Hospitality Hotspots: The Scottish Borders

By Altius Group

09 Aug 2021

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.

Latest news

1

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway Alan McBride Muse Will Town Defence Infrastructure Organisation Jennifer Chard Defence Business Services Cllr Lynn Williams Blackpool Council Garry Bowker Vinci

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway

20 May 2025

2

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities Skiddle cheque presentation to Alder Hey Hospital

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities

20 May 2025

3

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion The site

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion

19 May 2025

4

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing Oliver Webber, Tracy Clavell-Bate and Tim Webber from Barnfield Group with Cllr Phil Riley, second from right, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing

19 May 2025

5

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025 Mark Long

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025

19 May 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200pxtrident 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May
Freelancer Meet-Up May.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May

society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29
Artboard 15.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
29 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin