TWO Cumnock businesses have won big at the prestigious West of Scotland Thistle Awards. 

Blackstone Clydesdales and Dumfries House Lodges picked up gongs at the glittering ceremony in Glasgow on September 19.

The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate the very best of the tourism and events industry across the country.

Blackstone Clydesdales was named as Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience on the night.

The family-run farm based in Cumnock is home to a small select breeding herd of Clydesdale horses as well as other animals.

It was praised by judges for its "inspiring approach to protecting, conserving and celebrating Scotland’s connection to Clydesdales". 

Owner John Duncan said: “We are both honoured and humbled to receive the Scottish Thistle Regional Award.

(Image: Connor Mollison)

"To our amazing team, visitors and followers who are helping us preserve the stars of this award the Scottish Clydesdale, recognised as the Work Horse of the World and a breed with a true legacy worthy of preservation.” 

The Best B&B or Guest House Experience award was presented to Dumfries House Lodges. 

Sitting on the edge of 2,000 acres of the Dumfries House Estate and only a few hundred metres from Dumfries House itself, Dumfries House Lodge is an exclusive 5 star country guest house offering luxury accommodation

Restaurant manager Andrea Finch said: “We are delighted to be recognised as Best B&B or Guest House Experience.

"The 5 Star Dumfries House Lodge is the jewel in the crown of the Dumfries House Estate. We are so delighted to have a fantastic team who ensure all guests are treated like royalty.” 

VisitScotland Regional Director Lynsey Eckford said: “Congratulations to all of the winners from Ayrshire and Arran at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards.

"It is fantastic to see such recognition for our tourism offering and the passionate and dedicated individuals who work within it. 

“These awards demonstrate the variety and quality of the tourism and events offering in the region and I would like to extend my best wishes to the regional finalists, in particular the regional winners as they now go forward to the national final in November.”