Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell has congratulated three local firms, and the Tour of Britain, for being shortlisted in the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards.
Run by VisitScotland, the Scottish Thistle Awards are designed to discover and celebrate excellence and innovation by the Scottish tourism industry.
Known as the ‘Oscars’ of Scottish tourism, the awards shortlist for 2013 includes the Tour of Britain, the UK’s answer to the Tour of France, and an event which included a Dumfriesshire stage last year, and again this September.
The ‘Tour’ has been shortlisted in the best sporting event category for the Central South West region.
Also shortlisted, twice, is the Hetland Garden Centre near Dumfries. They are in the best cafe, bar or restaurant category, and also in the entrepreneur section.
The Galloway Activity Centre is also shortlisted for an entrepreneur award, while the Gretna Green Famous Blacksmith’s Shop is the only name shortlisted for the best shopping experience award.
The winners of these regional awards will be announced at the New Lanark World Heritage Village, itself a past winner, on June 5. The regional winners will go forward to the Scottish finals later in the year.
“Tourism is a very important industry in our region and so I am delighted that this year we have four organisations shortlisted for five awards. This demonstrates the quality of the product and the skills and expertise of those running them. I wish everyone involved my congratulations and wish them the very best of luck at next month’s regional finals,” said Mr Mundell.