Argyll firms head for tourism ‘Oscars’

Tourism businesses from all over Argyll are heading to Inverness to attend the Highland and Islands Tourism Awards 2018 - also known as the tourism ‘Oscars’.

Sixteen businesses have been shortlisted for the prestigious awards with winners going on to the Scottish Thistle Awards finals in Edinburgh next year. Argyll tourism is represented in all of the 14 categories.

More than 160 businesses were originally nominated but just 43 were shortlisted in the end, with Argyll and the Isles leading the way.

David Sexton, from RSPB and Mull Eagle Watch, also a finalist in the Working Together for Tourism category, added: ‘It’s fantastic to see all these finalists from Argyll and gives a real sense of pride in what these businesses are doing.’

Argyll businesses are finalists in Best Cultural Event or Festival, Best Eating Experience, Best Outdoor/Adventure Experience and Best Self Catering Experience.

The full list of Argyll businesses and individuals shortlisted is: Portavadie, Loch Fyne; Clan Cottages, Oban; Oban Live; Jura Music Festival; Ninth Wave Restaurant, Mull; St Hilda Sea Adventures, Oban; Basking Shark Scotland, Oban; Nature Scotland, Mull; Majestic Line, Argyll; Glenegedale House, Islay; Mull Eagle Watch; Argyll and the Isles Tourism Cooperative Ltd; John McNulty, Taynuilt Hotel; Emma Clark, Glenegedale House; Alice Gill, Lodge on Loch Goil.