Regional News

The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) today unveiled a record-breaking shortlist for the 2025 South of Scotland Thistle Awards, celebrating the region’s outstanding tourism businesses, events, and individuals committed to delivering exceptional visitor experiences.    This year, there are 44 finalists across 15 categories, up from 30 finalists in the previous year, demonstrating the…

As summer begins, the Annandale Distillery Group is thrilled to announce the launch of its new Tri-Site Ticket, offering exceptional value and access to its three multi-award nominated visitor attractions: Annandale Distillery, The Globe Inn, and the Henry Duncan Savings Banks Museum. This exciting initiative invites locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the…

Significant progress was made in 2024 to ensure the South of Scotland achieves its aim of becoming one of the world’s leading cycling destinations. The latest South of Scotland Cycling Partnership Strategy annual review highlights the various achievements and activities by businesses, community groups and public sector across the region over the last 12 months.…

The SSDA invites local tourism businesses to a special digital meeting with the Chief Corporate Officer of Center Parcs UK, Mr Raj Singh-Dehal, to discuss the proposed new Center Parcs holiday village between Hawick and Selkirk.   Thursday 27th February 2025 3.30 – 4.30pm Book your place here   It was announced on the 5th November…

The deadline for submissions to the NatureScot consultation on the proposed Galloway National Park is 14th February and we strongly encourage all visitor economy businesses to feed in their views before then.  Take part here.   Visitor economy businesses keen to learn more about the impact of national parks are encouraged to join a webinar…

The South of Scotland’s efforts to become one of the world’s leading cycling destinations has been recognised with a nomination for a global award. The South has been shortlisted for the inaugural UCI Cycling for All & Sustainability Awards in the UCI Bike City Category. Unlocking the Power of the Bike The submission – entitled…

The new national astronomical observatory will be located at Clatteringshaws Loch within the Galloway Forest Park, Scotland’s only Gold Tier Dark Sky Park  More than three years after being destroyed by a fire, The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory is set to have a new home in Dumfries & Galloway on the banks of Clatteringshaws Loch…

The 12 winners of the region’s second annual Thistle Awards flew the flag for the South of Scotland at last night’s national awards ceremony, securing four victories  Leading lights of tourism and hospitality in the South of Scotland celebrated at the national Scottish Thistle Awards ceremony in Glasgow last night, taking home four awards altogether,…