A PENINSULA hotel has won a top prize at the Scottish Thistle Awards’ west regional finals.

Knockderry House in Cove was awarded the Best Eating Experience accolade, sponsored by Caledonian MacBrayne, at the event at Oran Mor in Glasgow recently.

The 15-bedroom hotel and restaurant was praised by judges for its focus on food provenance and for offering a “very warm, welcoming and authentic quality Scottish experience” for guests.

Owners Beth and Murdo MacLeod said: “the entire team work in harmony to deliver the complete experience for our guests, often going the extra mile to exceed expectations.

“It is therefore fitting and particularly pleasurable for us to achieve recognition as Best Eating Experience.”

David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland regional director, said: “I would like to say a special congratulations to Knockderry House on their win at the Regional Final of the Scottish Thistle Awards.

“I’m delighted some of our local heroes who go above and beyond have been awarded for their outstanding contribution to the region.”

Other regional winners near to Helensburgh and Lomond were Sweeney’s Cruises of Loch Lomond, who scooped the Best Outdoor Adventure Experience award, and the owners of East Cambusmoon Holiday Cottage in Gartocharn, winners of the ‘best self catering accommodation experience’ prize.

The winners of the regional finals will now go on to fly the flag for the area at the national final of the Scottish Thistle Awards in Edinburgh in March.