We were very pleased to be nominated for several awards this year and have been fairly overwhelmed at the results. We are finalists for five awards and have since gained a winning and highly commended award, with two finalist ceremonies still to go. Shore Manager Emma says she has already run out of different dresses, while it’s OK for the men wearing kilts every time!
One of the best aspects about award ceremonies, we have discovered, is the opportunity to meet lots of other business owners who are providing innovative and inspirational experiences for their customers.
We are of course delighted at this recognition in the business and tourism world of the standard of experience we aim to achieve for our guests. The variety of awards reflects the different aspects of our business that we are very proud of. The leadership of owner and skipper, Rob Barlow, the care we have for our guests, the quality of the food we serve, the innovation of our cruise itineraries, and the passion we have for the natural environment.
The awards we have achieved in 2024 so far are:
-Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards: Hebrides Cruises owner, Rob Barlow, is awarded The Scottish National Investment Bank Award for Outstanding Business Leader.
-Highlands and Islands Business Excellence Awards: finalist for The Loganair Award for Excellence in Customer Service, Care & Experience.
-Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards: Innovation in Tourism; Highly Commended.
-RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards: finalist for the Nature Tourism Award, with the award ceremony on November 28th.
-Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards: Finalist for Best Food and Drink Tourism Experience.
-The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards: Finalist for Green Family Business of the year and Scottish Family Business of the Year (Micro) with the award cermony on November 28th.
Finally, although this award is not in competition, we are very proud of our Green Tourism Gold Award which we have gained for the third year at very high passes in every category.
What can I say! The whole cruise was just the Best. Both Sylvia and I really enjoyed the whole experience. Rob, Sarah, Vivi and Martin became our friends by the end of the cruise. The itinerary was ‘spot on’ and reaching St Kilda was fantastic.
Les & Sylvia Maddison: 21 May 2016St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides