Let’s give a round of applause to our Argyll & the Isle members shortlisted for the Highland & Islands Tourism Awards. Make sure to make a stop at these award-nominated businesses when planning your next trip to Argyll & the Isles. Get ready to tick them off your bucket list!
Beinn An Turic Distillery
Beinn An Turic Distillery is nominated for the Food Tourism Award. This Kintyre spirit is made on the east coast at the Beinn and Tuirc Distillery at Torrisdale Castle Estate. The copper still, lovingly named Big Don, is powered by a hydroelectric scheme and fed by spring water from the hill. The gin is made with 12 botanicals, many of which are foraged from the surrounding estate.
"We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards. We are a small business based in a relatively remote rural location, however we recognise the importance of tourism to areas such as these. This is the foundation to our business and it is great to get recognition. This comes hot on the heels of being shortlisted for two awards at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards and also being up for eight awards at the Scottish Gin Awards." - Niall, Beinn An Tuirc Distillers
You can drop into the distillery shop, which is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am – 4 pm or take a tour. Tours take place on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 2 pm. The tour lasts about an hour, and you’ll learn about the story of Kintyre Gin and the origins of the distillery. The tour culminates in a gin and tonic served in the tasting room. Followed by a stop at the distillery shop where your ticket will give you 10% off gin purchases.
The Beinn An Tuirc Distillery School Experience, Credit: Beinn An Tuirc
Islay Sea Adventures
Out on the island of Islay, you can join Islay Sea Adventures for a range of boat trips, whilst exploring around the Isle of Islay. Climb aboard the 38ft Revenge charter fishing boat or, for a more adrenalin-fuelled trip, fast RIB, and enjoy a wildlife trip that you won’t forget, perfect for all the family to enjoy. If you are looking for something more private why not book a private charter that can be tailored to your needs and for those special occasions. Islay Sea Adventures has been nominated for the Best Outdoor or Adventure Experience, and we can see why with its different availability of experiences and friendly staff along the way. Be sure to check them out the next time you visit Islay!
Gus, Managing Director had this to say:
"We are absolutely delighted to be nominated and shortlisted for the Highland & Island Tourism Award for Best Outdoor / Adventure Experience. We would like to say a huge congratulations to all of our team and a massive thank you to our friends and customers. After a difficult few years during the pandemic, the support we have had this season has been amazing. Using our time wisely over the past few years, we have launched a new website and booking system, designed new tour ideas, pushed our social media presence and focused on creating a memorable experience for our customers. We believe that being shortlisted for this award reflects our teams hard work, and we couldn’t be happier."
Visitors enjoying wildlife spotting aboard the sea Explorer, Credit: Islay Sea Adventures
Coll Hotel
Coll Hotel sits on the little hidden gem of Coll on the West Coast of Scotland. The hotel offers a luxury nights sleep with luxury beds, flat screen Tv's and decor which reflects the fantastic views of Coll. That's not all Coll Hotel has to offer, each room is gifted with hospitality trays filled with Island bakery biscuits, teabags and luxurious coffee, fine soap and sea kelp toiletries. The Coll Hotel has built a fantastic reputation for delicious, freshly caught seafood and has a range of suppliers including Tobermory Fish Company. Alongside the Seafood options there are meat and pasta dishes, with the spaghetti being directly made at the hotel. There is even cheeseboards made with the Isle of Mull cheese, and a range of delicious desserts Which might be why they have been nominated for two awards, the Best Hotel Experience (Under 20 Rooms) and the Best Eatery Experience.
Backyard of the Coll Hotel. Credit: Coll Hotel
The Pierhouse Hotel
Hidden away in the quiet village of Port Appin, on the shores of Loch Linnhe, surrounded by the spectacular raw beauty of the magnificent west coast of Scotland, you will find The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant. The Pierhouse Hotel is nominated alongside Coll Hotel for the Best Hotel Experience (Under 20 Rooms), the hotel provides a friendly and relaxed environment where the emphasis is firmly on great food and service in their 2 AA Rosette restaurant. Nestled between Oban to the south and Glencoe to the north there is plenty to see and do in the local area. Or perhaps just relax in front of the fire watching the ferry and yachts passing by whilst drinking in the views across to the Isle of Lismore and the Morvern peninsula beyond.
Enjoy the stunning view from The Pierhouse Hotel, Credit: The Pierhouse Hotel
Tigh na Mara Guesthouse
Tigh Na Mara Guesthouse prides itself in having the comfiest beds, the freshest of food and the warmest of hospitalities, which might be one of the many reasons they have been nominated for the Best B & B or Guest House Experience. The guesthouse is situated on the beautiful Isle of Coll and offers a 4 Star Island hospitality experience, well within walking distance of the ferry pier, the outskirts of Arinagour village with its beautiful, whitewashed cottages and picturesque landscape. The guesthouse is open all year round and looks forward to providing a warm and friendly welcome upon your Hebridean arrival.
Imagine waking up to a view like this at Tigh Na Mara Guesthouse, Credit: Tigh Na Mara
