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We are delighted to announce the following businesses nominated under the following categories. The public vote is now closed and winners will be announced at our conferences in November.
As a new business we have got off the a flying start this year! We offer a high end luxury cabin with hot tub and all mod cons. A fantastic view and a good island welcome. We have had wonderful reviews from holiday makers and locals.
There are many businesses that should win, especially as we all managed to get through covid times and for our businesses to survive. Ourselves, we always put our guests first and take pride to offer a service, a place to relax, enjoy and offer knowledge to explore these islands. We go above and beyond to help assist their travel plans and work hard to keep them updated with changes esp the ferries! Consistently providing a welcoming, unique and special guesthouse fully thought out for the guests enjoyment and catering for their every need with many special touches!
It would be great to be recognised for all work that we have done throughout the years in providing a 5-star experience to all the visitors that we have welcomed through our doors. At Hebrides House we are extremely passionate about delivering the best service possible to our guests and showing them all that our islands have to offer. We are a small family run guesthouse on Benbecula and have managed to achieve an ‘excellent’ (the highest) rating on TripAdvisor, something that we are extremely proud of. It is a privilege to be a part of the tourist industry within the Western Isles and having the opportunity to be recognised by these awards is very exciting as it would help us reach a greater audience and help our business to continue to grow.
Described as a ‘Hidden Gem’, Skipper’s Retreat offers guests luxury accommodation in the beautiful village of Clachan Sands, North Uist, Outer Hebrides. Skipper’s Retreat is a modern luxurious island holiday home with extreme fine attention to detail. The property has mood lighting throughout, an outdoor hot tub, a bespoke steam room, rain shower, whirlpool bath, including electric lazy boys! During a stay at the retreat, guests receive a complementary seafood delivery from the hosts (weather permitting). The incredible landscape surrounding Skipper’s Retreat is a paradise for bird watchers with hen harriers, sea eagles, golden eagles and the elusive corncrake just some of the most iconic birds seen along with miles of white sandy beaches, turquoise seas and a blanket of rare flowers turning the famous machair into a shimmering mass of colour, dramatic landscapes, spectacular sunsets and an opportunity to see the spectacular Northern Lights – need we say more!
Because we are constantly told by the many guests that travel up and down these Islands that we are simply the Best! From our fantastic Choice of Accommodation in frequently refurbished rooms to our relaxed friendly clubby atmosphere we know that we cannot be beaten. Our Wonderful unparalleled Isolated setting with a view that frames this beautiful Island.
Firstly we find it difficult to say why we should win apart from the fact that our reviews are fantastic, which always amazes us because we are just ourselves. We try to make our guests to feel as comfortable as possible in a great accommodation in an amazing location. We use all local produce such as hot and cold salmon from Salar Salmon, sausages, bacon and bread from MacLeans butcher and baker, local eggs, Stornoway black pudding and our own blend of coffee roasted in Lochboisdale by Skydancer. We are very fortunate to have Am Politician restaurant and bar within 5 minutes walking distance from us just to add to the experience. What we are is consistently good at hosting at An Taigh Mor and our reviews can testify to that.
Going on my reviews on Barra-accommodation.co.uk, I have received 5 stars per review. I provide one night stays where a vast majority now have a minimum of two nights stays. I give guests the option of bed only due to financial strains that we are all experiencing. I have a good knowledge of the island of Barra and am able to enhance my guest experience with information that is not readily available.
“Best place on Earth” and “The best site ever” - these are just a few of the TripAdvisor reviews we’ve received from our guests. Our location is second to none, on the picturesque west coast of North Uist in the heart of the beautiful Balranald Nature Reserve. Guests love the close proximity to the stunning white sands of Hougharry Bay fantastic for walking, kite surfing, swimming, paddle boarding and watching the sunset on an evening. The campsite is a bird watchers paradise and provides an amazing opportunity for visitors to experience nature first hand with calling corncrakes all around and eagles and short eared owls hunting nearby. Our knowledgeable staff are on hand to ensure guests make the most of their stay. We provide first-class campsite facilities for caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents as well as a glamping pod. Our facilities are maintained to a very high standard of cleanliness.
