A BORDERS restaurant has been awarded a top tourism award by VisitScotland.

Windlestraw in Walkerburn, which was built in 1906, was granted the five-star Quality Assurance accolade, following its latest grading visit.

The Edwardian manor overlooking the Tweed Valley, is home to a restaurant, gardens and six bedrooms and is set within two acres of landscaped grounds.

And it is now the only restaurant with rooms to hold the coveted five stars in the Borders.

John and Sylvia Matthews, owners of Windlestraw, said: "We are delighted to have been awarded the five-star award from VisitScotland. 

"We fully appreciate and support VisitScotland initiatives to raise awareness of the Borders as a tourist destination. 

"Windlestraw offers guests a unique stay in a picturesque location whilst enjoying five-star hospitality and our chef Stu Waterson creates a culinary experience from the finest of locally sourced ingredients. We are delighted to receive this award and look forward to the next chapter in the house’s history."

Windlestraw was originally built as a wedding gift for the future wife of the Scottish cashmere mill owner, John King Ballantyne. 

But now the manor is host to a variety of events, from corporate meetings to special celebrations.

Doug Wilson, Regional Director of VisitScotland, said: "Congratulations to Windlestraw on receiving this well-deserved accolade. The award is a welcome boost to the business as well as the region as a whole.

"Developed and improved for over 30 years, VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance schemes are world-leading and provide a trusted, independent and impartial source of information for visitors. They allow you to not just meet visitor expectations, but exceed them.

"Quality Assurance is about much more than just the ‘stars’ on your door – it’s about the entire visitor experience, it’s about investing in your business and making it as economically sustainable, and profitable, as it can possibly be."