Make it a double: Scotch Whisky Experience wins two Dual Green Tourism awards

The Scotch Whisky Experience on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile proudly raise a glass as they achieve two Green Tourism Awards in recognition of the steps they have taken as a business to put sustainability at the forefront of strategy.

The result of this approach; The Scotch Whisky Experience are the first whisky attraction in Scotland to receive both the Green Tourism and Green Meeting Gold Awards. This accreditation highlights The Scotch Whisky Experience’s ongoing efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and to provide visitors with an immersive experience while striving to be as sustainable as possible.

Demonstrating the importance of sustainability for business growth, The Scotch Whisky Experience has also been awarded the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce High Growth Business of the Year Award 2024.

This accolade celebrates businesses demonstrating profitability, innovation, and growth. The Scotch Whisky Experience’s performance over the past twelve months, coupled with its £3.5 million investment in the visitor experience, demonstrates their unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices while telling the story of Scotland’s national drink.

According to a report by the Scotch Whisky Association, ‘the contribution of the Scotch whisky industry reached £7.1 bn in 2022 and is the second most productive sector in Scotland, just behind energy including renewables.’*

Susan Morrison, Chief Executive at The Scotch Whisky Experience, said: “We work hard to take positive actions across the whole business with a real focus on people, their experience and our environmental impact.

“We are very proud to have achieved GOLD status with Green Tourism while being recognised for substantial growth by Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.”

The Scotch Whisky Experience brings whisky to life, showcasing the heritage and craftsmanship behind the iconic spirit whilst actively continuing to put sustainability at the forefront of the business.

Stockbridge Salon reaches final of The Big One UK Awards

It’s a great year for local salon, MARKDAVID, based in Stockbridge, who have learned they have made the final of the Tribu-te Magazine The Big One UK Awards 2020 in The Design One Category.

The Big One UK 2020 awards are brainchild of the hairdressing industry trade magazine Tribu-te Magazine and were created to recognise UK hairdressing talent, both emerging and established.

The Design One category was open for eye-catching and chic salon design within the UK industry and to enter the salon had to submit four photographs showcasing the salons exceptional interior and décor, as well as credits of the photographs and details of the salon.

MARKDAVID was then chosen as one of seven finalists for The Design One category by a panel of judges, including editors from the international editions of Tribu-te and esteemed hairdressers and ambassadors from the awards three sponsors L’Oréal Professional, Great Lengths and Paul Mitchell.

The winners and trophies will be announced and awarded in November.

The salon, which opened in November 2019, has been an incredible success in its first year of opening with this award being the second the salon have finalised for this year with its interior design.

The salon also finalised for trade magazine, Salon Businesses Salon Business Awards in the Design Salon category, where they will find out their fate and if they have won the award in November in a digital grand final streamed live to the salon.

Mark McCarthy, owner of MARKDAVID, said: “To be a finalist for the Tribu-te The Big One Awards 2020 is incredible, I’m on such a high! I put a lot of time and effort into the design of my salon and ensuring it would be a relaxing and luxurious space for clients and enhance their experience in the salon.

“From the colours to the furnishings and the small finishing touches, I wanted everything to be perfect and the salon to have a unique and exclusive feel. For the top industry awards to recognise the effort put in and to appreciate this, it’s a great feeling.

“We are also currently expanding the salon further and I cannot wait to show everyone the new space and design!”

Stonegate Recognised As Best Training Operator in Scotland

Stonegate Pub Company was voted the Best Operator for Training by the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Scotland in its annual awards ceremony recently. The company was presented with the award at a glittering ceremony which took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow. Continue reading Stonegate Recognised As Best Training Operator in Scotland

College curriculum leaders shortlisted for industry awards

Two Edinburgh College curriculum leaders have been nominated for industry awards recognising their commitment and creative approach to inspiring the next generation of cookery and hospitality professionals. Continue reading College curriculum leaders shortlisted for industry awards