THE Borders' top tourism talent will go on show at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh in November.

A total of 11 local businesses and events have made it through to the Thistle regional finals which will take place at Prestonfield House, hosted by TV presenter and former Miss Scotland, Jennifer Reoch.

The event, which is in its 24th year, received a record breaking 715 entries, all hoping to make the national finals at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in March.

The coveted prizes recognise hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions and individuals who go the extra mile and chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel, Rebecca Brooks, says businesses in the Borders deserve recognition for their work.

She said: "It is fantastic to see a high calibre of shortlisted entrants for this year’s awards from an amazing record-breaking number of entries. 

"The Scottish tourism industry and hospitality sector prides itself on delivering a rewarding experience for visitors and we are delighted to recognise those deserving nominees for their dedication to quality.

"Tourism is more than a holiday experience; it creates jobs and sustains communities in every corner of Scotland all year round and is at the heart of our country’s economy," she added.

"The Scottish Thistle Awards are a chance to celebrate the shining stars of innovation and excellence in our tourism and hospitality sector and recognise those who strive to offer visitors a truly memorable experience of Scotland. 

"On behalf of the panel I’d like to wish all the nominees the best of luck for the upcoming regional finals."

Doug Wilson, Regional Director at VisitScotland, added: "We are delighted to have so many representatives from the Scottish Borders in the running for a regional award in this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards. 

"This is fantastic news for the region and shows the quality of what visitors can experience here. 

"These businesses have an excellent chance of securing a place at the national Scottish Thistle Awards which will take place in March next year.

"It is also testament to the passion and dedication of those working within the tourism industry in the region that we have two individuals shortlisted.

"I’d like to wish all individuals and businesses the best of luck."

The Businesses up for awards:

Best Sporting Event: Tour of Britain
Most Hospitable Hotel: The Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course (Near Kelso) and Windlestraw (Walkerburn)
Best Accommodation Provider: Airhouses (Lauder)
Best Restaurant Experience: Firebrick (Lauder)
Best Informal Eating Experience: Born in the Borders (Jedburgh)
Tourism & Hospitality Hero: Hamish Reid - The Abbotsford Trust
Working Together For Tourism: Born in the Borders (Jedburgh) and ScotRail
Innovation in Tourism Award: Born in the Borders (Jedburgh) and The Park
For further information or to book a place at the regional finals, go to www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk