The best pubs, eateries and B&Bs in the Highlands and Islands have been revealed after the shortlist for this year's Thistle Awards was announced.
The prestigious awards focus on the best the hospitality sector in Northern Scotland has to offer with a number of industries represented.
The finalists in each category will be announced on November 10 when the awards ceremony takes place at Macdonald Drumossie Hotel in Inverness.
Of the event, which is being sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, Kenny McMillan, said he was looking forward to inviting industry colleagues to his venue, adding: “The Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards are the highlight of the tourism and hospitality season in the region.
“It gives all of us who work in the industry the opportunity to celebrate the talent, dedication and often the innovation of the people who not only make holidays to our beautiful part of Scotland unforgettable but contribute to a vital sector in the Highland economy."
Best pubs, restaurants and hotels in the Highlands and Islands revealed
Here are the best pubs, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs in the Highlands and Islands according to the Thistle Awards 2023 shortlist.
Best B&B or Guest House Experience – Melfort House; Tigh na Mara Guesthouse; Torlinnhe Guest House
Best Bar or Pub – MacGregors Hospitality; Scotch & Rye
Best Eating Experience – Edinbane Lodge; No 88 Ltd; The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant
Best Hotel Experience – Links House at Royal Dornoch; Heathbank; Sonas Collection
Here are the other categories and shortlisted entries:
Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience – Stravaigin Sailing; Wilderness Scotland; Wilder Ways
Best Self-Catering Accommodation Experience – Kabn Company; The Hollies Argyll; The Tin Shed
Best Visitor Attraction – Drax - Cruachan The Hollow Mountain; Seabirds-and-Seals ‒ The Original Noss Boat Tours; The Highlanders Museum
Celebrating Thriving Communities – Gairloch and Loch Ewe Action Forum (GALE); Loch Ness Hub and Travel; The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant
Climate Action – JP Orkney; Wilderness Scotland; Woodlands Glencoe
Inclusive Tourism – Carradales; Seabirds-and-Seals ‒ The Original Noss Boat Tours
Innovation in Tourism – The Dramathon; SkyeConnect CIC; Stories of Scotland Podcast
Outstanding Cultural Event or Festival – Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival; Eden Court; HebCelt Festival; Tiree Music Festival
Highland Rising Star – Dylan Wynne, Cobbs; Natasha Wallis, Dolphin Spirit; Kevin Barber, Links House at Royal Dornoch
Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year – Drumossie Hotel; Loch Insh Outdoor Centre; The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant
Tourism Individual of the Year – Chris O'Brien, Nevis Range Development Company; Debbie Cole, Dolphin Spirit; Michael Golding, Visit Inverness Loch Ness
