We were very pleased to be nominated for several awards this year and have been fairly overwhelmed at the results. We were winners for two awards,are finalists for two awards, have one highly commended award and an unexpected honour! 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 achieved in 2024 are:
-The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards: Winner Green Family Business of the Year Award
-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.
-Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards: Finalist for Best Food and Drink Tourism Experience.
A totally unexpected honour received by our Shore Manager Emma, was to be included in the 2024 Top 100 Women In Tourism.
Finally, 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.
We were so spoilt on the Lucy Mary. We were supremely looked after by a very knowledgeable and experienced skipper with an immaculate boat and such a good crew. We saw so much wildlife, ranging from lots of white tailed eagles, golden eagles, dolphins, seals, blue fin tuna, Minke whales and so much more. The service on board was of the highest standard with a chef who should have been working in a Michelin star restaurant, but perhaps she was! They say that quality is all in the details - and on board the Lucy Mary every tiny detail was considered and was correct. I would love to go back next year, but they are apparently fully booked. Roll on 2026!
Tom Moore: 25 September 2024The Small Isles and sea lochs: Wildlife havens