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A family-run hotel in Dumfries has been named the best in the South of Scotland, securing a place in the national finals of the Scottish Thistle Awards.
The Cairndale Hotel and Spa won the regional Best Hotel title at the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, beating competition from five-star establishments to progress to the national ceremony at Edinburgh International Conference Centre on November 20.
The 86-bedroom hotel, owned by the Wallace family for more than 40 years, was recognised for its transformation into a leading hospitality destination.
It triumphed over SCHLOSS Roxburghe in Kelso and Knockinaam Lodge near Portpatrick.
Recent investment at The Cairndale includes a £2 million adults-only destination spa, which opened in July 2024 and has attracted visitors from across the UK and overseas. The spa has since received the highest Five Bubble Luxury rating from the UK Good Spa Guide.
The hotel has continued to develop its offering with the launch of a new dining venue, The Oak, and the refurbishment of 12 luxury bedrooms. Further upgrades are planned for 2027.
The regional awards are organised by the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and recognise excellence across the region’s tourism and hospitality industries.
The Cairndale will now compete for a national award at the Scottish Thistle Awards, often described as Scotland’s tourism Oscars.
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Matthew Wallace Junior, director at The Cairndale, said: "We're delighted to have been named Best Hotel in the South of Scotland.
"To receive this recognition among such exceptional company, including two outstanding five-star hotels, makes the achievement particularly special.
"It’s a reflection of the hard work, passion and dedication of our entire team, who have embraced our ambitions and helped achieve so much in a relatively short time.
"As a family-owned and operated hotel, we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved.
"We have invested significantly in creating a destination that attracts visitors to Dumfries and the wider South of Scotland.
"It’s particularly rewarding to see that ambition recognised at this level.
"However, we have no intention of standing still.
"We have ambitious plans to continue enhancing the hotel and the experiences we offer our guests, and believe there is tremendous potential for Dumfries and Galloway to attract even more visitors in the years ahead."