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.
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Scottish secondary schools can fundraise to feed hungry children
Secondary schools across Scotland can fundraise to feed an entire school of hungry children by signing up for a charity's life-changing Feed A School initiative.
READ MORE
Stirling Highland Games Announces Jackie Pirie as Chieftain for 2026
Stirling Highland Games is proud to announce that Jackie Pirie, the Stirling born television actress, acclaimed author and arts advocate, will serve as Chieftain of the Stirling Highland Games 2026.
READ MORE
FREE Event: Discover super powered plants at Dobbies Little Seedlings Club
Dobbies' free-to-attend children's gardening workshop is here for the month of May, giving children the chance to discover the 'Power of Plants'.
READ MORE
Snap up free tickets to The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show in Glasgow or Edinburgh
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show, Scotland's only dedicated consumer exhibition for self-builders, home renovators and improvers, is back and we have free tickets up for grabs!
READ MORE
Voters across Stirling and Clackmannanshire urged to register to vote
Voters in the Stirling Constituency and the Clackmannanshire and Dunblane Constituency for the Scottish Parliament election on 7th May must make sure they are registered in time.
READ MORE
Harviestoun Brewery pop up returns with beer, bites & mischief on tap
Award-winning Scottish brewer Harviestoun, at the foot of the Ochils, is throwing open its brewery doors for a lively pop-up taproom event on Friday 24th April.
READ MORE
Stirling Council to operate year round Trossachs Explorer bus service
Stirling Council has agreed to take over the operation of the Trossachs Explorer bus service on a two-year pilot, starting this summer.
READ MORE
Spring clean shoes to protect heritage, urges National Trust for Scotland
With warmer days on the way, visitors to gardens at National Trust for Scotland places are being asked to follow biosecurity measures throughout the spring and summer seasons.
READ MORE
Fan favourites return to Vue venues in Scotland this spring
Vue is bringing a roster of much-loved film favourites back to the big screen this spring as part of a special anniversary season celebrating some of Hollywood’s most iconic titles.
READ MORE
New clean up event to take place across Stirling at end of May
Stirling Council is encouraging communities across Stirling to join in a special clean-up event on 30th and 31st May to enhance the quality of local environments and increase community pride.
READ MORE
Aldi calls on shoppers across Scotland to donate pet food in stores this National Pet Month
Aldi is encouraging shoppers in Scotland to donate pet food at its in-store community donation points this April to mark National Pet Month.
READ MORE
Forth Valley celebrates successful Food, Drink and Tourism Month 2026
Forth Valley's food, drink and tourism sector has been firmly in the spotlight following a highly successful Food, Drink and Tourism Business Month.
READ MORE
Taste the movie in 4DX with new Super Mario themed popcorn upgrade at Cineworld
Cineworld is inviting audiences to power up their cinema visit like never before, with the launch of a limited-edition Galactic popcorn topper created to complement the full sensory immersion of 4DX.
READ MORE
Sound Bites Festival brings boost for Alloa town centre and local producers
Alloa town centre enjoyed a surge of visitors as Sound Bites Festival returned on 28th March, delivering a day of live music, street food and family entertainment with a country and western twist.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Springfest is back
Get ready for a brilliant weekend at the free Loch Lomond Springfest on 4th and 5th April, featuring world-class chefs, wild foraging, tasty street food and non-stop family fun for all ages!
READ MORE
Top family days and dining deals to enjoy in Scotland this Easter
Families looking to make the most of the Easter holidays in Scotland will find plenty to enjoy over the break!
READ MORE
Spring starts with Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening
Celebrate the colours of spring at Dobbies Spring Shopping Evening, a free-to-attend evening event dedicated to outdoor living and seasonal inspiration, taking place on Thursday 2nd April!
READ MORE
New series of drama workshops launches in Stirling to give refugees a voice through storytelling
A new drama and storytelling project bringing together Ukrainian, Afghan, Sudanese, Syrian and other refugees and local communities is set to launch in Stirling.
READ MORE
Last chance to enter for lunch with George Clooney
Entries are closing soon for the chance to have lunch with Hollywood icon George Clooney as part of itison's fundraising campaign for Social Bite.
READ MORE
Doors set to reopen across the country to some of the most iconic historic sites in Scotland
More than 40 historic seasonal sites across the country will reopen to visitors from Wednesday 1st April, as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) marks the start of its spring/summer season.
READ MORE
One of the best loved food brands in the country is bringing back its popular Golden Easter Hunt
Launching just in time for the school holidays, this year it's set to be bigger, bolder and even more exciting - and it's free for anyone to enter!
READ MORE
Spectacular stage productions to enjoy at Vue this spring
To celebrate World Theatre Day (27 March), Vue is highlighting upcoming theatre and opera productions showing on the big screen.
READ MORE
Theatre group performing Come From Away discovers real life links to September 11
Family link to 9/11 story behind Stirling's Come From Away production.
READ MORE
Trio of major funders back emergency heritage rescue at historic Bannockburn House
Good news really does come in threes for the community campaign dedicated to saving one of Scotland's most historic homes.
READ MORE
Young people lead boost for community projects across Forth Valley and Lomond
A new pump track, music workshops and a community food initiative that has helped deliver more than 3,000 meals were among youth-led projects celebrated at Callander Youth Project.
READ MORE
Green light for Stirling city trail that will transform visitor experience
Exciting plans to create a new interpretation and wayfinding trail that will transform the visitor experience in Stirling have been approved.
READ MORE
Come and experience the Ideal Home Show Scotland this Spring
Scotland's biggest home event is back at Glasgow SEC from 22nd - 25th May 2026 and we're delighted to offer free tickets to our readers!
READ MORE
Summer events taking place at historic sites across Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland has announced its summer events programme, with events taking place at iconic heritage sites across the country!
READ MORE
Stirling Council announces pilot of two new rural bus services
Stirling Council is launching a two-year pilot of two new bus services to improve connections between rural communities in the western part of the council area.
READ MORE
Hop into Easter at Dobbies with Gabbys Dollhouse Little Seedlings Club
Dobbies is teaming up with Gabby's Dollhouse to bring an extra special spring themed experience to families at its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club on 4th April, packed with fun and creativity.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links