleton Bunkhouse, which plans to take advantage of the potential for “hundreds of bikes all over the village” at the weekend following the increase in cycling visitors to the area.
 
For adventurers looking to challenge themselves, the Kirkpatrick C2C can be tackled over four days, while the slower Explorer Route allows riders to immerse themselves in the beauty, heritage and charm of the South of Scotland, spending eight days completing the route from Stranraer to Eyemouth with plenty of places to stay, visit, eat and drink along the way.
 
Early projections prior to its July 2023 soft launch suggested the Kirkpatrick Coast 2 Coast could attract up to 175,000 new visitors to the region, with a direct spend of £13.7m per year.
 
The development of the route has been led by South of Scotland Enterprise alongside Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders councils, South of Scotland Destination Alliance, VisitScotland and Sustrans.
 
Gordon Smith, Destination Development Director at VisitScotland, said: “We know a key factor in choosing Scotland as a holiday destination is our scenery and landscape, while around a third of visitors want to take part in outdoor activities. Cycling offers the best of both worlds. Visitors to the South of Scotland can take in the beautiful scenery along the many cycle routes or, for the more adventurous, at our world class mountain biking venues.
 
“Cycling is popular among some of our major European markets and is an important part of our national sustainable tourism ambitions. We encourage visitors to choose active and greener travel options while planning a trip to Scotland and offer support and advice to businesses on how best to engage with this valuable market.
 
“The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships shone a spotlight on the South of Scotland as a leading global destination made for cycling, and new routes, such as the Kirkpatrick C2C, only serve to strengthen that position.”
 
According to the Scotland Visitor Survey 2023, almost one in ten respondents (7%) who visited the South of Scotland undertook some form of cycling, be it "Road cycling / touring" or "Off road cycling".
 
Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, David Hope-Jones OBE, said: “It’s fantastic to hear such positive feedback, with businesses from Stranraer to Eyemouth benefitting from the increase in cycle visitors as a result of the new Kirkpatrick Coast 2 Coast route. The route, which spans 250 unforgettable miles across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, is a celebration of the stunning scenery, colourful local history and welcoming culture of the South of Scotland. 
 
“Last summer the South of Scotland hosted several events in the UCI World Cycling Championships and joined the list of world-leading cycling destinations after being awarded the UCI Bike Region label, while this September we are hosting the prestigious 2024 Tour of Britain, which is kicking off in Kelso which is on the KC2C route. We want to shine a spotlight on the KC2C as a must-do challenge for road cyclists and on the South of Scotland as the place to be for cyclists across the UK and beyond!”
 
 
Russel Griggs OBE, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “The Kirkpatrick C2C has been a fantastic addition to the South of Scotland’s offering for visitors.
 
“Since the route opened last year, there has been some really good feedback from cyclists who have enjoyed our beautiful sea views and picturesque South of Scotland towns while tackling the Kirkpatrick C2C.
 
“Over 20 tourism businesses, social enterprises and community groups also benefited from support from SOSE’s Cycling Infrastructure Fund in the last financial year, allowing them to invest in cycling facilities for those using the Kirkpatrick C2C and 7Stanes trail centres.
 
“Cycling continues to offer significant social, economic and environmental opportunities to the South of Scotland, and our long-term aim is to make our region the leading cycling destination in Scotland by 2032.”

4 July 2024

TAKE YOUR FAMILY TIME TRAVELLING THIS SUMMER WITH FREE KIDS’ PLACES AT MAJOR REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS

Special ‘Kids Go Free’ deal at five major attractions, plus ScotRail’s ‘Kids for a Quid’ promotion, adds up to a fantastic value day out for the whole family

FAMILIES in search of a fun and fascinating day out that won’t cost the earth are being urged to hop on board the Borders Railway for a time travelling adventure this summer.

As well as taking advantage of ScotRail’s popular Kids For A Quid offer, rail day-trippers can enjoy free child places at five fascinating major attractions in the Scottish Borders and Midlothian over the school summer holidays.

Check out the unmissable new virtual reality experience taking visitors 2000 years back in time to Roman Iron Age Scotland at Trimontium, or discover the Story of Coal right back to the Carboniferous period 360 million years ago at the National Mining Museum Scotland.

Wander the halls of Sir Walter Scott’s extraordinary Abbotsford estate near Tweedbank – and why not summon your courage to explore further at Witch Corner, a supernatural sculpture trail based on the Scottish legends and folklore which inspired the world famous 19th century novelist, or stop by for a bite to eat at Ochiltree’s Café overlooking the house and gardens.

Feast your eyes on 420 million years of Scottish history and culture immortalised in tapestry form by 1,000 stitchers at The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels, featuring everything from Vikings, royalty, sport and innovation to religion, castles, abbeys and comedy.

Or take a guided tour to experience the splendour of the Georgian Arniston House and estate near Gorebridge, home to the Dundas family since 1571 and brimming with history, art and architectural highlights. 

Those taking advantage of the offer must simply show their rail tickets on arrival at the attraction – one child gets free entry for each paying adult. 

ScotRail Tourism Manager, Alasdair Smart, said: “ScotRail is delighted to support the South of Scotland Destination Alliance to promote family-friendly local attractions along the Borders Railway. 
 
“Families looking for a great-value day out during the summer holidays can now combine ScotRail’s popular Kids for a Quid ticket promotion with free child entry to these attractions. 
 
