The Crerar Trust is proud to announce an unprecedented £3 million investment in Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland to strengthen the future of the hospitality industry in Scotland. This five-year partnership aims to develop the talent, leadership, and creativity essential for the sector’s success, with a strong focus on supporting and inspiring its people.
Plans are well underway to develop a comprehensive calendar of cutting-edge professional development programmes and masterclasses. The in-person sessions will take place across Scotland and will cover essential sessions including customer service, marketing and communication, leadership and people management, data and technology, finance, legal and compliance, innovation, and sales and upselling.
Aimed at senior-level executives, the development programmes are designed to inspire the next generation of hospitality managers, helping them thrive in a constantly evolving industry while driving innovation and business growth.
This extraordinary five-year partnership underscores the Crerar Trust’s enduring commitment to Scottish hospitality by nurturing its most valuable asset—its people.
The roots of the Crerar Trust are deeply intertwined with Scottish hospitality. Since its inception, the Trust has been able to support meaningful causes thanks to the profits of the Scottish hotels it previously owned. Each year, the Trust gifted half of its hotel profits to communities near these hotels. Now, following the sale of its hotel company, the Crerar Trust has secured its financial future and is choosing to pay forward its gratitude to the industry that made it all possible.
Paddy Crerar CBE, Chair of the Crerar Trust, explained the significance of this investment, saying, “Everything the Crerar Trust has been able to achieve is thanks to our long association with Scottish hospitality. With the sale of our hotel company, we wanted to make a gift of wider gratitude to the industry that has given us so much. This £3 million investment is our way of supporting the people who make the already brilliant Scottish hospitality industry world class.”
A Strategic and Visionary Partnership
HIT Scotland has been a driving force behind talent development in the industry for decades, making it the natural partner for this initiative. Paddy has worked closely with HIT Scotland for nearly 30 years, serving as Trustee, Chairman, and now Patron. His deep understanding of the organisation’s capabilities affirms the decision.
“HIT Scotland is fearless in its dedication to bettering our industry,” said Crerar. “HIT has always punched above its weight through its innovative and efficient approach delivering remarkable results that consistently outperform expectations. This investment will enable the charity to unlock even greater potential by giving Scottish hospitality professionals access to world-class training and learning opportunities.”
David Cochrane MBE, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, said, “We are honoured to work alongside the Crerar Trust on this initiative. This investment represents a monumental opportunity to drive excellence and innovation across the sector while creating a sustainable legacy for the industry. Together, we will ensure that the people who make Scottish hospitality so extraordinary can achieve their fullest potential.”
Empowering the Future and Leaving a Legacy
This partnership comes at a pivotal moment, as the hospitality industry continues to demonstrate its spirit and resilience in a challenging marketplace. The Crerar Trust believes that the time is ripe to capitalise on the sector’s opportunities while tackling long-standing challenges, from fostering innovation to addressing talent development needs.
Crerar observed, “I’ve seen Scotland’s hospitality industry undervalued and overlooked for too long, despite the unparalleled richness of our natural and cultural assets. This investment places Scotland’s people at the centre of its global reputation. Our goal is to provide HIT Scotland with the resources to create a step change for industry learning and development, unlocking the full potential that’s within reach for those who seek it.”
The impact of this initiative will be far-reaching, aiming to inspire not only professionals currently in the field but also the next generation considering careers in hospitality.
HIT Scotland is calling upon industry leaders and professionals to actively engage with this new initiative.
“By participating in these developmental opportunities, senior-level executives will strengthen their teams, enhance their competitive edge and contribute to Scotland’s standing as a world-class destination. There are no legitimate reasons for a striving business to look past giving their people access to what HIT plans to offer,” said Crerar.
“We are only providing fuel; it’s Scotland’s dynamic and ambitious hospitality industry that will drive this forward. I’ve seen what the people in Scottish hospitality can achieve – everything is possible.”
“Coming on the back of the successful 30th anniversary celebrations of the Charity last year, the five-year support from the Crerar Trust is a foundation for continuing progress and one that HIT Scotland will build on to elevate the entire industry. Through greater collaboration, enhanced skills, and innovative thinking, this partnership will ensure Scotland’s hospitality sector thrives, creating a legacy of pride and excellence.” concluded David Cochrane.
For more information, visit: www.crerartrust.com and hitscotland.co.uk
