Catering Scotland

Scotland’s Highlands and Islands has honoured this year’s businesses at the tenth annual awards dinner in Inverness on 24^th October. Over 300 industry representatives including more 40 businesses attended, with winners of the 14 categories ranging from breweries and bakeries to restaurants and retailers.

The top honour of the evening – The Ambassador of the Year Award – was presented to Shirley Spear (pictured), founder and director of The Three Chimneys and the House Over-By, exactly 30 years after the restaurant opened its doors to the public.

Shirley Spear, said:  ‘I am inordinately proud of all that my husband Eddie and I have achieved, developed and sustained over the past 30 years, despite our remote location and sometimes inhospitable circumstances.’

Meanwhile, the Restaurant of the Year Award was presented to Station Road at the Lovat Loch Ness in Fort Augustus, and the Best Eatery Award went to Frankie’s Fish & Chips in Shetland.

Chris Taylor, Head of Tourism, Food & Drink at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), commented: ‘Once again, food and drink businesses from across the Highlands and Islands have risen to the challenge and ensured the reputation of our produce and natural larder as amongst the best in the world.

‘Across our region, HIE staff support businesses and producers to develop new ranges and reach new markets and it is heartening to see so many of them represented here.’

The Highlands & Islands Food & Drink Award-winners were as follows: 

Ambassador of the Year

SHIRLEY SPEAR, THE THREE CHIMNEYS AND THE HOUSE OVER-BY, Isle of Skye

Judges’ Award

HIGHLAND CORDIALS, Kiltarlity – NETTLE & GINGER CORDIAL 

Young Shining Star Award

Winner: ANNIE BODY, ANNIE’S BAKERY, Canisbay, Caithness

Best Drink Award

Winner: CAIRNGORM BREWERY, Aviemore – RANGE OF 12 BEERS 

Best Marketing Initiative Award

Winner: DALWHINNIE DISTILLERY

Environment Award

Winner: ISLE OF SKYE SEA SALT COMPANY

Healthier Food and Drink Award

THE SCOTTISH GOAT MEAT COMPANY, Keith

Export Award

Winner: LOCH DUART LTD, Scourie 

Food & Drink Business Growth Award

FAO27, Avoch, Ross-shire

Independent Food and Drink Retailer of the Year Award

Winner: SKYE FARM SHOP, Isle of Skye 

New Business Award

Winner: ORKNEY BUFFALO, Orkney

New Product Award

Winner: BLACK ISLE DAIRY, Daviot, Inverness-shire – DAIRY ICE CREAM RANGE

Best Eatery Award

Winner: FRANKIE’S FISH & CHIPS, Shetland

Special Commendation: GOOD HIGHLAND FOOD, Moy, Inverness-shire 

Restaurant of the Year Award 

STATION ROAD AT THE LOVAT LOCH NESS, Fort Augustus

 www.hifoodanddrinkawards.co.uk