A WALKERBURN restaurant has scooped one of VisitScotland's most prestigious accolades.

Windlestraw, which was built in 1906, was granted the five-star Quality Assurance award, following its latest grading visit.

The Edwardian manor overlooking the Tweed Valley, is home to a restaurant, and six bedrooms and is set within two acres of landscaped grounds.

And it is the only restaurant with rooms to hold the coveted five stars in the Borders.

John and Sylvia Matthews, owners of Windlestraw, told us: “We are thrilled to have received this award.

"We are passionate about Windlestraw, Walkerburn and the Tweed Valley and we are absolutely delighted to reach this milestone and be recognised amongst the very best in Scotland.

"Full credit to our small team – head chef Stu and housekeepers Lizzy and Emily – who continue to raise the bar for hospitality in the region.

"We believe that the Borders is a 'must everything'….visit, stay, do, dine, explore, return in any Scottish travel itinerary.

"Thank you to the Visit Scotland team for all their support."

The accommodation was originally built as a wedding gift for the future wife of the Scottish cashmere mill owner, John King Ballantyne.

And it was recently crowned the Most Hospitable Hotel for Lothian & Borders at the 2017/18 Regional Thistle Awards.

Paula Ward, regional leadership director of VisitScotland, said: "Congratulations to John and Sylvia on this fantastic achievement.

"Their restaurant with rooms is a shining example of the quality experience on offer in the Scottish Borders.

"It is great to see their hard work and commitment to providing a quality service being recognised firstly at the Scottish Thistle Awards and now with this prestigious award.

"Our Quality Assurance scheme helps businesses to reach their full potential and truly shine.

"The scheme is about more than just the ‘stars’ on the door – it’s about the entire visitor experience, about investing in your business, driving-up quality and creating jobs.

"Delivering a quality experience that meets, and exceeds, visitor expectations is crucial in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination."