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THE region’s leading tourism firms were recognised at the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA) on Friday night.

A total of 15 winners were announced at the glittering event at the Kingsmills Hotel, with a number of businesses also being highly commended.

This year’s awards, sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, attracted a record number of entries, delighting and impressing judges after such a challenging two years for the sector.

HITA chairman Laurence Young said: “It was just so good to get back to the HITA ceremony again and all be in one glittering, star-filled ballroom after so long!

“Also to enjoy the energy of so many of our leading tourism and hospitality businesses together – our Highlands and Islands ‘titans’, eager to see who was to win the finalist accolade in each category.

“The judges were really challenged this year: so many applications and such a strong field of passionate and committed businesses.

“The award night is a fitting finale to the 2022 contest and the board of HITA send congratulations to all of the finalists and the winners; we will follow your journeys with great interest over the months ahead.”

Inverness winners included MacGregor’s Bar which picked up the best bar/pub accolade and was also highly commended for its Live at Five sessions in the outstanding cultural event category.

Co-owner of the establishment, Bruce MacGregor said: “This has really been the toughest year we’ve ever had and to get this

at the end of the year is just a huge lift to every single member of our team and our locals.

“It is just the boost that we all need to take us into the next year.”

In Your Element picked up the award for best outdoor or adventure experience and Visit Inverness Loch Ness was given the accolade of Royal Bank of Scotland’s climate champion.

Michael Bell, of Loch Ness Cruises, was highly commended in the Highland rising star category.

The evening was hosted by ‘Mr Loch Ness’ Willie Cameron and Nicola McAlley.

Entertainment was provided by Kenny Smith and Michael MacMillan of Torridon band. A full list of HITA winners and those

highly commended can be found here.

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