“All the participating attractions are within easy reach of ScotRail stations on the Borders Railway, and families are reminded to keep hold their train ticket to claim free entry.”
 
David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the SSDA, said: “The long summer holidays can be an expensive time for families, so it’s brilliant to work with some of Scotland’s best attractions offering the ‘Kids go free’ in addition to ScotRail’s ‘Kids for a Quid’ deal.  There’s never been a better time to explore the South of Scotland for a time-travelling experience! Whether you fancy channelling your inner Roman, wandering in the footsteps of Sir Walter Scott, discovering Scotland’s coal mining history or the seat of the Dundas family in Midlothian, or marvelling at the exquisitely detailed Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels, there’s something for everyone to experience and enjoy this summer.”

Liz Young of Midlothian Tourism Forum, said: “Midlothian Tourism Forum is thrilled to be working collaboratively with the SSDA and Scotrail to promote Midlothian's fantastic attractions to families visiting our region by public transport this summer. We believe this joined-up approach will be a great success in encouraging more people to explore Midlothian using sustainable travel options.”

A spokesperson for Trimontium Museum said: "The new VR experience at Trimontium Museum brings the past into the 21st century as families experience life two thousand years ago at the edge of the Roman Empire using the latest immersive technologies, right here in the Scottish Borders in 2024!" 

30 May 2024

Sterling Furniture Group’s new CEO unveils designs for a bold new future as firm celebrates 50 years

John Pattison heralds ‘exciting times ahead’ for Scotland’s leading independently owned home furnishing specialist, headquartered in Tillicoultry

SCOTLAND’S leading independently owned home furnishing specialist, Sterling Furniture Group, has designs on “exciting times ahead’ in its 50th anniversary year as it reflects on the “prompt and decisive action” it has taken under new leadership to address issues affecting the firm’s financial performance.

The Group’s latest accounts for the 18-month period up to August 2023, published today, point to a challenging period when trading was adversely hit by the combined impacts of reduced consumer confidence post-pandemic and due to the cost-of-living crisis, as well as the ongoing instability of the geopolitical situation and its effects on the supply chain.
Turnover grew from £55,477,829 in February 2022 to £83,683,595 in August 2023, while pre-tax profits dropped from £4,150,585 to £43,870, with the results for the prior period incorporating the end of Covid19-related reliefs such as Furlough and Non-Domestic Rates support.
In their accounts, Sterling Furniture Group acknowledges that “the material decline in profitability for the period is also reflective of the historic lack of action taken to address the cost base of the business given reduced sales revenues and inflationary cost pressures”.

Founded in late 1973 by George Knowles, the Tillicoultry-based firm last year appointed industry veteran John Pattison as its new CEO. Since taking up the role in August 2023, John has spearheaded a new direction of travel for the business.

Over the past nine months, Sterling, under Pattison’s stewardship, have:
  • appointed several key senior personnel to their top team
  • instigated a change in style, tone and approach to engage with the wider colleague team on key matters such as company values and colleague communication
  • secured significant new funding in a new and extended arrangement with banking partner Royal Bank of Scotland, which Sterling expects to formalise the terms on over the coming weeks
  • mapped out ambitious plans for the years ahead, including several planned new stores across the Group, starting with a major new 50,000sqft Sterling Home store at Hillington in Glasgow, for which Heads of Terms have been agreed, and change of use proposals have been made through the local authority, anticipated to open by the end of the year.

John Pattison, Chief Executive of Sterling Furniture Group, said: “It’s undoubtedly been a challenging period, we needed to take prompt and decisive action to set ourselves back on a sustainably profitable course, but I firmly believe that there are exciting times ahead for Sterling, all our colleagues and customers. To that point I really want to thank all the Sterling team for their incredible hard work, commitment and support in my first nine months, where we’ve made several significant changes across the Group.

“We’re powering ahead with the major rebrand to our Sterling Home marque and our leadership team has been reinforced by a number of significant senior hires that have already put the company in the best possible position as we build on the legacy created by George Knowles and embark on the next 50 years.

“This is a historic Scottish company with a long-cherished reputation for quality and we’re brimming with ideas for how we’ll ensure Sterling is leading the way as the home of inspiration for Scottish consumers.

“We’re delighted to have received, and agreed, credit approved terms for a £10m banking facility from Royal Bank of Scotland, which we expect to confirm terms on over the coming weeks. In addition to consolidating Sterling’s existing term borrowings, the Facility provides expansionary funding, in the form of a Revolving Credit Facility, to support the exciting growth and development of the Sterling estate over the next 5 years. Working with a Scottish bank that wants to support us to grow is hugely important, and the team at RBS have listened to our plans and really stepped up to work with us. We’re really looking forward to working with them.

“Through our refreshed leadership team, clear vision for growth, ‘right-sizing’ our cost base and our exciting new store plans – starting with Hillington in the coming months - we are looking forward to Sterling’s next 50 years with optimism and confidence.”

Since joining Sterling Furniture Group, John has appointed four new directors to his leadership team. They are:
 
  • Kenny Barclay – Chief Financial Officer. Kenny was formerly Finance Director at Rangers Football Club.
  • Matt Bonar – IT Director. Matt was previously Group Information Technology Director at the Stewart Milne Group.
  • Donna MacPhee – People Director. Donna is a Human Resources and Development specialist, with experience across six different industry sectors.
  • Silvia Hernandez – Commercial Director. Silvia, a global procurement specialist, is due to join Sterling next month, bringing a wealth of buying and vendor relations expertise.

