We were delighted that Hebrides Cruises owner, Rob Barlow, was awarded the 2024 Scottish National Investment Bank Award for Outstanding Business Leader, at the Prosper Award Ceremony on September 12th.
The Award Ceremony took place in the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness with impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner as host. Almost 300 finalists and local businesses gathered to celebrate the outstanding business achievements in the Highlands and Islands and congratulate the winners of ten awards being presented. With a record number of nominations, the judging panel had a difficult job .choosing winners from many inspirational examples of business excellence.
Rob was declared winner of the outstanding business leader award due to his passion in running a sustainable cruise business, helped by training and retaining the best qualified crews which in turn provides an exceptional experience for our guests and a significant contribution to the local economy.
We would like to congratulate all the winners and finalists who together painted a picture of encouraging and impressive business excellence in the Highlands and Islands
And thankyou to our amazing crews, shore team, lovely guests, excellent suppliers and everyone who plays a part in making Hebrides Cruises such a success.
The cruise far exceeded our expectations as did the weather! James was an excellent captain and we felt safe in his capable hands navigating through some sometimes very challenging channels. Guide Lynsey's enthusiasm was infectious and informative and there were many wildlife highlights both at sea and on land. Undoubtedly getting up close to the pod of Killer Whales was the ultimate highlight. Chef Jaya produced some wonderful meals and Bea did an excellent job serving us at the dining table and cleaning our cabins. The boat was much more roomy than we expected and our cabin was very cosy. The viewing areas were brilliant and there was plenty of space for both passengers and crew to enjoy. We will be back!
Alasdair and Sue Northrop: 10 June 2023St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides