National award for Brydekirk holiday home

A HOLIDAY let near Annan has been recognised in a prestigious national awards scheme, with the southern Scotland region named alongside some of the UK's best-known holiday destinations. North Lodge, owned by Carolyn Hamilton, has been recognised in the 2026 Sykes Stars awards, which is run by staycation specialist Sykes Holiday Cottages. The awards, now in their fourth year, celebrates the holiday lets that have consistently received outstanding feedback from guests over the last 12 months. The Brydekirk property was the Hamilton family home from 1997 until Carolyn and her family relocated to Perthshire in 2010. Rather than selling up, Carolyn decided to renovate and open the property as a holiday home so that more people could enjoy the local area and all it has to offer, including its beautiful countryside, wildlife and rich history. Since welcoming her first guests in June 2016, Carolyn's personal approach to hosting has resulted in exceptional guest loyalty, with over 20 repeat bookers who return year after year. Carolyn Hamilton, owner of North Lodge, said: "I'm really delighted to be awarded a Sykes Star. "It means so much to receive such lovely feedback from visitors, and I could not do this without the help and support I receive from wonderful local businesses. I love getting to know my guests and now have repeat bookers who come back year after year, which is incredibly rewarding." James Shaw, chief commercial officer at Sykes Holiday Cottages, said: "Our holiday let owners, including Carolyn, play a vital role in shaping the UK holiday let market and ensuring quality getaways, as the demand for UK breaks continues to rise and locations like Annandale become more popular among holidaymakers." To be named a Sykes Star, owners must achieve 100 per cent positive guest feedback across three quarters of the year.