SCOTLAND's best restaurants and hotels have been recognised at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards in London.
The event, which has become the "benchmark for excellence" in the hospitality sector, brought together some of the UK's best establishments.
This year's awards were hosted by Bafta-nominated broadcaster Angellica Bell who is well-known for winning Celebrity Masterchef all the way back in 2017.
Loch Bay on the Isle of Skye was named Scotland's Restaurant of the Year at the award and was praised for its locally sourced seafood.
Michael Smith, chef-proprietor at Loch Bay Restaurant, said: "I have been peeling prawns and working with Skye’s incredible produce for 20 years this year so I am extremely grateful, and ultimately just love the fact that the entire team of Laurence, Issy, Graeme and Bren are recognised for their consistent passion, skills and dedication towards the hospitality industry as well as, of course, our fantastic fishermen and suppliers."
The Cromlix Hotel, which is owned by Andy and Kim Murray, was also dubbed Hotel of the Year for Scotland at the AA Hospitality Award.
Barry Makin, general manager at the hotel, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award. It is the pinnacle of achievement for any Scottish hotel.
"Every member of the team has played their part, working hard every single day to deliver an excellent experience to our guests."
"The feedback we consistently receive from our guests confirms this, but to receive this AA award really demonstrates we are delivering across the board."
The Wine Award for Scotland went to The Balmoral in Edinburgh which operates three different bar and restaurant spaces.
Emma Hemy, restaurant manager at Number One at The Balmoral said: “I have had the pleasure of watching our wine offering at Number One develop for many years under the care and passion of several dedicated head sommeliers.
"This past year has been like a great vintage, with everything and everyone coming together.
"Myself, head sommelier Callum and chef Mathew are very proud to share the prestigious AA Wine Award Scotland with all our wonderful team and treasured wine suppliers.”
Recommended Reading:
Scottish butchers win national award for 'innovative' pork product
Edinburgh brewery named best in Scotland at 'prestigious' national awards
See all the Scottish winners at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards
Here is the full list of Scottish winners named at the 2024 AA Hospitality Awards:
Scottish Restaurant of the Year
Loch Bay Restaurant, Isle of Skye
Scottish Hotel of the Year
Cromlix, Stirling
Scotland Wine Award
The Balmoral, Edinburgh
Restaurant with Rooms of the Year
Mingary Castle, Highlands
New 5 Rosettes
The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, Perth & Kinross
New 4 Red Stars
Douneside House, Aberdeenshire
The AA Hospitality Awards took place in London on Monday, September 23, 2024.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here