Monday November 24th 2025
Rory and Vicki Steel with their award
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
It’s a hat-trick for Borders village pub after it was named the best in Scotland for the third year running at a prestigious awards ceremony.
VisitScotland held the final for its Scottish Thistle Awards at the Hilton in Glasgow on Friday, November 21, an annual event recognising the very best of the tourism industry.
Among the winners named, The Cross Keys in the village of Ettrickbridge was again recognised in the Best Bar or Pub category.
The 17th century coaching inn, which reopened in 2023 after a major refurbishment overseen by new owners Rory and Vicki Steel, also won in the same category for the last two years.
The watering hole was recently put up on the market with an asking price of over £500k.
A pub spokesperson said: “We’re over the moon to have brought home a Scottish Thistle Award for the third year in a row – a true hat-trick for the Cross Keys Inn.
“Being recognised at a national level is a real honour… but three years running is something really special.
“It’s a testament to our amazing team, who pour their all into everything we do – from great food and welcoming smiles, to the community spirit that keeps our pub at the heart of the village.
“A massive thank you to our incredible staff, our loyal guests, and our wonderful local community. Your support means the world to us, and we truly couldn’t do this without you. Here’s to many more good times at the Cross Keys Inn.”
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