The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant at Port Appin in Argyll has been named ‘Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year’ 2024 at the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards (HITA).
The Highlands & Islands regional winners were announced at an awards ceremony and gala dinner at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, Friday 4 October.
The annual awards cover all the regions of the Highlands and Islands; from Argyll in the west, to Moray in the east, and Orkney and Shetland in the north.
The ‘Tourism & Hospitality Employer of the Year’ category celebrates employers who have demonstrated a real commitment to the welfare of their employees, providing a supportive and inspiring work environment.
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Diversity and inclusivity should be core to the business, ensuring the right conditions for workers from all backgrounds to thrive and succeed.
This award also aims to highlight and celebrate employers who are showcasing tourism, hospitality and events as an exciting career path and inspiring the next generation.
In line with the Outlook 2030 strategy, businesses should support Scotland’s ambition to become a leading Fair Work Nation, and provide opportunities for development to their employees.
HITA winners now proceed to the Scottish Thistle Awards national final in November to represent the region and compete with the best of the rest of the country.
Open to the local community and visitors, The Pierhouse is one of Argyll’s most iconic coastal hotels and restaurants. Tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe, the hotel and restaurant offer breathtaking views to the islands of Lismore and Mull.
Fiona McLean, General Manager at The Pierhouse Hotel, said: “We’re really proud to have been recognised by our industry peers as ‘Tourism and Hospitality Employer of the Year’ 2024 at this year’s HITA awards.
“Our incredible team of 40 hospitality professionals work so hard to ensure our wee corner of Argyll gives the warmest of welcomes to all our guests, including the local Argyll community and visitors to the region.
“Here at The Pierhouse, we’re committed to providing a supportive and inspiring work environment to help everyone thrive and succeed in their hospitality career.”
HITA chairman, Calum Ross, congratulated all the winners and those highly commended on their success. He said:
“Huge congratulations to everyone on what was a fantastic night for our tourism and hospitality community here in the Highlands and Islands.
“Over 225 tourism businesses had the confidence and self-belief to enter the awards – making 2024 a record-breaking year for HITA, with the highest number of entries ever received.
“Our judging teams reported that the quality of entry was higher than ever this year. In three categories the judges found it impossible to separate the entrants.
“A great position for HITA to be in, but it also means that many of our shortlisted finalists missed out on winning by the smallest of margins!
“Choosing from such a high calibre shortlist is never easy but our winners and those highly commended are exceptional.
“Each and every one worthy recipients of a Thistle award and special recognition for all of their hard work, innovation and the contribution they make to our local communities. Well done everybody.”
The Pierhouse restaurant is led by head chef Michael Leathley. The renowned seafood restaurant has three silver stars, two AA rosettes and is one of only three Argyll restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland 2024.
The Pierhouse is part of The Wee Hotel Company, which includes the world-famous Three Chimneys on the Isle of Skye.
For more information about The Pierhouse, visit and follow on social media, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/PierhouseHotel), Instagram (www.instagram.com/thepierhousehotel) and X (Twitter) (https://twitter.com/pierhousehotel)
Find out more about the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards and this year’s winners at www.hita-awards.com
