A pub in the Scottish Borders has been named the best in Scotland at a prestigious award ceremony.

Last week, VisitScotland held the final for its Scottish Thistle Awards, an annual event recognising the very best of the tourism industry.

Among the winners named, The Cross Keys in the village of Ettrickbridge in the Scottish Borders was named champion in the Best Bar or Pub category.

The business, which reopened earlier this year after a major refurbishment, also won the category last year and was praised by VisitScotland for its "welcoming accommodation and fine range of drinks led by local beers and ales".

Discussing the honour, a spokesperson for the pub said: "We’re absolutely blown away to have won this award for the second year running!

"It’s wonderful to be recognised and rewarded for the huge effort our team makes every day to raise the bar in Scottish hospitality.

"Thank you to everyone who has played their part in putting the Cross Keys Inn right back where it belongs at the heart of our local community."

The bar is also well-liked by visitors with users on Tripadvisor giving the spot a 5/5 out of 279 reviews.

One person wrote: "Great experience from a guest’s perspective. Idyllic location, very welcoming and warm Inn staff, and delicious food and drink."

Another added: "Great food and service staff are so cheery and helpful."

See all the winners named at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2024

These are all the winners named at the 2024 Scottish Thistle Awards.

  • Rising Star Award — Hannah Cochrane, SEC
  • Innovation in Tourism — Loch Ness Hub & Travel, Inverness
  • Best Self-Catering or Unique Stay — Kabn, Loch Fyne
  • Best Hotel Experience — Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, Dundee
  • Best B&B or Guest House Experience — Glenegedale House, Islay
  • Best Bar or Pub — The Cross Keys Inn, Ettrickbridge
  • Best Eating Experience — The Globe Inn, Dumfries & Galloway
  • Tourism Individual of the Year — Russell Fraser, Loch Ness Hub & Travel
  • Best Visitor Attraction — The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh

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  • Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience — Nevis Range, Fort William
  • Climate Action Award — Glasgow Science Centre
  • Celebrating Thriving Communities — Friends of Dundonald Castle SCIO, Kilmarnock
  • Inclusive Tourism Award — Trimontium Museum, Melrose
  • Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival — Wigtown Book Festival
  • Outstanding Sporting Event — World Athletics Indoor Championships
  • Best Business Event — Association of Cardiovascular Nursing & Allied Professions Annual Conference 2023 at the EICC, Edinburgh
  • Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year — Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, Edinburgh
  • Best Luxury Experience — Trump Turnberry, Girvan
  • Silver Thistle — Kat Brogan, Mercat Tours

Find out more about the awards on the VisitScotland website.