THE co-founder of the multi-award-winning The Three Chimneys restaurant on Skye took the top prize at the Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN) Awards in Glasgow.

Shirley Spear, who founded the restaurant with husband Eddie in 1984 and has gone on to become a champion of Scottish food and drink, received the SLTN Award for Industry Achievement for 2017. Comedian Jimmy Carr was MC at the awards, presenting more than 20 trophies to Scotland’s top pubs, clubs, restaurants, staff and operators in front of an audience of 700.

Winners hailed from across Scotland, from Fort William, Inverness and Aberdeen to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Peebles.

Neil Morrison, owner of Macgochans in Tobermory on Mull, The Lochside in Bowmore on Islay and The Benleva in Drumnadrochit, was named Entrepreneur of the Year. Gregor Grant of The Bridge Inn in Peebles was named Bartender of the Year, and Lachlan Rooney of Edinburgh bar The Voodoo Rooms was named Craft Spirits Enthusiast.

Other winners included The Pot Still in Glasgow, which was awarded the title of Whisky Bar of the Year; Orchid in Aberdeen, Cocktail Bar of the Year; The Crofter in Fort William, Best Soft Drinks Offer; Sportsters in Falkirk, Sports Bar of the Year; The Bridge Inn in Peebles, Beer Quality Award; and Inverness bar and club Johnny Foxes and The Den, Social Responsibility Award.