Argyll and Highland hospitality heroes shortlisted for prestigious award

A judging panel of industry leaders have revealed ScotHot’s 50 Rising Stars, recognising the country’s most talented up-and-comers.

 

Six of the talented newcomers to Scotland’s food, drink, hospitality, retail and tourism industries are working in Argyll and the Highlands.

 

Following an extensive shortlisting and judging process, with well over 200 applications considered, the ‘hot list’ comprises Rebecca McRitchie, pictured, assistant head housekeeper: The Pierhouse Hotel, Catriona Piper, group marketing executive for Crerar Hotels, and Jessica Thompson, co-owner and general manager of Mingary Castle have been shortlisted for a Hospitality Heroes award; Rory Fraser, junior sous chef: Loch Melfort Hotel and Grant Kidd, head chef of Ocho Inveraray have both been shortlisted for a Champion Chefs award; while Grace Sikorski McCulloch, retail manager at Lochalsh Reuse & Recycle Hub has been shortlisted for a Rising Up in Retail award.

 

Individuals were encouraged to nominate their colleagues, friends, employees, and role models, not limited by age but 10 years’ experience or less in the industry was essential.

 

Head judge David Cochrane, MBE, chief executive of HIT Scotland, said: “Reading all the submissions was uplifting – it certainly reveals a great statement on the health of the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors in Scotland. There was an abundance of talent, personality and enthusiasm in all of the 50 Rising Stars that was inspirational.”

 

Toby Wand, managing director of 365 Events, the company responsible for ScotHot, said: “We would like to say a huge congratulations from all of us at ScotHot to those who made the 50 Rising Stars list.”

 

The winner was due to be announced yesterday, March 9.