Spear presented with SLTN Award for Industry Achievement
THERE was a standing ovation at this year’s SLTN Awards when Shirley Spear, co-founder of The Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye, was presented with the SLTN Award for Industry Achievement, in association with Maxxium UK.
Shirley established the business with husband Eddie in 1984, after the couple and their young children relocated from Croydon to Colbost near Dunvegan.
In the following three decades they established The Three Chimneys as a world-class restaurant with rooms, earning a number of awards and attracting visitors from across the world.
In recent years Shirley has championed the wider hospitality industry and, in 2016, was awarded the OBE for services to food and drink in Scotland.
Speaking at the SLTN Awards, editor Gillian McKenzie said Shirley had established “one of the most respected and admired businesses in the Scottish hospitality industry”.
“Alongside building their own business, tonight’s winner continues to play a crucial role in championing Scottish produce, in promoting careers in hospitality, and in fighting the corner of Scottish tourism, rural businesses and, of course, the Isle of Skye,” she said.
“Our winner is quick to play down her achievements, but it takes a woman of true mettle to swap the London borough of Croydon for the remote hamlet of Colbost and throw herself into a brand new business venture while raising a young family.”
Accepting her award, Shirley praised the standard of young talent in Scotland’s hospitality industry, saying “the future’s bright”.
“It’s your future,” she told the 700 guests at this year’s SLTN Awards.
“Whatever happens over this next year or two, and there is a lot of uncertainty, just keep working hard, never let your side down and never drop your standards.
“That’s the most important thing.”
SLTN Awards 2017 winners and highly commended finalists
Whisky Bar of the Year, sponsored by Glenfiddich
Winner: The Pot Still, Glasgow
Highly Commended: Ballygrant Inn & Restaurant, Islay; Kaleidoscope Whisky Bar and Shop, Edinburgh
Cocktail Bar of the Year, sponsored by Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands
Winner: Orchid, Aberdeen
Highly Commended: The Adamson, St Andrews; The Finnieston, Glasgow; Tonic Bar, Edinburgh
Rum Bar of the Year, sponsored by Sailor Jerry, Wood’s & OVD
Winner: Distill, Glasgow
Highly Commended: Tiki Bar & Kitsch Inn, Glasgow; The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
Best Soft Drinks Offer, sponsored by Vimto Out of Home
Winner: The Crofter Bar & Restaurant, Fort William
Highly Commended: Charwood, Edinburgh; Monterey Jack’s, Perth
Craft Beer Award, sponsored by Keith Brewery
Winner: Inn Deep, Glasgow
Highly Commended: The Blue Blazer, Edinburgh; Shilling Brewing Company, Glasgow
Beer Quality Award, sponsored by Tennent’s
Winner: The Bridge Inn, Peebles
Highly Commended: The Market Arms, Montrose; The Volunteer Arms, Uphall
Craft Spirits Enthusiast, sponsored by Eden Mill St Andrews
Winner: Lachlan Rooney, The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh
Highly Commended: David Howie, Scott’s, Troon; Andy Keir, Bruach Bar & Restaurant, Broughty Ferry
Gin Bar of the Year, sponsored by Schweppes
Winner: The Finnieston, Glasgow
Highly Commended: The Jolly Botanist, Edinburgh; 56 North, Edinburgh
Best Outdoor Area, sponsored by Magners
Winner: The Three Sisters, Edinburgh
Highly Commended: 7 Saints Bar & Burger Kitchen, Prestwick; The Blackbird, Edinburgh
Bartender of the Year, sponsored by Molson Coors
Winner: Gregor Grant, The Bridge Inn, Peebles
Highly Commended: Becky Smith, Platform 3, Linlithgow; Nicole Sykes, The Voyage of Buck, Edinburgh
Mixologist of the Year, sponsored by Absolut & Barnomadics
Winner: Jamie Moran, The Finnieston, Glasgow
Highly Commended: Nick Gordon, Orchid, Aberdeen; Ryan Mowat, Kelvingrove Café, Glasgow
Restaurant of the Year (Fine Dining), sponsored by Strathmore Scottish Spring Water
Winner: Brian Maule at Chardon d’Or, Glasgow
Highly Commended: Lochgreen House Hotel, Troon
Restaurant of the Year (Casual Dining), sponsored by Strathmore Scottish Spring Water
Winner: No.10 Bar & Restaurant, Aberdeen
Highly Commended: La Petite Mort, Edinburgh
Independent Pub/Bar of the Year, sponsored by SLTN
Winner: Macgochans, Isle of Mull
Highly Commended: Johnny Foxes and The Den, Inverness; Bloc+, Glasgow
Concept Venue of the Year, sponsored by Britvic
Winner: Chaakoo Bombay Café, Glasgow
Highly Commended: The Drugstore Social, Glasgow; Gin71, Glasgow
Sports Bar of the Year, sponsored by Sky
Winner: Sportsters, Falkirk
Highly Commended: Commercial Hotel, Wishaw; Old Schoolhouse, Aberdeen
Late Night Bar of the Year, sponsored by Distell International
Winner: The Howlin’ Wolf, Glasgow
Highly Commended: The Permit Room, Edinburgh; Soul, Aberdeen
Social Responsibility Award, sponsored by Diageo
Winner: Johnny Foxes & The Den, Inverness
Highly Commended: Fubar Nightclub, Stirling; Harlem Nightclub, Dunfermline
Nightclub of the Year, sponsored by Grey Goose Vodka
Winner: Why Not Nightclub, Edinburgh
Highly Commended: Fubar Nightclub, Stirling; The Sanctuary, Glasgow
Independent Multiple Operator of the Year, sponsored by Smirnoff
Winner: Kained Holdings, Glasgow
Highly Commended: DRG (Di Maggio’s Restaurant Group), Glasgow; Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group, Howwood
Unsung Hero, sponsored by Hugh Stirling Ltd
Winner: Brian Fulton, Hold Fast Entertainment, Glasgow
Highly Commended: Virginie Brouard, Le Di-Vin Wine Bar, Edinburgh; Colin Hinds, Kilted Lobster & Rib-Aye Steakhouse, Edinburgh
Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Chivas
Winner: Neil Morrison, Macgochans, Tobermory, Isle of Mull; The Benleva, Drumnadrochit; and The Lochside, Bowmore, Isle of Islay
Industry Achievement Award, sponsored by Maxxium UK
Winner: Shirley Spear OBE, The Three Chimneys, Isle of Skye
