The iconic National Wallace Monument is among seven Stirlingshire businesses in the running to win a top tourism award.

The world-famous landmark will face Rosslyn Chapel and Born in the Borders Brewery & Visitor Centre in the Best Visitor Attraction category at the Central South East Scottish Thistle Award regional final.

Two local pubs, The Oak Tree Inn in Loch Lomond and The Allanwater Brewhouse in Bridge of Allan are set to compete against The Sheep’s Heid Inn in Edinburgh for the Friendliest Pub/Bar Award.

Other shortlisted Stirlingshire entries include Portnellan, Venachar Lochside, Stirling Walking Tours and Victoria House Guest House.

The prestigious competition honours excellence, innovation and success within the country’s valuable hospitality and tourism industry. Winners will be announced at a special regional ceremony held at Prestonfield House on November 11. Successful finalists in each category will then go on to represent their respective region in the glittering national Scottish Thistle Award final next year.

2015 saw a record-breaking 615 entries submitted, including hundreds of nominations from members of the public, keen to recognise hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions and individuals who strive to provide visitors with exceptional service.

Categories, which are aligned with the Scottish Tourism Strategy 2020, include Fishers Cleaning Services Ltd’s Most Hospitable Hotel and Friendliest Pub or Bar, as well as new awards such as ‘Hospitality Hero’ and ‘Tourism – Everyone’s Business’. An ‘Innovation’ category has been introduced this year in anticipation of Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in 2016.

Liz Buchanan, VisitScotland regional partnerships director, said: “With seven shortlisted entrants, Stirlingshire is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to excellence and that’s exactly what the Scottish Thistle Awards is all about - celebrating those who are doing everything they can to ensure visitors are offered the warmest welcome and first-class service.

“I’d like to wish all these businesses the best of luck for the next stage of the competition.”

For more information, visit: www.scottishthistleawards.co.uk.

Stirling & Clackmannanshire businesses in the running:

Most Hospitable B&B/Guest House; Victoria House Guest House (Stirling), Wyvis Boutique B&B (Clackmannanshire)

Best Holiday Accommodation; Portnellan (Stirling)

Best Informal Eating Experience; Venachar Lochside (Stirling)

Friendliest Pub/Bar; The Allanwater Brewhouse (Stirling), The Oak Tree Inn (Stirling)

Best Outdoor/Adventure Experience; Stirling Walking Tours (Stirling)

Best Visitor Attraction; National Wallace Monument (Stirling)