Yahoo News Historic 400-year-old pub and favourite haunt of Robert Burns named 'best eating experience' in Scotland
Dumfries and Galloway has enjoyed a double success at the Scottish tourism industry’s equivalent of the Oscars.
The Globe Inn on Dumfries High Street was named the best eating experience at the Scottish Thistle Awards, with Wigtown Book Festival named outstanding cultural event.
The two winners were among a string of Dumfries and Galloway hopefuls at the national finals held in Glasgow on Thursday night after they progressed from the South of Scotland event.
The Globe Inn was established in 1610 and is known to be a favourite haunt of Robert Burns. It now offers a contemporary dining experience with a focus on fresh, local produce and innovative Scottish cuisine.
Judges of the best eating experience category were impressed the restaurant combined storytelling and food to create a fantastic and unique experience and for its collaboration with local activity providers, tour operators and food suppliers which helped showcase the local area, history and the provenance of the food.
Head of cuisine, Jonathan Brett, said: “We’re ecstatic. This award recognises our team’s dedication to creating a truly special dining experience. Fresh, local ingredients, innovative cuisine, and passionate service come together at The Globe Inn. It’s a win for us and for the south of Scotland.”
Wigtown Book Festival took the outstanding cultural event prize, sponsored by STV. The autumn festival in Scotland’s Book Town attracts thousands of visitors, with a packed programme offering high-quality literary events.
Judges gave praise to the festival’s commitment to sustainability, its ability to adapt and respond to feedback and its exceptional roots in the community
Chair of Wigtown Festival Company, Cathy Agnew, said: “Over the last 26 years Wigtown has grown into a much-loved mainstay of the annual festivals calendar, attracting large numbers of visitors to Galloway and contributing significantly to Scotland’s amazing cultural tourism offering.
“It’s terrific that the work of our staff and dedicated army of volunteers has been recognised with this award. It’s a real boost to our confidence and morale. We’re thrilled.”
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The Scottish Thistle Awards, sponsored by Johnstons of Elgin and delivered by VisitScotland, have been running for more than three decades, recognising excellence in the tourism industry.
Chair of the Scottish Thistle Award industry panel, Steven Walker, said: “Congratulations to both The Globe Inn and Wigtown Book Festival on being crowned winners at this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards national final. This is a remarkable achievement and shines a spotlight on the excellent tourism offerings available in Dumfries and Galloway.
“Earning recognition as one of the best in the country is a fantastic accomplishment. It not only shines a spotlight on the region but also underscores the positive impact our tourism and events industry has on Scotland as a whole.
