Highland hotel owner crowned ambassador of the year as hotel named most romantic in the UK
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A stalwart of the Highland hospitality community has received a prestigious accolade – the same week his hotel was named the most romantic in the UK.
Tony Story, the owner of Kingsmills Hotel and Ness Walk, was crowned Highland ambassador of the year at the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards (HITA) 2023.
He championed the industry during his acceptance speech, in which he said: "What you're doing is fabulous. We are a great industry and we work so hard. We try to deliver the very best of experiences and it's so hard! But we do it day after day.
"We are such an important engine of the Scottish economy, so I love you all. This is amazing and completely unexpected. Thank you so much!"
His 'drive, energy and passion to deliver an outstanding guest experience' was recognised by the Award judges, alongside the difference he makes to the community and his investment into his staff.
HITA chairman, Calum Ross said: ""In the early years of his career, he held management positions with several UK groups and chains and in 1992 became the managing director of a group opening hotels in France, Africa and Scotland.
"In 2007 he acquired [Kingsmills] in Inverness from a major international brand, returning it to private ownership.
"In that time he has strived to develop this hotel with significant investment, and the central vision has always been to offer an outstanding, authentic, Highland experience and the hotel's gone from strength-to-strength.
"Through [his] vision the hotel has gained an enviable reputation internationally."
Ness Walk was crowned as the most romantic hotel in the UK at the Condé Nast Johansens’ Awards