The four new directors join Sterling founder George Knowles’ family members Euan and Murray Graham, who sit on the Group and Executive Boards and George Smith Knowles, who sits on the Group Board.

Viewers in Scotland can look out for new Sterling Home ads throughout July and August: the company has secured 135 coveted 10-second spots during Good Morning Britain on STV to compliment the wider Summer Sale campaign which is due to launch on July 3rd , with all their new style TV and Radio ads voiced by Two Doors Down actress Joy McAvoy.

https://www.sterlinghome.co.uk/

27 May 2024

TOURISM CAMPAIGN RAISES A GLASS TO EIGHT OF THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND’S FOOD AND DRINK LEGENDS

The South of Scotland Destination Alliance is celebrating local excellence thanks to funding secured through Scotland Food & Drink’s Regional Food Fund

EIGHT trailblazing food and drink businesses, with an experience focus, are playing a starring role in a new promotional campaign delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA).
 
Thanks to support from the Regional Food Fund, the SSDA commissioned leading Scottish food and drink writer Cat Thomson and renowned photographer Phil Wilkinson to profile eight local ‘legends’ offering superb quality food and drink experiences in the South of Scotland. Their resulting portfolio of written profiles and high quality images is available for use by any publication, free of charge.
 
The quality local food and drink sector is a critically important part of the South of Scotland’s visitor experience, as well as a major employer, with hundreds of exemplary businesses – from restaurants and bars to specialist food producers – cooking up a storm for locals and visitors alike, right across the region.
The £6,000 project [of which £5,000 came from the Regional Food Fund, with £1,000 contributed by the SSDA] showcases eight local food and drink ‘legends’ and trailblazers who each represent different highlights of the region’s food and drink tourism experience, including recent winners of the first ever South of Scotland Thistle Awards.

The businesses, who are now set to star in a dedicated multimedia campaign on SSDA channels, including its Scotland Starts Here website and blog, are:
 
  • Kitchen Coos and Ewes in the Luce Valley, near Stranraer. Owners Neale and Janet McQuistin host visitors to their 900-acre farm, offering a variety of experiences including Highland Cow safaris. They won Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience at the 2023 South of Scotland Thistle Awards.
  • Allanton Inn, near Duns in Berwickshire, an award-winning 18th century coaching inn in the peaceful conservation village of Allanton. The Inn was named Best Eating Experience at the South of Scotland Thistle Awards 2023 in recognition of their work championing excellent local produce.
  • The Ethical Dairy near Gatehouse of Fleet, founded by Silver Thistle Award-winners Wilma and David Finlay. Their farm, Rainton Farm, was the UK’s first commercial dairy to follow the ‘cow with calf’ method. As well as farm tours, the Dairy offers cheese-making courses for people to learn how to make artisan soft and pressed cheeses.
  • Wilson’s Farm and Kitchen near Kelso, which exemplifies the story of the countryside from field to fork and runs a unique 25-mile BBQ event, with all meat and seafood sourced from within a 25-mile radius.
  • The Globe Inn in Dumfries and Annandale Distillery, Annan. The Globe Inn was a regular haunt of national bard Robert Burns. The original distillery was established in 1836 and was reborn in 2014, a 5-star visitor experience that includes hourly tours and a cafe.
  • Cocoa Black Chocolate and Pastry School in Peebles, where you can try your hand at making delicious chocolate truffles and patisserie, or sample the wide selection of handmade patisserie and indulgent hot chocolates in the café.
  • Barony Country Foods near Lockerbie, whose Barony Smokehouse uses age-old processes combined with unique methods and recipes to create beautifully smoked fish, game and poultry, which is sold at the connecting artisan farm shop.
  • Traquair House & Brewery near Innerleithen is Scotland’s oldest inhabited house – dating back to 1107, it has been visited by 27 Scottish Kings and Queens. It is home to one of Scotland's oldest breweries and recognised as a pioneer of micro-brewing. Brewery tours and ale tastings are held regularly.
David Hope Jones, Chief Executive of the SSDA, said: “We’re incredibly lucky in the South of Scotland to have such a fantastic range of superb food and drink businesses, offering unforgettable experiences for visitors and local communities to enjoy. Through this Regional Food Fund-backed project we’ve been able to shine a spotlight on a ‘Magnificent Eight’ of the sector’s trailblazers; offering everything from chocolate-making classes and Highland Coo safaris, to field-to-fork farm tours and the chance to sit on Robert Burns’ chair at his favourite howff. These examples of local excellence are sure to whet people’s appetite, inspiring them to visit and sample the experiences first-hand. We’re very grateful to the Scotland Food and Drink Partnership for making this initiative possible, helping us celebrate the cream of our region’s food and drink experiences.”
Scotland Food and Drink Partnership quote: TO FOLLOW
 
Food writer Cat Thomson, who has been nominated as Scotland’s Food and Drink Writer of the Year in the 45th Scottish Press Awards, said: “What a joy and privilege it was to speak to the people featured in this project. I hope by telling the stories of these amazing food and drink businesses, we can tempt more visitors to come to the South of Scotland."
 
