Hotel named Scotland’s best

A Perthshire family business is celebrating after being named Scotland’s Hotel of the Year.

East Haugh House in Pitlochry, a country house hotel, took home the top award at the second annual Prestige Hotel Awards.

More than 18,000 votes were cast to find the best of Scotland’s hotel trade.

Competing venues from across the nation were whittled down by public vote, then judged by an independent judging panel who visited each of the hotels.

Bought in 1989 by husband and wife team Neil and Lesley McGown, the 17th Century country house was converted into a luxury 12-bedroom hotel and restaurant, and has established itself as a popular destination for tourists from the UK as well as overseas.

Specialising in seafood and game, chef patron Neil McGown leads a kitchen team, with the restaurant recommended in the Michelin Guide.

General manager Steven Dobbin attended the awards along with owners Lesley and Sophie McGown.

Lesley said: “We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to have won the main award of Hotel of the Year at the 2018 Prestige Hotel Awards.

“After almost 30 years in business, this recognition couldn’t be a more fitting accolade.

“It reflects our fantastic team’s dedication to delivering a very personal service for our guests with first-class hospitality and exceptional food.”