Scottish Excellence Awards 2027 open for nominations
Know a Scottish restaurant, hotel, pub or hospitality professional who deserves a moment in the spotlight? Nominations are now open for the Scottish Excellence Awards 2027, celebrating the people and businesses making a difference to Scotland’s hospitality industry.
From talented young chefs and standout newcomers to teams investing in staff wellbeing, the awards recognise achievements across food, drink, tourism and hospitality.
Entries close at midnight on Thursday 12 November 2026. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner at Hilton Glasgow on Thursday 18 March 2027, with the shortlist due in February.
Celebrating Scotland’s hospitality industry
First launched in 2004 as the CIS Excellence Awards, the Scottish Excellence Awards recognise the work behind memorable meals, welcoming stays and excellent service.
Alongside culinary talent and guest experiences, the categories highlight sustainable business practices, training, staff retention and wellbeing — recognising the people working behind the scenes as well as those welcoming guests.
Awards co-founder Alex Buchanan said:
“There are many incredible people and businesses operating in the current very challenging economic environment, and it’s more important than ever to recognise and celebrate the stars who make the Scottish hospitality industry so special.”
Scottish Excellence Awards 2027 categories
There are 14 categories, covering individuals, teams and businesses across the sector:
– Employee Engagement and Retention Award: For organisations that put staff recruitment, engagement and retention at the heart of their work in Scottish foodservice, hospitality and tourism.
– Sustainable Business Award: Recognising businesses leading the way in environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
– Banqueting and Events Chef Award: For head or executive chefs working across hotels, contract and event catering, staff restaurants, sports stadia, entertainment venues and tourism attractions.
– Pub Excellence Award: Celebrating pubs offering outstanding food, service, atmosphere and innovation within their communities.
– Eatery Newcomer of the Year Award: For eateries that have made an impression after opening within the past three years.
– Hospitality Trainer of the Year Award: Recognising an individual making a significant contribution to skills and training in the sector.
– Independent Hotel of the Year Award: For independently owned hotels delivering exceptional guest experiences and operational standards.
– Pâtisserie Chef of the Year Award: Celebrating a leading pastry chef specialising in chocolate, pâtisserie and/or desserts.
– Group Hotel of the Year Award: For an outstanding Scottish hotel operated as part of a group of two or more properties.
– Young Chef of the Year Award: Showcasing culinary talent currently working in Scotland and aged under 25.
– Restaurant of the Year Award: Recognising excellence in culinary innovation, atmosphere and customer feedback.
– Wellbeing in Hospitality Award: For organisations supporting employee wellbeing and a positive workplace culture.
– Chef of the Year Award: Recognising Scotland’s most accomplished chef.
– Lifetime Excellence Award: Honouring an individual who has made a lasting contribution to Scottish hospitality over the past 25 years.
Who judges the awards?
An independent panel of industry experts assesses entries on creativity, impact, leadership and measurable results.
The Awards Advisory Board is chaired by Green Tourism CEO Andrea Nicholas. Members include award-winning pastry chef Helen Vass; Stevie McLaughlin, Head Chef at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie; Hospitality Health founder Gordon McIntyre MBE; and Scotland’s National Chef, Gary Maclean.
How to nominate a business or individual
There are two ways to enter the Scottish Excellence Awards 2027.
Enter yourself or your business: Complete the official entry forms on the Scottish Excellence Awards website.
Nominate someone else: Friends, colleagues, suppliers and supporters can use the public nomination form to put forward a business or individual. The organisers will then contact the nominee to request further information and a completed entry form.
Whether it’s a favourite neighbourhood pub, an impressive new restaurant or someone helping their hospitality team thrive, this is an opportunity to recognise their work.
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