Operating since 2016, our recently renovated hotel offers a modern interior, bespoke bedrooms, public bar and restaurant. Our focus is to offer an exceptional visitor experience - a real taste of the isles. Locally-sourced seafood, traditional music, much local folklore and an opportunity to immerse in our gaidhlig language spoken daily by locals and staff. Staff support and care is vital within our business. Supporting our youth by campaigning for hospitality skills within schools and offering apprenticeships. One of 3 hotels in the Hebrides with our Eat Safe Award for excellence, Trip Advisor Travellers Choice Award with 5-star ratings, Highly Commended at the Scotland Food Awards 2023 and Highlands & Islands Thistle Award Finalists for Best Hotel Experience in 2022 and 2023. Mark Rowe, author of Bradt Outer Hebrides Guide "This hotel typifies the best of the Outer Hebrides, an owner who puts her heart and soul into the business".
Stephen and Susan Young took ownership of Temple View Hotel in October 2020, having never been in the trade before. The hotel needed renovation and modernisation, but they had a vision and took inspiration from the Hebridean landscape, incorporating the colours of the sky, sea and machair, they brought the outside in, and this is reflected in all the bedrooms and public areas. With a clear vision of the standard of service they wanted to offer guests, they have attracted and retained a core team of staff, who have supported them in their journey and have helped them achieve this standard of service and raise the bar on the standard of accommodation in the Uists. This is reflected in the number of bookings, their excellent partnerships with Tour/Group Tour operators and the glowing 5-star reviews.
We are a Gaelic speaking, family run campsite situated on a working croft. We pride ourselves in providing our guests with a friendly welcome and the highest possible standard of facilities to make their Island getaway experience enjoyable and memorable. One of our unique selling points is our stunning location overlooking a tidal bay giving our guests sea views with a constantly changing outlook and the opportunity to wildlife watch with frequent sightings of eagles, buzzards, hen harriers, short eared owls, red deer and occasionally otters. There are a multitude of coastal and moorland walks close by leading to places of historic interest perfect for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. Conveniently situated for the Hebridean Way. Our latest addition is a native woodland plantation which will benefit wildlife and enhance our visitor experience in the years to come.
We are a local business that has been established for 12 years and have set very high standards within our industry. Because of the way we look after our guests we are proud that we now have 117 out of 117, 5 star Trip Advisor reviews along with our Booking.com Awards. If it wasn’t for everyone on our islands giving our all to each of our guests, our islands would not be as busy as they currently are. Through Social Media, along with videos on TikTok, we, along we other Islanders have helped to promote our Islands to showcase that we really have the most stunning, beautiful scenery and most welcoming Islands anywhere. Where else could anyone enjoy the peaceful open spaces we are able to offer, in order to totally recharge from the madness of this busy world we live in!
We feel our business benefits the local economy. Tourists are very eager to try our pizza and order months in advance to book or enquire about availability out-with opening which we always try and accommodate. We offer a delivery service to those who are unable to collect and the only business to offer this on Barra. We have a few elderly folk who have family on the mainland who place weekly orders for loved ones which takes a little stress off them. We’re very passionate about our product and ensure the best service is provided to our community and tourists. 2 years ago we started the pizza stone. We hid a painted rock around the Island, posting a picture clue on our social media, the person to find gets a free pizza. We’ve given away 100+ pizzas. Recently we started taking our pizzas the Uist food fairs, proving very popular.
We are a local bistro that uses as much local supplies, fish, seafood and veg as possible. We really love our job and our customers
Our Mission is to share our LOVE for Langoustines/Prawns and Fresh Seafood only caught from our very own Fishing Boat with Our Local Community and with Scottish Tourism, delighting everyone with each bite!! Lochmaddy Bay Prawns 2GO is a small family run business on North Uist that provides the freshest seafood, all cooked, de-shelled and prepared ready to eat, which isn't always an easy task!! From tubs of cooked prawn tails to crab wraps to mini platters of crab and prawns or squat lobster to even larger catering size platters with whole langoustines ready ‘2GO’. We have had great delight in preparing all the seafood all season of 2023 whilst receiving positive feedback and several recommendations - hence why Lochmaddy Bay Prawns 2GO should Win!!!
