A young hospitality professional from Port Appin on the Argyll coast has been shortlisted among the top three rising stars in the Highlands and Islands for 2026.
Jolene Levy, 29, of The Pierhouse Hotel and The Linnhe Storehouse & Café, has been named on the shortlist for the Rising Star category at this year’s Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards.
The awards will take place at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Friday 9 October, celebrating excellence across the Highlands and Islands, from Argyll and Moray to Orkney and Shetland.
Levy is the only contender from Argyll to secure a place on this year’s Rising Star shortlist. The category recognises young people at the beginning of their careers in Scotland’s tourism, hospitality and events sectors, as well as those entering the industry following a career change. Shortlisted individuals are selected for their innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit and potential to shape the future of the sector.
Levy joined The Pierhouse Hotel in 2020 as a restaurant supervisor. She has since taken on the role of café manager at The Linnhe Storehouse & Café, a new venture launched by The Pierhouse team in spring 2026.
Overlooking Castle Stalker and Loch Linnhe, the café has benefited from Levy’s involvement in its planning and development. Her employers said she demonstrated initiative, organisation and a clear vision for the business from its early stages.
Alongside her hospitality career, Levy completed a degree in international business and human resource management in Glasgow, as well as a hospitality management course through HIT Scotland. She has also achieved WSET Level 1 and Level 2 Awards in Wines and Spirits, strengthening her wine, spirits and service knowledge.
During her studies, Levy remained connected to the Port Appin businesses, returning each summer season to continue working with The Pierhouse and The Linnhe teams.
Levy said: “It’s a huge privilege to be named as a rising star in hospitality and tourism for the Highlands and Islands region.
“A massive thank you goes to my team and friends at The Pierhouse and The Linnhe for their ongoing support. Pierhouse Hotel manager, Fiona McLean, has provided me with invaluable mentorship, which has given me the confidence to grow into my current role and make so much progress with my career in such a short space of time.”
Fiona McLean, hotel manager at The Pierhouse, said Levy’s progression demonstrated the strength of emerging talent within the hospitality sector.
“We’re so proud of Jolene for this massive achievement,” she said. “Over the last six years, Jolene has proven herself as a shining example of next generation talent. Her leadership potential, passion and ambition have been key ingredients for delivering exceptional guest experiences at both The Pierhouse and The Linnhe.
“Throughout her time with us, Jolene has grown significantly in confidence, taking on greater responsibility and demonstrating her ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.
You Might Also Like:
“Jolene’s journey reflects not only her commitment to the industry but also her ambition to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact. Her progression from supervisor to manager, her academic achievements and hands-on involvement in launching a new venture has helped secure her place on this year’s Rising Star shortlist and we wish her every success.”
Regional winners will progress automatically to the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final in November 2026.
The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant is located on the shores of Loch Linnhe at Port Appin, around two miles from The Linnhe Storehouse & Café. The hotel’s restaurant holds three silver stars and two AA Rosettes, and is one of four Argyll restaurants included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
