The Torridon named 2011 Scottish Hotel of the Year

The four-AA-red-star, 19-bedroom Torridon hotel has carried off the top prize at the 2011 Scottish Hotel Awards.

Held at the Thistle Glasgow Grand Ballroom, the Torridon, which is set within 58 acres of land by Achnasheen, Wester Ross, was named Scottish Hotel of the Year.

The hotel has been owned by Daniel and Rohaise Rose-Bristow since they purchased the property from Rohaise's parents, David and Geraldine, in 2003.

Other major winners at the awards included Principal Hayley's Scottish properties, the Grand Central hotel in Glasgow and the George in Edinburgh.

The 186-bedroom Grand Central, which reopened in September 2010 following a £20m refurbishment, scooped nine awards, including the Friendly Service Award, Event Venue of the Year for its Grand Room of Glasgow ballroom, Rising Star Event Venue of the Year, a Taste Award for the newly opened Tempus Bar & Restaurant and Urbane Bar of the Year for its Champagne Central bar, which overlooks Central Station. The restoration of the hotel was also given a Gold Laurel.

The Grand Central's general manager Laurie Nicol was also commended with a Gold Medal Award for her role in the hotel's refurbishment, while head chef James Murphy was named Executive Chef of the Year.

The George carried away five accolades including Reception Innovation Award, Business Performance Gold Medal and a Design Medal for its Panorama Suite.

Both the George Hotel and the Grand Central Hotel picked up Hotel of the Year for their respective cities.

Nicol said: "To be acknowledged by your fellow peers is a great honour, especially when up against such tough competition. We have had a great few months since the hotel reopened and it is an amazing feeling to know that our hard work has paid off."

Mark Greenaway, who recently opened his eponymous restaurant at Hawke & Hunter in Edinburgh, was named rising star chef.

Torridon named in AA awards >>

Glasgow's Grand Central hotel recruiting 150 staff >>

Laurie Nicol - My Life in Hospitality >>

By Janet Harmer

E-mail your comments to Janet Harmer here.

If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk

Caterersearch.com jobs

Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs