ANYONE who has visited the Isle of Mull knows only too well what a welcoming wee island it is. But now there is official confirmation that it is also home to Scotland’s friendliest pub.
Macgochans, which overlooks Tobermory harbour on the Hebridean island, fended off competition from The Grill in Aberdeen, The Royal Arch Bar & Bistro in Broughty Ferry and The Clachan Inn in St John’s Town of Dalry, Dumfries and Galloway to win the title of Friendliest Pub/Bar at the 2016/17 Scottish Thistle Awards. The award was presented by SLTA chief executive Paul Waterson.
Scottish tourism’s equivalent of the Oscars, the Thistles recognise innovation, excellence and success in the hospitality and tourism industry – rewarding hotels, pubs, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions, events and individuals who go that extra mile to provide customers with exceptional service.
Macgochans is known as the “heartbeat of Tobermory” with its reputation for great Scottish food, live music and friendly vibe making it popular with locals and visitors alike.
Owner Neil Morrison refurbished the premises back in 2012, with designer Ranald MacColl creating four relaxing spaces that feature natural materials such as wood, slate and stone.
Indeed, guests and visitors can choose from The Restaurant Bar for stylish dining and fine wines, Bar-beag with its peat-burning fire for less formal occasions and its array of the finest Scotch whiskies, a function suite and finally the beer garden that catches the sun throughout the day in summer.
Other winners at the Thistles, held during Scottish Tourism Week at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and hosted by TV presenter and Deacon Blue drummer Dougie Vipond along with TV presenter and former Miss Scotland Jennifer Reoch, included Kinloch Lodge Hotel & Restaurant on Skye, which was voted Most Hospitable Hotel.
Best Restaurant Experience went to Glasgow fish restaurant Gamba while No. 10 Bar & Restaurant in Aberdeen claimed the Best Informal Eating Experience accolade. The Tourism & Hospitality Hero award went to Jean Ryrie of Jurys Inn at Aberdeen Airport.
Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop commented: “The Scottish Thistle Awards recognise excellence and reward the creativity and innovation that underpins Scotland’s tourism sector. Scotland’s tourism businesses, and their 217,000 jobs, work incredibly hard to make our country a must-visit destination, and ensure visitors are assured of a warm welcome.”
Rebecca Brooks, chair of the Scottish Thistle Awards industry panel and VisitScotland board member, said the winners “represent the best of the best in Scotland and epitomise the strength and depth of the tourism and hospitality experience across the country”.
She added: “The Scottish tourism industry and hospitality sector prides itself on delivering a rewarding experience for visitors and all of our finalists should be proud of their achievements in reaching the final – which, in itself, is both recognition of excellence and innovation, and a sign of quality.
“Tourism is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy – supporting communities and creating jobs throughout the year in every corner of the country. We look forward to the 2017/18 Scottish Thistle Awards when we will celebrate the achievements of our industry colleagues during our 25th anniversary year.”
This year, the Scottish Thistle Awards received a record-breaking number of entries – 715 – amounting to a 16% increase on last year. The flagship tourism awards are organised by VisitScotland and led by an industry panel which includes Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism Awards, Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards, the Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Tourism Alliance, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, sportscotland and Wild Scotland.
Photo L-R: Host Dougie Vipond; Neil Morrison, owner of Macgochans; Gill Ross, general manager; SLTA chief executive Paul Waterson, who presented the award; and host Jennifer Reoch