The full portfolio of eight business profiles and photographs [https://platform.crowdriff.com/m/s-iGUiTu9nixbBZs8s] is available for use free of charge. Please credit: Phil Wilkinson / South of Scotland Destination Alliance

21 May 2024

WORLD’S FIRST PEDAL BIKE IMMORTALISED IN STEEL IN STRANRAER AT THE START OF MAJOR CYCLE ROUTE NAMED AFTER ITS INVENTOR

A new sculpture honouring Kirkpatrick Macmillan, inventor of the first pedal-driven velocipede, has been installed to mark the start point of 250-mile Kirkpatrick Coast 2 Coast cycling route in the South of Scotland

A STRIKING new interactive sculpture of the world’s first pedal bicycle has been installed on the West Pier in Stranraer at the official start point of a major cycle route – the Kirkpatrick C2C: South of Scotland’s Coast to Coast.

The awe-inspiring route is 250 miles – making it one of the longest coast to coast cycle routes in the UK – and ends in Eyemouth, where another eye-catching artwork has been installed to mark the finish line.

Funded by South of Scotland Enterprise, the eye-catching sculpture was created by local blacksmith brothers Finn and Sam Barlow, who won the tender late last year.

Measuring 4ft tall and 4ft wide, it is made of steel and weighs 300kg. The £14,500 piece took three months to design and build in the Barlow brothers’ workshop in Auchencairn, near Castle Douglas.
Representing the first pedal-powered bicycle – known as the velocipede and invented by Dumfriesshire blacksmith Kirkpatrick Macmillan in 1839 – the sculpture is life-sized and designed to bear weight, meaning cyclists about to attempt the route can mark the occasion with a photo of them sitting atop the representation of the first pedal bicycle.

The brothers paid homage to Kirkpatrick Macmillan through more than just the form of the sculpture, choosing to approach the project as the famous blacksmith would have by combining traditional blacksmithing skills with innovative design.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the Kirkpatrick C2C, on the Berwickshire Coast, a new artwork has been installed at Eyemouth Harbour marking the end point of the route – or the start point, depending which direction cyclists tackle it!

Unveiled last summer, the fully signposted Kirkpatrick C2C route is already proving to be a huge draw for the South of Scotland. Early projections prior to its July 2023 soft launch suggested the new route could attract up to 175,000 new visitors to the region, with a direct spend of £13.7M per year.

For cyclists who want a challenge, the Kirkpatrick C2C can be tackled over four days, while the slower Explorer Route allows riders to immerse themselves in the beauty, heritage and charm of the South of Scotland, spending eight days completing the route from Stranraer to Eyemouth with plenty of places to stay, visit, eat and drink along the way.

The development of the route has been led by South of Scotland Enterprise alongside Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders councils, South of Scotland Destination Alliance, VisitScotland and Sustrans.

Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “We are delighted to have funded the interactive sculpture, created by local blacksmith brothers, to mark the start of the Kirkpatrick C2C, South of Scotland’s Coast to Coast cycling route.
 
“SOSE has helped, alongside partners, to develop this fantastic cycling route which showcases some of the most beautiful sea views and picturesque towns across the South of Scotland.
 
“Cycling continues to offer significant social, economic and environmental opportunities to the region, and our long-term aim is to make the South the leading cycling destination in Scotland by 2032.”
 
Councillor Ian Carruthers, Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources committee said: “The Kirkpatrick C2C is a great addition to our region’s long-distance routes. As one of the UK’s longest coast to coast routes and taking in the best wild scenery the South of Scotland has to offer, it’s sure to be a challenge many will be keen to take.”
Councillor David Inglis, Vice Chair of Economy and Resources committee added: “It is fitting that this sculpture has been created by the Barlow brothers – blacksmiths based in Dumfries and Galloway, as was Kirkpatrick Macmillan. The new interactive sculpture of Kirkpatrick Macmillan’s velocipede will give residents and visitors the chance to experience this important invention.”

Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance, David Hope-Jones, said: “Created, fittingly, by innovative Auchencairn blacksmith brothers Finn and Sam Barlow, this remarkable representation of the first pedal-powered bicycle is truly evocative of the spirit of Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a blacksmith and inventor himself.

“What better way to mark the start of this fantastic new coast to coast cycling route, which takes cyclists on an unforgettable journey through the breath-taking landscapes of Dumfries & Galloway’s dramatic coastlines and rolling hills before reaching the romantic ruined abbeys and striking Victorian viaducts of the Scottish Borders, with plenty of brilliant places stay, eat and drink along the way.”

Janet Jones, Art and Engagement Officer at Creative Stranraer, said: "It's brilliant for Stranraer having the fabulous new coast to coast cycle route starting in the town, it really puts it on the map for a whole new audience of potential visitors. Creative Stranraer was thrilled to get involved in this public art project to mark the route's official start point and the Barlow brothers have absolutely knocked it out the park with their magnificent tribute in steel to Kirkpatrick Macmillan's world-changing invention.

"We hope it will inspire locals of all ages to also embrace cycling in the town and all the benefits it brings and take pride in the route starting here. We will celebrate cycling locally on 22 June, from 11-1pm at Agnew Park – come along and join the fun!”

Creators of the new sculpture, blacksmith brothers Finn and Sam Barlow, said:

“In researching this project we instinctively recognised the employment of craft skill and technological innovation which brought about the genesis of the original Kirkpatrick Velocipede. We approached our project in a similar manner, combining today's methods of CAD design and laser cutting with traditional Blacksmithing techniques to produce a viable replica of the world’s first treadle bicycle. We also built in various aspects to meet the brief as a robust and ergonomic piece of public sculpture.
 
