Scottish Excellence Awards 2026 Shortlist showcases strength of hospitality sector

Finalists have been announced for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026.

Article Source: Scottish Excellence Awards
Last Updated: 13 March 2026 11:58

Celebrating the very best individuals, businesses and teams across Scotland's hospitality industry, the awards recognise achievement, innovation and a consistent commitment to excellence in foodservice, tourism and hospitality.

This year's shortlist reflects the resilience, adaptability and diversity of the sector, from emerging culinary talent to established chefs, restaurants, hotels and other operators demonstrating leadership in sustainability, wellbeing and employee engagement.

Co-founder Alex Buchanan said: “The calibre of entries has been exceptional this year, particularly in the wellbeing and employee-led categories. I think this is a clear sign that operators are more determined than ever to demonstrate their strengths in looking after and holding onto their staff. The sector has for decades competed hard for the best candidates, and so to be able to market themselves as exceptional places to work will only help them to recruit and retain the most suitable individuals and teams. It's an encouraging sign that operators are prioritising staff at all levels. Having said that, to be named as a finalist in any of the award categories is a significant achievement in itself, as it reflects the hard work, creativity and commitment shown by hospitality businesses across the country.”

This year's finalists include:

The Banqueting and Events Chef of the Year Award
• Trevor Garden, Levy Restaurants (Compass Scotland)
• Craig Palmer, Wilde Thyme

The Employee Engagement and Retention Award, sponsored by Caterer.com:
• Mercat Tours, Edinburgh
• Meallmore, Inverness
• Saltire Hospitality, Edinburgh

The Sustainable Business of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Buell Hospitality and Green Tourism
• BaxterStorey Scotland
• EICC, Edinburgh
• The Gordon Arms Restaurant with Rooms, Yarrow, Scottish Borders

The Pub Excellence Award, co sponsored by MGN Fire Protection and Joinery
• The Bow Bar, Edinburgh
• The Colintraive Inn, Kyles of Bute
• The Jigger Inn, St Andrews

The Hospitality Trainer of the Year Award, sponsored by Focus Hospitality
• Don McGovern, West College Scotland
• Lauren Shields, Hub International

The Eatery Newcomer of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Mark Murphy Dole and Sound Bite PR
• Barry Fish, Edinburgh
• Elements, Glasgow
• Ems and Co Pastry Shop, Crieff

The Independent Hotel of the Year Award, co-sponsored by Avendra International and Elis:
• The Gordon Arms Restaurant with Rooms, Yarrow, Scottish Borders
• Kildrummy Inn, Alford, Aberdeenshire
• Links House, Royal Dornoch

The Pâtisserie Chef of the Year Award
• Emily Black, Ems and Co Pastry Shop, Crieff
• Tomas Kunovsky, The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh
• Szillard Szentesi, Mar Hall, by Glasgow
• Aung Tun, Heritage Portfolio at Signet Library, Edinburgh

The Wellbeing in Hospitality Award, sponsored by Inspire Catering
• BaxterStorey Scotland
• Mercat Tours, Edinburgh

The Group Hotel of the Year Award, co sponsored by The Full Range and Huckleberry
• Hotel Indigo and Staybridge Suites, Dundee
• Knipoch House Hotel, Oban
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
• The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh

The Young Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by Albert Bartlett
• Sam Currie, The Leddie Hotel, Aberlady
• Phoebe Lawson, ESS Compass Scotland
• Oliver Redgwell-Welch, Entier, Aberdeen

The Employee of the Year Award, sponsored by Caterer.com
• Anastasios Neofitos, Dean Banks Group
• Troy Sides, Divino Enoteca, Edinburgh

The Restaurant of the Year Award, co sponsored by Lyreco Nespresso Professional
• Celentano's, Glasgow
• The Dipping Lugger, Ullapool
• Elements, Glasgow
• Haar, St Andrews

The Chef of the Year Award, sponsored by BaxterStorey Scotland
• Dean Banks
• Dean Parker
• Orry Shand
• Gary Townsend

The Lifetime Excellence Award, sponsored by Thomas Franks Scotland
The winner of this award will be announced on the evening of Thursday 26 March at The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Thursday the 26th of March 2026 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh.

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