News, awards and what’s on
Uncork a bottle of single malt and pour out a generous dram - Scotland’s luxury hospitality scene has plenty of accomplishments to toast this month.
From award-winning restorations and distillery accolades to new international flight routes and standout hotel achievements, it's been a showcase of continued excellence across our member properties and partners.
Read all about the latest successes, developments and opportunities for our collection of wonderfully one-of-a-kind Scottish experiences.
Reinvention recognition for Crossbasket Castle
Crossbasket Castle has just been announced as winning Condé Nast Johansens Award for Excellence in the 2026 Best Recently Renovated Hotel (UK) category.
This award recognises the passion, creativity and dedication that went into every detail of the recent transformation. If you haven’t had the chance to visit yet, why not experience the beautiful castle, its modern hotel building or its five-star entertainment venue Trocadero’s for immersive dining and cocktails? Visit their website to get started.
Raise a glass to Glenkinchie Distillery
The Glenkinchie Distillery in East Lothian has recently been announced as the Leading Scottish Distillery Tour for 2025 at the World Travel Awards Europe Gala, as well as making the shortlist for the Europe’s Leading Distillery Tour category.
This 200-year-old distillery is an intrinsic part of Scottish whisky heritage, and its characteristically floral, aromatic single malt used in many iconic Johnnie Walker blends. Warmest congratulations to the team!
Two new airline routes from NYC to Scotland are cleared for launch!
Transport between the US and Scotland is (jet) set to get even easier next year.
American Airlines has announced a new service from New York JFK, which will run seasonally from March to October 2026. The route will be serviced by the Airbus A321XLR, one of the newest additions to the airline’s fleet.
Senior VP of Network and Schedule Planning Brian Znotins at American Airlines said, ‘With the game-changing Airbus A321XLR now in our fleet, we could not be more excited to connect the Big Apple with Auld Reekie. This is the right aircraft to open this route with an elevated premium experience for travellers to enjoy.’
The new service adds to the airline’s popular summer seasonal route to Philadelphia, which has also been extended and will operate from 28th March to 24th October 2026.
Meanwhile, United Airlines are returning to Glasgow International Airport in 2026, offering a direct daily service to New York Newark launching on 8th May.
Triumph for The Torridon
Scotland’s most northerly 5-star hotel has done it again! The Torridon have successfully retained their 5 Red Stars and 3 Rosettes awarded by the AA.
Enormous congratulations to their hardworking team.
Exciting developments underway at Dunnet Bay Distillers
Martin and Claire Murray, owners of Dunnet Bay Distillers and long-term Luxury Scotland Partners, have received their Acceptance of Completion Certificate from the Highland Council.
This is a key milestone on their journey of transforming what was the derelict Castletown Mill into Stannergill Whisky Distillery. Look out for more exciting updates in early 2026.
Plaudits for Kinloch Lodge
We’re delighted for Kinloch Lodge, who’ve been voted ‘Rural Hotel of the Year’ by the readers of Food & Travel Magazine.
Owner Isabella Macdonald received the award on behalf of the Kinloch family at the recent awards ceremony, held at the rather swish Royal Automobile Club in London’s Pall Mall in October.
Congratulations, all!
Murrayshall Country Estate excels again
Fast on the heels of receiving the prestigious AA Hotel & Hospitality Services Notable Wine List Award 2025/26 for Eolas, Murrayshall Country Estate have bagged another accolade!
They’ve recently been announced as winning ‘Best Hotel Experience’ in the VisitScotland Thistle Awards in the East Coast/Edinburgh category.
Next up? The National Finals, which take place later this month. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for all the Luxury Scotland members on the shortlist.
Condé Nast accolades
We’re very excited for The Witchery and Glenapp Castle, two Luxury Scotland properties who’ve been recognised in the Condé Nast Traveler USA Reader’s Choice Awards for UK Hotels.
The Witchery was voted top property in Scotland and took third place in the UK, closely followed by Glenapp Castle who were announced as 7th in the UK. This is a tremendous achievement for two exceptional properties. Congratulations!
Be at VisitScotland’s flagship travel trade event
The VisitScotland Trade Show is set to take place on 15th and 16th of April 2026 at the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow.
Called VisitScotland Connect, it represents a wonderful opportunity to meet other tourism businesses, learn how Scotland is evolving as a destination and uncover new ways to expand your offering for your client base.
At the 2025 event, 8,200 meetings took place over two days, with 243 Scottish tourism businesses showcased. If you’d like to be there for the 2026 event, register through the VisitScotland website.