Leading businesses honoured at Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards
Two leading Highland hoteliers walked away with the top honours at the prestigious Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards 2009 on Friday (20th November).
Gavin Ellis, owner of the Knockomie Hotel, Forres was named Ambassador of the Year, and Caroline Gregory of The Lovat, Loch Ness picked up the title of Young Ambassador of the Year.
A total of eleven winners from Caithness to Inverness to Argyll were honoured at this year’s event which recognises the area’s tourism businesses, initiatives and individuals who strive to deliver excellence and quality within the tourism industry in the Highlands and Islands. Awards ranged from Best Visitor Experience, Community Tourism Initiative to Developing People and Marketing Initiative.
The Highland Ambassador is the only award selected by the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards Board. It was presented this year to Gavin Ellis, who has worked for many years in the hospitality industry across Scotland and in Europe and now runs a very successful four star hotel in Forres.
The Board said that Mr Ellis was being honoured for his unstinting passion for both the tourism industry and for Scotland, as demonstrated through his commitment and involvement in many local and national tourism development groups.
The Board also admired Mr Ellis’ unrivalled ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to tackle every challenge, and acknowledged the huge amount of personal time he spent giving back to the industry. Mr Ellis was also the recipient of VisitScotland’s Scottish Silver Thistle Award handed out last month.
Also recognised for her contribution to the Highlands and Islands tourism industry was Caroline Gregory of The Lovat, Loch Ness who was named Young Ambassador of the Year. In addition to running a successful business, Caroline has been responsible for shaping the hotel’s strong eco-conscious policies and she also works closely with local community projects.
The judges were impressed with her drive and passion for the tourism industry, particularly customer service, and her infectious energy which is greatly encouraging and inspiring for her staff at The Lovat.
Chair of the Awards Board, Elizabeth Mackintosh said: “This year’s two Ambassadors are exceptional in their field. They are inspirational, innovative and dedicated leaders who are a credit to their respective businesses and who contribute greatly to developing a positive image of the tourism industry in the Highlands and Islands.
“The Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards is the ideal way to showcase and recognise the wealth of talent and innovation in the industry today. There are many people and businesses who work tirelessly to ensure the industry maintains and continuously develops a quality product to safeguard the area’s economy for the future, and this is our chance to honour their efforts.”
First Minister Alex Salmond, who also attended the Awards ceremony commented: “These awards give us an opportunity to recognise the wealth of experience, commitment and excellence of tourism operators across the Highlands and Islands.
“The world knows well the fantastic scenery and wildlife, adventure sports, historic buildings and festivals that the Highlands and Islands have to offer. Our Year of Homecoming, marking the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth, has provided a great boost, as people from across the world join us for our celebrations.
“Of course, what keeps people coming back is the underlying quality of service, so I congratulate all of the award-winners, the other finalists and the doubtless many more individuals and enterprises working so hard to provide an excellent visitor experience to all those attracted to this most beautiful part of the world.”
Over 350 people representing the region’s top travel, hospitality and leisure businesses attended the glittering Awards ceremony which showcases and honours the elite of the region’s tourism industry.
The event was hosted by STV presenter and anchorman Steven Jardine and entertainment was provided by Inverness fiddle maestro Bruce MacGregor and his ceilidh band, and triple platinum sensation The Red Hot Chilli Pipers who brought their own unique style of blistering rock bagpipes and drums to the awards stage to make sure the evening finished with a ceremonious bang.
2009 Award sponsors are: Bord na Gaidhlig, Highland Council, VisitScotland, Scottish Provincial Press, Scottish Natural Heritage, British Waterways (Scotland), UK Atomic Energy Authority, Royal Bank of Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, Inverness College, Scottish Highlands and Islands Film Commission, and University of the Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute. The Awards are supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The full list of Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards winners is:
GAVIN ELLIS, Knockomie Hotel, Inverness
Ambassador of the Year: sponsored by Caledonian MacBrayne
CAROLINE GREGORY, The Lovat, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus
Young Ambassador of the Year: sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland
THE MAJESTIC LINE, Dunoon
Best Visitor Experience, sponsored by Bord na Gaidhlig
CASTLETOWN HERITAGE SOCIETY, Castletown
Community Tourism Initiative: sponsored by Highland Council
KNOCKOMIE HOTEL, Forres
Customer Care: sponsored by VisitScotland
THE LOVAT, LOCH NESS, Fort Augustus
Developing People: sponsored by UK Atomic Energy Authority
TORAVAIG HOTEL, Isle of Skye
Dining Out Experience: sponsored by Scottish Provincial Press
THE CROWN ESTATE, Tomintoul
Green Award: sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage
CRAIG EWAN, Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness
Leadership Award: sponsored by Inverness College
HEBRIDEAN LUXURY HOLIDAYS, Isle of Lewis
Marketing Initiative: sponsored by University of Highlands and Islands Millennium Institute
SONAS HOSPITALITY, Isle of Skye
Most Entrepreneurial Business: sponsored by British Waterways
Further details are available at highland-tourism-awards.co.uk.