One of Argyll’s most iconic coastal hotels, The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant at Port Appin, has been named as 2024’s ‘Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year’ at the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards.
The annual awards cover all the regions of the Highlands and Islands; from Argyll in the west, to Moray in the east, and Orkney and Shetland in the north.
Its ‘Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year’ category aims to celebrate employers who have demonstrated a real commitment to the welfare of their employees, providing a supportive and inspiring work environment, with diversity and inclusivity at the core of the business.
The award also aims to highlight and celebrate employers who are showcasing tourism, hospitality and events as an exciting career path and inspiring the next generation.
Welcoming both its local community and visitors, The Pierhouse is tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe, offering views to the islands of Lismore and Mull.
General manager Fiona McLean said: “We’re really proud to have been recognised by our industry peers as ‘Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year’ 2024 at this year’s HITA awards.
“Our incredible team of 40 hospitality professionals work so hard to ensure our wee corner of Argyll gives the warmest of welcomes to all our guests, including the local Argyll community and visitors to the region.
“Here at The Pierhouse, we’re committed to providing a supportive and inspiring work environment to help everyone thrive and succeed in their hospitality career.”
The Pierhouse restaurant is led by head chef Michael Leathley. The renowned seafood restaurant has three silver stars, two AA rosettes and is one of only three Argyll restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2024. It is part of The Wee Hotel Company, which includes the world-famous Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye.
HITA chairman, Calum Ross, commented: “Huge congratulations to everyone on what was a fantastic night for our tourism and hospitality community here in the Highlands and Islands.
“Over 225 tourism businesses had the confidence and self-belief to enter the awards – making 2024 a record-breaking year for HITA, with the highest number of entries ever received.
“Our judging teams reported that the quality of entry was higher than ever this year. In three categories the judges found it impossible to separate the entrants. A great position for HITA to be in, but it also means that many of our shortlisted finalists missed out on winning by the smallest of margins!”