The Dunes Cabin, based on Balranald Campsite since 2013, serves takeaway food to residents and non-residents. We are passionate about sourcing local produce and our mouthwatering menu features Lochmaddy Bay Prawns, North Uist Scallops, Kallin Crab, North Uist free range eggs, Hebridean Smokehouse peat smoked salmon, Macleans Bakery oatcakes and Stornoway Black Pudding. All food is cooked fresh to order so customers know that they are being served the freshest of produce. Our moto is “We don’t serve fast food, we serve good food as fast as we can.” We believe our menu has something for everyone with customers coming especially to savour our scallop and bacon or Stornoway black pudding rolls. Our extensive home-baking selection includes delicious cakes, traybakes, biscuits and scones. We offer vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free. During covid lockdown, we adapted by offering home-baking by post to our customers who couldn’t visit the islands.
Charlie's Bistro was formed in 2018 when local business The island Deli was closing down with the potential loss of 6 local jobs. Salar Smokehouse made the decision to purchase the business and adapt the business to add value to Salar products. The bistro now employs 10 staff all year round, providing meals all day to locals and visitors. In 2020 during Lockdown, the decision was made by the owners to purchase the property next door and open 6 superior ensuit bedrooms due to local demand, the accommodation provides comfortable and affordable rooms to visitors and travelling workers, this also provides two local staff with year round employment!
Salar smokehouse was formed in 2015 by Iain and Emma MacRury when the previous owners had made the decision to close the business, resulting in the loss of an iconic Hebridean brand. The smokehouse reopened and once again provided local jobs, expanding the business in 2018 and 2020, Salar purchased Charlie's Bistro and Bothy on the Isle of Benbecula, further securing vital jobs locally. The expansion plans now continue into 2023, as Salar has now purchased new local premises for a new smokehouse, "Croft Shop" and relaunch of the Island Deli. The new business will add further value by providing 4 new jobs, Locally produced meats, shellfish, seafood and fresh fish. The new premises will also have a Subway style sandwich bar, seafood based ready meals, this will be aiming at the local and visitor market year round.
Nunton Steadings in Benbecula is where we have our visitor centre / shop and ‘Island Life’ bar. This is where we offer tours and tastings, sell Downpour products and merchandise and serve G&T’s and other cocktail creations to thirsty visitors. Nunton Steadings opened in May 2021 and welcomed 12k visitors in its first year and 16k in Y2. As our brand home it gives us the platform to interact with our customers, educate them on our products, and communicate our company values. Through this we are creating ambassadors that take our brand message around the world. We also use the space to host a number of community events, including exhibitions by local artists and winter markets where other Hebridean businesses and makers are invited to sell their wares. We want this building in the heart of the community to be welcoming for people locally as well as visitors.
When establishing C&C during the pandemic, we strived to offer something fresh to the Uist food scene. We work with local producers, crofters and fishermen to ensure our menu is bursting with local produce and island influence, offering a modern take on traditional dishes. We continue to adapt the business to the changing wants of our customers in our menu and our very small team offers a range of catering options including operating a mobile van, a takeaway food outlet, ready meals and event catering. We maximise our reach by travelling through the islands to allow everyone from the Butt to Barra to enjoy a C&C experience and support multiple community events including the two major festivals HebCelt and EDF. We positioned our base on Lochboisdale pier to offer a service to those traveling to and from via the ferry and inject some activity into the pier.