“We hope that many people of all ages will interact with the piece, using their eyes and bodies to understand how the velocipede works and why it was such an important milestone in the development of human powered transport. Maybe they will be inspired to cycle some of the same roads that Kirkpatrick Macmillan used to test out his marvellous machine.”

20 March 2024

SOUTH OF SCOTLAND AIMS TO BECOME SCOTLAND’S “FASTEST GROWING VISITOR ECONOMY BY 2034” AS PARTNERS UNVEIL NEW RESPONSIBLE TOURISM STRATEGY

Hundreds of local businesses and communities have fed into the development of a ten-year South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy which unites all public agencies in partnership and collaboration, with unprecedented ambition for the South. It will:

  • Grow tourism spend by £1 billion to £1.76bn by 2034
  • Support a further 6,000 jobs in the sector, to 20,000 FTE by 2034
  • Develop a year-round destination that is ‘go to’ not ‘go through’
  • Increase the number of higher-spending, longer-staying international visitors
The new strategy follows the success of the initial 5-year Covid-recovery strategy which exceeded its targets two years early.
A “hugely ambitious’ new 10-year tourism strategy for the South of Scotland was launched today in Dumfries, seeking to “create Scotland’s fastest growing visitor economy”.

The South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy and action plan, which sets out radical plans for tourism in the region between now and 2034,was formally unveiled at the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA)’s third Annual Conference today.

Hundreds of delegates from across the Scottish Borders, Dumfries & Galloway and beyond packed into The Crichton’s Easterbrook Hall for a day of knowledge-sharing and networking, with inspiring speakers including Tourism Minister Richard Lochhead MSP, incoming head of Visit Iceland Oddný Arnarsdóttir, accessible travel specialist Paul Ralph and Melanie Allen of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere. The headline sponsor for the Conference was Dumfries and Galloway Council with Business Gateway.

Co-developed by five major organisations – the SSDA, South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE), VisitScotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Scottish Borders Council – with input from hundreds of businesses, organisations and communities, the new Responsible Tourism Strategy succeeds the region’s five-year post-pandemic recovery plan, whose aims were achieved two years early.

The South of Scotland set itself a Covid recovery plan for 2020-2025, aiming to establish a £750m visitor economy and increase the associated number of jobs by 6,500. It successfully exceeded these targets two years ahead of schedule, signalling the visitor economy’s resilience and potential for growth.

As agreed in the Delivery Plan of the South of Scotland’s Regional Economic Strategy (RES), all key agencies in the region came together in 2023 to develop and agree a single Responsible Tourism Strategy for the South of Scotland, with a clear Action Plan for successful delivery.

With core aims to:
  • grow tourism spend in the South of Scotland by £1 billion to £1.76bn by 2034; and
  • support a further 6,000 jobs in the sector to 20,000 FTE by 2034,

the new 10-year Strategy sets out an inspiring vision and rallying call for the South of Scotland over the coming decade:

“We will make the South of Scotland a thriving, responsible destination; leveraging our unique geography, culture, history and landscape to create Scotland’s fastest growing visitor economy, attracting international visitors, creating employment and powering community prosperity.”

The Strategy will promote the region as a ‘rural escape’ for the 14 million people within two to four hours’ travel time, as well as emphasising the appeal of the South of Scotland as an unmissable ‘go-to’ rather than ‘go-through’ destination.

It also aims to grow the number of higher-spending, longer-staying international visitors holidaying in the South of Scotland.

The Strategy sets out 22 priority areas for action, spread across four strategic objectives:
 
  • Inspire visitors to come to the South of Scotland
  • Develop the visitor experience with a focus on quality
  • Support business to succeed; and
  • Act responsibly for long-term collective benefit

The first of three three-year Action Plans (2024-2027) was also shared at the Conference, identifying 109 tangible actions which all public agencies hold themselves accountable for and will publicly report quarterly on the delivery of.

The draft text of the Strategy was shared with businesses and communities in January as the final part of the extensive consultation, receiving overwhelming support:
 
    • 84% felt there had been an inclusive, transparent and fair consultation in the development of this strategy
    • 93% of respondents who inputted to the consultation felt their views are represented in the strategy
    • 95% saw themselves being involved in the delivery of the strategy somehow
    • 97% saw themselves benefitting from the strategy

David Hope-Jones OBE, South of Scotland Destination Alliance CEO, said: “This is a game changing moment for tourism in the South of Scotland. The private, public and third sector have come together and, with one voice, have set out a plan with unprecedented ambition for the South, outlining how we will increase our visitor economy by £1bn.

“There is such a palpable sense of energy, excitement and ambition right across the region and our new Responsible Tourism Strategy lays down a clear marker of where we want to be by 2034 – namely, Scotland’s fastest growing visitor economy.

“I am hugely grateful for all who fed into and helped develop the strategy across dozens of public meetings over the last year.

“By pulling together to make this ambitious blueprint a reality we’ve already demonstrated how effectively the key agencies work together with local businesses and stakeholders as Team South. That same cohesive, mutually supportive approach will help us make the South of Scotland the most sustainable, talked about, successful, energetic and coveted destination in Scotland. Scotland truly does start here.”

Tourism Minister Richard Lochhead said: “Tourism is vital to our country, creating jobs, sustaining communities and contributing significantly to the economy. 
 
“This is especially true for more rural areas like the South of Scotland, which is the gateway to our nation with so much for visitors to see and do - from the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels to the picturesque Port Logan beach near Stranraer.
 
