By Federica Stefani

Copyright inverness-courier

The weather didn’t dampen spirits a last night’s Highlands and Islands Tourism awards.

Celebrating the best of the hospitality sector across the region, the show went on at the Drumossie Hotel — even after Storm Amy caused a power cut in the area.

Despite that, alternative sources of light and power meant the evening could go ahead mostly without any major changes.

The room came alive with hit tunes as Scottish Indian pipes and drums fusion group Unison Anthems dragged guests on the dance floor.

Delight filled the room after as the winners were announced.

It was a double win for five-star boutique hotel Torridon, taking home the Best Hotel Experience and Employer of the Year awards.

General manager Ross Aitchison said on the night: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award, we have worked tirelessly hard this year in creating the best guest experience we can and the team work every day to provide the best service possible for our guests.

“We are delighted to have been put through the regional finals in Glasgow in November and we’ll carry this forward.

“There is a huge amount of work that goes in developing the team back at the Torridon, we work tirelessly every day to give them a pedestal from which to further their career in hospitality. It’s a huge honour of the team. We are here to collect it, but it’s them who have won this award.”

Marina Huggett, who is a director on the HITA board and was head judge for the night, was also named as the Highland Ambassador for 2025.

“I feel humbled and honoured,” she said.

“There are so many brilliant people here in this room and they are so passionate about what they do. “

“I have always been passionate about hospitality, I have found my niche when I discovered tourism. It feels like I have never been working a whole day in my life, because I have enjoyed every moment.

“Having had a power cut this evening – it just shows how resilient the industry is. Despite all the challenges, we have gone above and beyond and delivered the awards with exceptional entertainment and truly exceptional people.

“For anyone that thinks they should or could enter — be brave, be confident, think big and just do it.”

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels in the coming days for more interviews and pictures from the awards.

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