A PEEBLESSHIRE hotel is now home to one of only two restaurants in the Scottish Borders to have been awarded 2 AA Rosettes.

Staff at Cringletie House, near Eddleston, were this week celebrating after being given the accolade.

The AA Rosette scheme recognises excellence within the restaurant industry and to receive this recognition is a huge achievement.

It is estimated by the AA that across the UK, only 10 percent of restaurants are of a standard which is worthy of 1 rosette and above.

To achieve two rosettes, a restaurant needs to achieve higher standards and better consistency, with a greater precision apparent in the cooking, and there obvious attention in the selection of quality ingredients.

Head chef Iain Gourlay has transformed the restaurant menus since joining the 15-bedroom hotel in July 2018, showcasing the best of Scottish produce served with a twist.

The restaurant has also recently unveiled a new Sunday lunch menu with the local Tweed Valley beef receiving great acclaim.

Iain, who has nearly 20 years experience in some of the top restaurants in the country, told us: “I am absolutely delighted with the award of 2 AA Rosettes.

"It's an achievement for the whole team, both the kitchen and front of house and a testament to their hard work.

"I'd also like to thank Bill and Ann Cross for their support since purchasing the hotel earlier in the year."

Cringletie House and the surrounding 28-acre estate was purchased by Cross Hotels in February.

There has been significant investment in staff training, the estate and property this year, with further investment planned for 2020.

Owner Bill Cross said: “Since acquiring Cringletie we have been working hard with the food and beverage team on the hotel’s food offering.

"The 2 AA Rosettes are recognition that those endeavours are starting to bear fruit and we are very proud of what the F&B team here at Cringletie have achieved.”

In October 2019, Cringletie House beat off tough competition to be awarded Hotel Dining Experience of the Year at the Hotel Awards Scotland.