Hospitality Hotspots: The Scottish Borders

Scotland finds itself in the middle of a staycation boom. Estimates suggest that by September, around 16 million UK adults will have enjoyed a post-lockdown break with approximately 40% spending time in Scotland. A recent survey from Barclays anticipates that the total UK spend on domestic holidays this year will reach £31bn.

In the second instalment of our hospitality hotspots series, we shine a spotlight on the Scottish Borders. Defined equally by its history and stunning landscapes – Sir Walter Scott or desolate abbeys may spring to mind, but the regions present and future are just as captivating as its past.

Outdoor Activities

The region boasts more than 1,500 miles of dedicated walking routes. One of the most stunning is John Buchan Way that connects Peebles to Broughton through the hills and valleys of Tweeddale and crosses the River Tweed. The route takes its name from novelist John Buchan, author of The Thirty-Nine Steps, the first popular spy thriller and precursor to James Bond.

For the golfer, Eyemouth Course overlooks the rugged Berwickshire coastline, with the 6th hole previously named “Britain’s Most Extraordinary Golf Hole”. Meanwhile, the 13th hole is Scotland’s longest, measuring 656 yards.

The abundance of mountain biking trails within the region will soon benefit from the £394.5m Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal recently signed by the UK and Scottish Governments and local authorities. £19m has already been committed to the world’s first Mountain Bike Innovation Centre, integrated adventure Bike Park and Trail Lab in Innerleithen. This development is estimated to drive an additional 100,000 visitors per year to the region.

Culture

The Borders Textile Towerhouse in Hawick brings to life over 200 years of tradition and knitwear luxury through the story of the town’s famous cashmere and tweed industries. Artefacts, photographs, and film show how skilled local textile workers supplied Chanel, Dior, and Vivienne Westwood.

St Abbs on the Berwickshire coastline recently had a starring role in Avengers: Endgame as Thor’s town, New Asgard. The film is the second highest-grossing of all time, taking $2.798 billion worldwide. Beyond Marvel blockbusters, the area contains the incredible St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve. Formed by volcanoes 400 million years ago, this dramatic headland with plunging cliffs, carpets of wildflowers and clear waters is home to a spectacular colony of seabirds.

Food & Drink

The Borders is blessed with a local culinary scene that draws upon local produce. Freshly caught seafood, homegrown beef and lamb, and freshly picked berries supply an array of superb restaurants in the region. The menus at The Hoebridge and Provender, both based in Melrose, are testament to this.

Sweet tooths should join the international chefs, celebrities, and royals who have all paid a visit to Cocoa Black Chocolate Boutique in Peebles to enjoy the stunning creations of UK World Chocolate Master Ruth Hinks.

The water quality in the region previously propelled the knitwear and tweed industries and it now provides excellence in the distilling and brewing process. The Borders Distillery in Hawick distils whisky, gin, and vodka from a carefully converted former electrical works building on the banks of the River Teviot. The distillery aims to capture the true spirit of the Borders and offers expert-led guided tours.

The Borders is home to one of the most innovative craft beer breweries in the UK with Tempest Brewing Co. A former Scottish Brewery of the Year, their Tweedbank brewery hosts various events from their taproom and outdoor space with food trucks.

To Stay

The region contains a range of accommodations for all budgets and requirements, and Bruce & Co are delighted to feature three exceptional businesses for sale within this special and unique region.

We have a stunning 9-bed boutique hotel with extraordinary views that was a recent Travellers Choice Winner. Set across 3.5 acres of private woodland that includes a paddock, the sale consists of the owners 3-bedroom penthouse apartment.

Next up is a beautifully presented guest house with 6-bed accommodation over three floors. This business is trading well and has further potential for expansion.

Finally, we are delighted to offer a highly rated and long-established 6-bed guest house in a prime town-centre location that includes ample owner’s accommodation.

If you are looking to acquire a business within the Scottish Borders or beyond, please contact Bruce & Co on 01772 775 775.

For business owners interested in long-term business partnerships or who are open to putting their business on the market, please call Bruce & Co on 01772 775 761.