CUMNOCK is now home to the most luxurious guest house in Scotland, after Dumfries House Lodge picked up the prestigious award.

The exclusive five-star country guest house, which sits on the edge of the 2000-acre Dumfries House estate outside Cumnock was named the “Luxurious Guest House of the Year” at the Scottish Hotel Awards, held virtually last week.

The Lodge which was officially opened by HRH Prince of Wales in 2012 features 22 luxurious en-suite rooms and two self-catering cottages. Guests can also relax in the lodge’s sitting rooms, dining room and private garden space.

The Lodge beat off stiff competition from popular guest houses across Scotland to triumph in the Luxurious Guest House of the Year category at The Scottish Hotel Awards, which are commonly referred to as “the Oscars for Scottish hotels”.

The awards have been running for 17 years and aim to recognise excellence in Scotland’s hospitality industry.

The winners were set to be announced at a glitzy bash at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh, but were moved online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Staff from Dumfries House tuned in from their homes to watch the awards ceremony.

Colin Caird, Manager of Dumfries House Lodge, said: “My team and I are delighted that Dumfries House Lodge has been named Luxurious Guest House of the Year.

“We take pride in offering all our guests a luxurious experience when they come to visit

Dumfries House so it’s great for the Lodge to be recognised in this way.

“While the Lodge, Dumfries House and the estate gardens are currently closed to help restrict the spread of coronavirus, my colleagues and I are looking forward to the day when we can welcome guests back to experience and enjoy everything Dumfries House estate has to offer.”

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