Marloch Memorial - Stòras Uibhist
The Marloch Memorial proudly serves as a place to acknowledge and reflect on those who emigrated on the SS Marloch on the 15th April 1923 and indeed, all islanders who have left our shores. The polished black memorial stone replicates the hull of the Marloch. Stulay slate on the 'deck' represents the emigrants on board and the remoteness and resilience of islanders. The wooden ‘funnel’ demonstrates the contrast of the Canadian landscape and stone donated from old croft houses across the Estate represent our families and the theme of croft house fires burning for the returning, acknowledging the grief experienced by those who left and those who remained, the warmth and comfort that emanates from what the peat fire and croft house represents and that our islands will always be ‘home’ for those who have left. Achieved through close community partnership work and funded entirely from local funding sources.
We provide unforgettable trips in the western isles to Mingulay and surrounding islands for wildlife and sightseeing which includes going through the Natural Arch in Mingulay, we do 6 hour day trips to Mingulay, we also do climbing trips, fishing trips & Charters, come with us to see some of the most beautiful remote and unspoilt areas of the Outer Hebrides.
Uist Craft Producers is a membership organisation for crafts-makers living in Uist. We have nearly 40 members, who sell their products in our shop. Shopping with us is a unique experience in the Outer Hebrides, as we sell only goods which are made in Uist. So many visitors comment on the quality and variety of crafts. But more than this, our organisation is a welcoming community for all our crafters, who support each other throughout the year. The shop is run by our members who volunteer to keep the shop open 7 days through the summer. Our community spirit can be seen in everything we do!
Shoreline Stoneware Pottery & Gallery
Shoreline Stoneware Pottery & Gallery showcases work by 29, predominantly island-based artists. The range or art and crafts includes, ceramic sculpture made on site by artist owner Louise Cook, original artwork including acrylics, watercolour and mixed media, bookbinding, textiles including hand knitted Uist inspired Fairisle knitting, Harris Tweed and award-winning Best Taste local tablet. We always spend time talking to our visitors about our artists, their range of artwork and what inspires them to create the stunning pieces they make. We are much more than a gallery and pride ourselves in taking the time to understand our visitors and offer suggestions and destinations throughout the island to enhance their holiday experience and support other local businesses by offering onward information. Having spent every school holiday in Locheport as a child, Louise is always sharing stories and local history and some interesting facts about Locheport and wider island.
The free Uist Unearthed app contains Augmented Reality reconstructions of five archaeological sites along the Hebridean Way. Despite boasting internationally significant archaeology, Uist’s amazing archaeology was poorly understood by visitors and communities. Using Uist Unearthed, visitors can now discover the secrets of its rich archaeological heritage for themselves. Uist Unearthed enhances existing visitor infrastructure and enriches outdoor visitor experiences in Uist’s machair and moorland landscapes. Previously hidden archaeology is transformed and revealed by life-sized digital reconstructions triggered at the exact location of each site. Bilingual multimedia information, including animations, audio, and 3D artefacts, bring amazing archaeological stories to life. Aside from standing as a new, innovative visitor offering, the app has also become an important community asset. After snapping a selfie next to Bronze Age roundhouses and crackling fires, visitors can explore the GPS map which highlights and signposts to other businesses in Uist, from museums to shops and cafes.
Since the Marina was established in 2018, it has embraced sustainable technology for its facilities block with rainwater harvesting for toilets and solar panels to heat water for the showers. Under the new management of Bùth Bharraigh since 2023 there is now a wildflower area which has been attracting many insects including bees and has been a patchwork of colour throughout the year showcasing Barra’s wildflowers. Staff have carried out litter collections throughout the season to capture marine litter as well as litter from other sources. The marina has Ebikes for hire which makes it easy for people to explore the Barra and Vatersay. The Ebikes are also charged using solar energy. When guests arrive at the Marina staff highlight our recycling and encourage as much recycling as possible. They also promote local produce, the use of the Refillery at Bùth Bharraigh and promoting local businesses.
Designs on Benbecula Jewellery
I use recycled silver to make my silver jewellery, and I also recycle my own silver scrap, melting it into new designs. Some of my silver items are designed in silver clay which has also been recycled from the photography industry, as well as laboratories, and x Ray technology. Its cool to wear some jewellery that has gone through many past lives before.
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