Eco bothie business gets gong at awards

A luxury lodge and eco-friendly bothies businesses in Dumfries and Galloway have been crowned Scotland's best.

- SHARON LIPTROTT

Loch Ken Eco Bothies, near Castle Douglas, scooped Best Self-catering or Unique Stay and Knockinaam Lodge near Portpatrick won Best Luxury Experience at the Scottish Thistle Awards national final at the Hilton Glasgow on Thursday night - the country's top tourism and events industry awards.

The off grid Loch Ken Eco Bothies - which featured on George Clarke's Amazing Spaces on Channel 4 - feature their own bio rock sewage disposal systems, and supported by a bore hole that provides clean and crystal-clear water. Each bothy has its own bespoke wood fired hot tub, a kayak and or stand up paddle boards from which guests can explore the wonders of Loch Ken.

The judges praised the business for delivering “an exceptional guest experience, combining strong sustainable practices and local partnerships with innovative ideas that ensure both high quality service and long-term resilience”.