Highland hotelier named entrepreneur of the year at Scottish Licensed Trade News Awards

David Whiteford of Highland Coast Hotels said winning the award was "hugely humbling".

As chairman of Highland Coast Hotels, established last year, Mr Whiteford is working to develop independently-owned properties across the region.

His award as part of this year's Scottish Liocensed Trade News (SLTN) awards came after it was announced that the Plockton Inn is to undergo a "comprehensive refurbishment" over the winter, with its current 14 bedrooms reduced to 12 to make space for larger en suite bathrooms.

All bedrooms will be redecorated along with bathrooms and corridors and the hotel's restaurant, dining areas and kitchen will also be refurbished.

Highland Coast Hotels pays the Scottish living wage, with its portfolio also including Newton Lodge Unapool, the Royal Golf Hotel Dornoch and the Royal Marine Hotel Brora as well as the Kylesku Hotel.

This year's SLTN Awards were held in Glasgow and hosted by comedian Jason Manford.

The citation for the entrepreneur of the year title, sponsored by Chivas Regal, talked of wanting to recognise someone who "not only displays business vision but the courage and expertise to see major projects through."

It added: "With a background in farming, our winner played an early, instrumental role in promoting Scottish produce and developing quality assurance schemes before going on to spearhead the North Highland Initiative which established and developed the North Coast 500 route.

"Stepping down from the group after 12 years, he pursued an alternative route not a million miles away from his previous role, as part of a newly-formed hotels company founded with the acquisition of four well-known venues on the route.

"The company went on to add two more hotels to the portfolio earlier this year, with plans to expand the collection further still; and it completed a major £1.7 million refurbishment of its Brora hotel; with revamps of a further three of its properties planned for this winter."

Mr Whiteford said: "It's hugely humbling to receive this award. Many thanks to the SLTN for thinking of me and to you all – friends, colleagues in this amazing industry that we’re privileged although often – especially recently – pretty challenged to work in!"

Of his work with Highland Coast Hotels he said: "We will continue to create great places to come and stay whilst exploring the north Highlands and do our bit to create sustainable communities, more opportunities for our people and do our very best to promote the circular economy in our remote, fragile but amazing part of the world."

He also spoke about the range of career opportunities available in hospitality to young people.

With the sector facing a recruitment crisis he said: "As an industry we need to get across that these are high value lifetime roles – not just something you do when you’re a student."

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