A LEADING Highland hotel’s commitment to training and developing its staff has been recognised with two award wins in quick succession at prestigious events.
The four-star Macdonald Drumossie Hotel – located on the outskirts of Inverness – was named employer of the year at the Highland Business Awards after seeing off fierce competition from across the region.
Judges were impressed by the introduction of weekly workshops to enhance skills, a culture that encourages staff to experiment, and a modern apprenticeship scheme that retains and develops talented young people.
It was another night to remember for the hotel when its team clinched tourism and hospitality employer of the year at the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards (HITA). The winners were announced during a sold-out gala dinner and ceremony, held at Macdonald Drumossie, with judges praising the hotel’s commitment to creating rewarding career pathways.
The annual awards event brought together industry leaders, rising stars, new enterprises and established businesses from across all parts of the Highlands and Islands to celebrate achievements and recognise excellence in the sector.
There could be a hat-trick of awards on the cards with Macdonald Drumossie progressing as a regional winner to the national finals, the VisitScotland Thistle Awards, due to be held at the Hilton Glasgow on Friday, December 1st.
This latest awards success for Macdonald Drumossie is welcome recognition for the hotel’s dedicated team of hospitality professionals.
Kenny McMillan, who has recently been promoted to managing director of Macdonald Aviemore Resort, collected the HITA trophy on behalf of the team at Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, alongside the hotel’s newly-appointed general manager, Stephane Portes.
Kenny McMillan commented: “It was an honour to collect not one, but two incredible awards which perfectly capture the work we have been doing at the hotel to create a positive team culture and encourage those entering the industry to see hospitality as a genuine career path.
“To have been recognised by our peers in this way clearly demonstrates the regard we are held in across the Highlands and Islands and I want to pay tribute to the team at Drumossie for their continuous hard work and dedication to reach new heights.”
Stephane Portes added: “Living locally in Inverness, I have long admired the high standards, attention to detail and level of care from staff that truly sets the hotel apart.
“Credit to our valued colleagues, including many long-serving members of staff, who play such an important role in making the hotel a special place and who are a great example of what it takes to deliver a consistent, high-quality service to all our guests and visitors.”
The Macdonald Drumossie Hotel combines heritage, luxury and convenience all in one outstanding Art Deco listed venue. It is situated in nine acres of stunning parkland, only ten minutes from Inverness city centre, and lies within easy close reach of several of the finest links golf courses in the world.
Its acclaimed Grill Room restaurant features traditional Scottish cuisine and is committed to providing the finest locally sourced produce and ingredients. In addition, the hotel is perfectly positioned for the rich, local heritage of Culloden, Loch Ness and the Cairngorms, making it perfect for a relaxing break or a romantic getaway.
