Scottish tourism body VisitScotland has awarded six restaurants with the EatScotland Gold Award, the top accolade in the national restaurant award scheme.

The EatScotland Gold Awards, which recognise high standards of cuisine, service and the overall eating out experience, have been set up by VisitScotland to improve the country’s restaurant scene and boost perceptions of Scottish cuisine worldwide.

Ranging from city to rural locations around Scotland, the Gold Award winners are Airds hotel and restaurant in Argyll, Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles, Castleton House hotel in Angus, Michael Caines restaurant at ABode in Glasgow, Martin Wishart in Edinburgh and The Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye.

VisitScotland chairman Peter Lederer said the awards mark a step forward for the Scottish food and drink industry.

“The awards mark out our most innovative and quality driven establishments providing the recognition they deserve, be they the local tea room or internationally recognised restaurant,” he said.

“At the same time we hope the awards will provide an incentive across the industry to strive to improve visitors’ experiences in Scotland.” 

Peter Lederer re-elected as VisitScotland chairman >>

Edinburgh Castle tops Scotland’s tourist attraction list >>

Tom Kitchin named Scottish Chef of the Year >>

By Kerstin Kühn

E-mail your comments to Kerstin Kühn here.