“The Scottish Government’s national tourism strategy Outlook 2030 contains responsible and sustainable goals for Scotland to be a world leader in 21st century tourism.
 
“The South of Scotland Tourism Strategy aligns with our national ambitions and puts in place the bedrock foundation of looking after the communities, the culture and the amazing natural heritage in this part of the country, to ensure they are here for generations to come.”

Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of both South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership and South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “Developing a long-term, ambitious tourism strategy was a key priority for the Regional Economic Partnership, and I am delighted to see public, private and third sector work together to shape what is a crucial document for the future of the South’s economy.
 
“All the partners are absolutely committed to the new South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy, which will deliver the best for our visitors, our businesses, our people, our communities and our environment.”

Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland said: “This is a hugely important piece of work and shows the strength of ambition in our partners in the South of Scotland to create a responsible tourism destination for the region.
 
“Dumfries and Galloway, and the Scottish Borders create a truly incredible visitor destination. The strategy presents an opportunity for the region to raise its profile to the world and grow visitor demand in line with the needs of businesses and local communities.
 
“Our vision is for Scotland to be one of the most economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable destinations in the world. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver this bold new approach for the South of Scotland.”

Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources Committee, Councillor Ian Carruthers, said: “This is a very useful document to enable us to plan our way forward. All too often visitors to our region pass through, and we need this plan to encourage them to stay. It would be to our mutual benefit; helping our economy and allowing tourists to enjoy the spectacular scenery Dumfries and Galloway has to offer.”
 
Vice Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Resources Committee, Councillor David Inglis, went on to say: “I welcome this strategy and it is a good example of partnership working where we have a common vision. It is an ambitious goal, but one that we will tackle together for the benefit of our visitors and our economy.”

Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Community and Business Development, said: “Our region has so much to offer visitors and we have to continue to build on the efforts across the partners, and within the tourism sector itself, to maximise the benefits for the whole of the South of Scotland.

“I am really excited by this ambitious new strategy and the development of the action plans, which have the potential to be transformative for our economy.”

14 March 2024

Peebles Hydro named as venue for the 2024 South of Scotland Thistle Awards as entries open to local businesses

Tourism and hospitality businesses across the South of Scotland urged to throw their hat into the ring and enter this year’s awards celebrating the brightest and best in their sector

TOURISM and hospitality businesses in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders are being encouraged to enter the South of Scotland Thistle Awards 2024, back after a brilliantly successful inaugural year to celebrate the leading lights of the region’s burgeoning visitor economy.
 
Awards organisers the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) today announced that Peebles Hydro in the Scottish Borders will be the proud host venue for the 2024 award celebration later in the year.
 
Set to be held on 3 October, this prestigious event will showcase and pay tribute to the quality and excellence of the South of Scotland’s tourism, hospitality and events sector, recognising the invaluable contribution made by individuals and businesses right across the region.
 
The nomination process began for the 2024 South of Scotland Thistle Awards earlier this month, with members of the public already showing their support for an outstanding local hotel, restaurant, visitor attraction or event.
 
Direct entries open on Monday 18 March allowing businesses to put themselves forward for a Thistle Award by the 28 April closing date, with the regional shortlist due to be announced in early July.
 
Regional winners who scoop a trophy at the awards event at Peebles Hydro in October will go on to fly the flag for the South of Scotland against their fellow regional winners from the rest of Scotland at the national Scottish Thistle Awards. Led by VisitScotland in collaboration with regional partners and due to be held towards the end of 2024, this year’s event marks the 30th anniversary of the Scottish Thistle Awards programme.
 
Last year, after a sell-out first ever regional awards celebration, the South of Scotland went on to scoop more national awards than any other single region, winning six Scottish Thistle Awards in total.
 
Delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and with Caledonia Park, Johnstons of Elgin, Fishers and The Cairndale Hotel returning as sponsors, the South of Scotland Regional Thistle Awards 2024 will this year feature a new ‘Rising Star’ award category to recognise emerging talent shaping the future of tourism in the region.
 
Entries for the 2024 South of Scotland Regional Thistle Awards open on 18 March, closing on 28 April. To find out more and enter, see the SSDA's website.
 
David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said:
“The South of Scotland Thistle Awards are heading to the Scottish Borders for what promises to be a very special event at Peebles Hydro this October, following the resounding success of last year’s inaugural regional awards celebration in Dumfries.
 
“These awards shine a very welcome spotlight on the remarkable achievements of our local tourism and hospitality businesses, whose hard work and dedication to quality and excellence really put the South of Scotland on the map as a thriving visitor destination. As entries officially open, we encourage as many fantastic businesses as possible to step forward and seize the opportunity to be honoured at the Thistle Awards this year.”
 
Caroline Raeburn, Hotels Manager at Peebles Hydro, who herself scooped a Tourism and Hospitality Hero Thistle Award at the Lothian & Borders regional finals in 2022, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Peebles Hydro has been selected as the venue for the prestigious South of Scotland Thistle Awards for 2024. Hosting this landmark event underscores our commitment to excellence in hospitality and tourism in the South of Scotland and is testament to the warmth and hospitality of the Peebles Hydro team.”
 
“We are proud to be able to showcase not only the impressive event and conferencing capabilities of our venue but also the vibrant spirit and quality of tourism in our region.”
 
Professor Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “We had a hugely successful first South of Scotland Thistle Awards in 2023, with six of our regional winners going on to claim national titles.
 
