Inverness bars raise a glass as they celebrate award success
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Inverness pubs are toasting to success after taking home five awards out of nine in a national award competition.
Platform 8, Scotch and Rye, The Chieftain Hotel, Gellions and The White House all scooped prizes in this year's Best Bar None (BBN) Awards.
The Awards recognise Scottish venues that offer a quality experience and focus on safety and customer care.
The Chieftain Hotel picked up the award for the best hotel bar, and for owner Liz Lawson, the accolade is a great recognition of the team's hard work.
She said: "I was speechless when they phoned to tell me that we had won the award.
"We've been in the final so many times, so to win was a big shock.
"The award means a lot to us, and it makes all the hard work worth it!"
The best specialist entertainment venue went to Gellions on Bridge Street. Speaking about winning the award, manageress Kelly Franks said: "Winning just shows that all our hard work over the years has paid off.
"We have live music on seven nights a week, and we've showcased a lot of up-and-coming musicians in the venue.
"I think these awards are so good for Inverness and it just shows how well everyone is doing."
Cru Holdings which runs The White House and Scotch & Rye picked up two awards for best newcomer and best independent bar.
Grant Murray, director of business development at Cru Holdings said: "Winning two awards just shows the hard work of all our teams. It's thanks to all their efforts that we are taking home these accolades."
Platform 8 won best pub, and general manager Susan Ross said that it is a great achievement for both the venue and for Inverness.
"I'm really happy with this win for us", she commented, "with the last few years being tricky for everyone this is a great acknowledgement for everyone involved in hospitality in Inverness.
"We are looking forward to next year's awards now!"
The award ceremony took place at The White House, where Gary Kenhard, the national BBN co-ordinator was present.
Speaking about the BBN Awards he said: "The aim of BBN is to make a safer night out for everyone.
"Inverness winning five awards is a testament to the teams of the premises and what they have done individually and collectively on community safety initiatives.
"There is a good alignment with local charities such as Mikeysline to keep people safe, to mental health training and domestic violence training.
"All of this makes a huge difference in the night-time economy. A lot goes on in the background that people don't realise and it makes it a great safe place for a night out."
Speaking about what makes Inverness unique he added: "It's got a real sense of purpose and identity. People are proud to be from here, and all the application forms we received from Inverness for the awards were full of creativity and care."
John Macdonald from Inverness BID is the local coordinator of BBN in Inverness, and for him to see the success of local pubs is very rewarding.
He said: "Our hospitality venues work very hard. There have been numerous challenges over the years, so I am delighted that Inverness has received five out of the nine awards."
