Edinburgh’s Port of Leith Destination Recognised by Travel Industry Professionals
Luxury floating hotel Fingal, situated at Edinburgh’s Port of Leith, has been awarded both Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel and Scotland’s Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2026. This double accolade places an international spotlight on Fingal Hotel and highlights Leith’s vibrant waterfront.
The awards, established in 1993, celebrate excellence across the global travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Votes from travel industry professionals and the travelling public recognise Fingal’s commitment to excellence and the dedication of its crew, whose service has helped establish the hotel among Scotland’s distinctive luxury stays.
Fingal classic duplex Kinnaird (Credit: Jeremy Rata)
This recognition is also a significant moment for Leith and Edinburgh’s waterfront visitor economy. Guests who travel from around the world to stay aboard Fingal support local businesses, restaurants, attractions, suppliers, and tourism partners, contributing to new visitors and valuable investment for the area.
Commenting on the award, Franck Bruyere, Chief Executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, said: “To be recognised as both Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel and Scotland’s Leading Boutique Hotel is an incredible honour. These awards mean so much because they are voted for by our guests and industry peers.” Mr. Bruyere added that since opening, the ambition has been to deliver world-class hospitality with warmth, personality, and a genuine Scottish welcome, an achievement reflecting the passion and dedication of every member of the Fingal crew.
Mr. Bruyere further remarked: “We’re particularly proud that this success shines a light on Leith. In recent years, the area has established itself as one of Scotland’s most vibrant visitor destinations, celebrated for its waterfront setting, heritage, restaurants, independent businesses and warm hospitality. When visitors choose Fingal, they’re not just choosing a hotel, they’re discovering everything Leith and Edinburgh’s waterfront have to offer.”
Fingal The Ballroom (Credit: Jeremy Rata)
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Owned and operated by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Fingal opened in 2019 and has since welcomed guests globally. Many visitors extend their stay to explore Leith and Edinburgh, with the hotel helping to showcase the area’s maritime heritage alongside the neighbouring attraction, The Royal Yacht Britannia.
Originally built as a Northern Lighthouse Board vessel, Fingal served Scotland’s remote west coast communities before its transformation. Today, it offers 23 nautical-inspired cabins, including the Skerryvore Suite with a private deck and four duplex cabins. The hotel also features a dramatic ballroom, accessed by sweeping staircases, and dining at the Lighthouse Restaurant, which holds 2 AA Rosettes.
This latest World Travel Awards success reinforces Fingal’s standing among Europe’s boutique hotels and highlights Leith’s ongoing evolution as one of Scotland’s compelling waterfront destinations.