“With that success in mind, I would encourage businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector to enter the 2024 South of Scotland Thistle Awards and join us for a fantastic night at the Peebles Hydro later this year.”
 
Rob Longworth, Heritage Manager at Trimontium Museum, which won Best Visitor Attraction at the inaugural South of Scotland Thistle Awards in 2023 said: “Winning the Best Visitor Attraction 2023 has been a fantastic experience. It has provided the team of volunteers, trustees and staff at Trimontium Museum with the understanding that their hard work has been acknowledged and judged as the best of the best.
 
“The awards process from application to presentation has brought a sense of pride and fulfilment to the team and the associated impact on our profile and visibility for customers has been much welcomed.”

Keith Mundell, Retail Sales and Operations Manager for Johnstons of Elgin in Hawick, said: “We’re so proud to be sponsoring the south of Scotland Thistle awards, we don’t shout enough about what we do, and we should. It’s brilliant to celebrate communities, tourism and hospitality business and attractions. These events give the south of Scotland a well-deserved spotlight on everything we have been doing for years.”

8 March 2024

ALL-WOMEN TASTING PANEL SELECTS SPECIAL WHISKIES AS GLOBAL WHISKY CLUB CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society has released five special bottlings from all-women Tasting Panel and will donate 5% of profits to the OurWhisky Foundation

As part of its celebrations for International Women’s Day 2024, global whisky club The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is releasing five special-edition single cask whiskies selected by an all-women Tasting Panel.
 
The SMWS, which was founded in Leith, Edinburgh in 1983 and now has over 41,000 members worldwide, has announced that 5% of the profits from the total sale of the five bottles will be donated to the OurWhisky Foundation, a non-profit organisation that seeks to support and empower women in the global whisky industry.
 
The all-women Tasting Panel was hosted at the Society’s headquarters at The Vaults in Leith, Edinburgh, to mark International Women’s Day 2023. The SMWS has a unique whisky selection process, in which members of the Tasting Panel are kept anonymous, and the origin of the whiskies – which are bottled at cask-strength and hand-picked from over 140 distilleries in Scotland and beyond – are not disclosed. Each member of the Tasting Panel had to have been recommended by an existing member and have passed the necessary sensory evaluation test.
 
Each of the five whiskies has a quirky name chosen by the expert Tasting Panel. The sweet, fruity and mellow “A Toffee-Coated Hay Bale” and the peated “Hebridean Hamper” are for international release, the old and dignified “Liquid Riches” and the rich “A Humble Mountain Feast” for UK & EU only, and the spicy and sweet “Christmas on The Beach” is limited to Members’ Rooms release. The UK & EU release bottles will be available to buy online and in UK Members’ Rooms from 8th of March.
 
With tasting notes ranging from orange peel and freshly sprung wildflowers to new trainers and chicken chow mein, the whiskies fall into a wide variety of flavour profiles, each offering a unique sensory experience.
 
Founded in 2018 as a movement to champion inclusion and diversity in the whisky industry, the OurWhisky Foundation was reestablished as a non-profit organisation in March 2022. It offers qualifications and internship schemes as well as a mentorship programme and various workshops, all of which are free resources designed to help women progress within the male-dominated whisky industry. 
 
Founder and CEO Becky Paskin said: “As a non-profit, we rely on support from the whisky industry to help us achieve our objectives of recognising, supporting and empowering women in whisky. It’s so important that whisky organisations invest in women working in whisky, and this project is a perfect example of that.

“Hosting an all-women tasting panel is a great way to facilitate conversation and challenge the outdated and gendered image of the whisky industry that remains prevalent today. Anyone who tries these exceptional whiskies will be left in no doubt about the importance of highlighting women in whisky!”
 
The OurWhisky Foundation is partnering with Whisky Auctioneer, the global market leader on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction, to launch the Demeter Collection, the world’s first auction of whiskies celebrating female achievement. The auction will be hosted from the 29th of March to the 8th of April this year, coinciding with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day.  SMWS’s Cask no. 44.179 Christmas on the Beach will be included at the auction.
 
Julie Roberts, Brand Innovation Manager at the SMWS, was one of 50 women to take place in the OurWhisky Foundation Mentorship and Coaching Programme of 2023, and describes the mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities as a “pivotal chapter” in her career.
 
She said: “Our all-women Tasting Panel last year was a huge success, and this special collection of whiskies is a real testament to that. The five exemplary whiskies selected during the tasting are a celebration of women in whisky, and we are proud to contribute a percentage of the sales of the bottles to the OurWhisky Foundation, a brilliant organisation that is helping to pave the way in encouraging women into the whisky industry.
 
“Women have always played a key role in the evolution of the Society; from our first managing director Anne Dana driving early membership uptake in the 1980s and establishing the first tasting room when the Society was in its infancy, to our growing number of women members, and the many women across our venues, international branches and teams.
 
“With that in mind, we encourage everyone to join us in raising a dram to women in whisky this International Women’s Day!”
 
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is holding several International Women’s Day events in their Glasgow and Edinburgh venues, each celebrating the women of the Society with a five-dram tasting of the new special bottlings led by five women who are long-standing and passionate Society members.
 
The first event took place at The Vaults in Leith on the 7th of March, and further events take place on 8th of March, with tickets available for purchase here: Bath Street and Queen Street.

28 February 2024

The Thistle Awards are back for 2024, honouring the South of Scotland’s magnificent tourism and hospitality sector

Nominate your local heroes and celebrate quality and excellence in the Scottish Borders’ and Dumfries & Galloway’s visitor economy

After a hugely successful first year, the South of Scotland’s regional Thistle Awards are back for 2024, showcasing the finest in Scottish tourism and hospitality across the region, with nominations open from 1 March and a dedicated online session on offer to help businesses craft a winning entry.
Spearheaded at national level by VisitScotland, in collaboration with regional partners, the 2024 awards commemorate the 30th anniversary of the esteemed Scottish Thistle Awards Programme.

Last year saw the first ever South of Scotland Thistle Awards take place, culminating in a fabulous awards celebration at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries attended by the leading lights of tourism and hospitality from right across the region.

The success didn’t end there, either – the South of Scotland triumphed at the national finals, taking home six Scottish Thistle Awards, double the number scooped by any other single region.

Nominations open on Friday 1 March – and entries on 18 March - for the regional 2024 South of Scotland Thistle Awards, again proudly sponsored by Caledonia Park and Fishers and delivered by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), supported by South of Scotland Enterprise.
Through this initial stage, members of the public can show their support and appreciation for a hotel, restaurant, visitor attraction or event whose quality and excellence makes them a prime contender for an award by nominating businesses to consider applying once direct entries open on 18 March.
Entries must be submitted by the closing date of 28 April 2024, with the regional shortlist due to be announced in July.

Plans are already well under way for this year’s awards celebration on Thursday 3 October, with the venue to be announced in the coming weeks.
Showcasing the very best in tourism and hospitality across the South of Scotland, the 2024 Thistle Awards feature a new ‘Rising Star’ award category for 2024, recognising emerging talent shaping the future of tourism in the region.

Last year, the South of Scotland Thistle Awards saw 112 entries and more than 200 nominations.

To help businesses craft a winning Thistle Awards application, the SSDA are hosting a free webinar on 7 March, guiding participants through the nomination process for the 2024 Thistle Awards.

David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said: “Last year’s inaugural South of Scotland Thistle awards were a brilliant success, and it was wonderful to see so many quality businesses from the South of Scotland being recognised by their industry peers in the region and throughout Scotland. If you know a tourism or hospitality business in your local community that deserves to be celebrated for excellence and innovation, then this is the time. Get your nomination in and show them your support!”

Rory Steel, owner of The Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge, which won Best Bar or Pub at both the 2023 South of Scotland Thistle Awards and the national Scottish Thistle Awards, said: “Being nominated for a Thistle Award was a thrill in itself, but winning the Best Pub accolade was a different level.  The whole team is still buzzing from it, and the impact it’s had on the profile for the Cross Keys Inn has been dramatic.  We have a lot to live up to in 2024, and it’s a challenge we are relishing!

"If any businesses are pondering whether or not to apply this year, I'd tell them to do it in a heartbeat. It's a huge boost to your organisation's morale being involved in the Thistle Awards process and a great way to meet and learn from the excellent businesses working to make the South of Scotland the incredible destination it is.”

Melanie Allen, owner of Nithbank Country Estate, won four national Scottish Thistle Awards in 2023, including Tourism Individual of the Year. She said:

“I am thrilled to see the launch of the Thistle Award nominations for 2024, inviting individuals across the South of Scotland to acknowledge and nominate the outstanding tourism businesses, enterprises, and individuals who epitomise authenticity and excellence in their field. Being honoured with both regional and national Thistle Awards in 2023 was an immensely gratifying experience, personally and for my business. These awards not only distinguish your contribution but also foster invaluable connections and partnerships within industry.

“Whether as a winner, finalist, or nominee, the Thistle Awards provide a platform for reflection, recognition, and connection. They stand as a testament to the tireless efforts of our tourism community and the enduring spirit of hospitality that defines Scotland's identity. Celebrate the remarkable achievements of Scottish tourism talent and nominate those who deserve to be honoured. Let us make 2024 another year of unparalleled success for the South of Scotland!”

Caledonia Park Centre Director Scott Wells said: "We are incredibly proud to sponsor and support the South of Scotland Thistle Awards. This platform allows us to recognise and celebrate the excellence and success of outstanding individuals, businesses, and partnerships within our tourism, hospitality, and events industry.

“At Caledonia Park Designer Outlet, Gretna, we understand the importance of acknowledging and championing the very best that the South of Scotland has to offer. We are honoured to be a part of an event that showcases the exceptional innovation and quality that our region has to offer.”

Gordon Smith, VisitScotland Destination Development Director – South of Scotland, said: “The Scottish Thistle Awards champion the very best of the Scottish tourism and events industry. It was fantastic to have so many regional finalists go on to become national winners. This testament to the passion and dedication of those who work tirelessly to ensure the South of Scotland is a must-visit destination.

 “By winning a Scottish Thistle Award, tourism businesses join a prestigious roll of honour, earning recognition as one of the best in the country and gaining support to maximise the opportunity and support responsible tourism growth.?As nominations open, this is a chance for everyone across the region to recognise their tourism heroes and give them a vote of confidence to enter this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards.”
 
All South of Scotland tourism and hospitality businesses are eligible to join the SSDA’s free webinar on writing a winning Thistle Awards application on Thursday 7 March, from 2pm to 3.30pm.

To find out more about the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, including nomination guidelines and information about the entry process, visit the SSDA’s online Thistles hub.
 

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