News, awards and what's on

From lifetime honours to inspired experiences, here’s the latest from across the Luxury Scotland collection — stories of excellence, innovation and quiet dedication that define the best of Scottish hospitality.   

Success for Luxury Scotland Members in Conde Nast Traveler Reader Choice Awards

We are delighted to see so many of our Members acknowledged in the recent Condé Nast Traveler Awards:

The Royal Scotsman took first place for 'The Best Train in The World’ 

Kinloch Lodge on Skye was voted No.1 in Scotland and No.5 in the UK. Glenapp Castle, Glenmorangie House, The Torridon,and Prestonfield were all voted in the Top 25 Hotels in the UK – congratulations to all.

Glenapp Castle makes the grade  
Congratulations to Glenapp Castle, shortlisted for Best Independent Hotel of the Year 2025 at the Independent Hotel Show Awards. The nomination recognises its breathtaking setting and mastery of hospitality. In addition to continuing to be recognised among the best independents, Glenapp Castle has also retained their 5 AA Red Stars and 3 AA Rosettes. 

Lifetime Award for James Thomson, OBE 
James Thomson, OBE, owner of Edinburgh icons The Witchery and Prestonfield House, has received the AA Lifetime Achievement Award. The accolade celebrates his decades-long influence on Scottish hospitality, a career defined by vision, creativity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.  

James is known for his visionary approach and lasting legacy in Scottish hospitality. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to visit these fabulous hotels, find out more and plan a visit.

Congratulations also to Amit Pal from Prestonfield who received the ‘Housekeeper of the Year’ award

Twin triumphs for The Torridon 
The Torridon has claimed two honours at the 2025 Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards: Best Hotel Experience and Best Employer of the Year. These accolades shine a light on the hotel’s unique blend of world-class service and respect for its people and place. 

And many congratulations to The Torridon’s Head Chef, Danny Young, who has been crowned ‘National Chef of the Year.’ In a thrilling finale that brought together the very best of British gastronomy. The Craft Guild of Chefs officially revealed Danny as this year’s UK National Chef of the Year winner. 

This is one of the most prestigious culinary awards, and Danny's winning menu included a starter of Native Lobster, Yuzu Beurre Blanc, N25 Caviar, a main course of Dry Aged Beef Fillet, Glazed Tongue, Beef Fat Onion, Potato, Truffle with a Valrhona Fruit & Nut “Tart”, Mascarpone, Pedro Ximénez for dessert.

Regal escapades at Douneside House 

Many congratulations to Douneside House who have successfully retained their AA 4 Red Stars (Inspector’s choice) and 3 AA Rosettes for The Library Restaurant.

Guests at Douneside House can now also pair their stay with an unforgettable Balmoral Expedition Tour — a two-hour Land Rover journey across the royal estate. The experience traces forest tracks and open hillsides to the flanks of Lochnagar, offering breathtaking views and glimpses of red deer, grouse and golden eagles.   

For those seeking to explore further, guided tours of Balmoral’s historic interiors are also available.  

Michelin Key Success for 4 Luxury Scotland Members

The Michelin Key is the new benchmark for hotels that offer the most extraordinary stays around the globe. Kinloch House, Glenmorangie House, Prestonfield and Glenapp Castle all successfully retained their Michelin Key award – well done to all their teams, showcasing some of the best hospitality experiences in Scotland. 

Sleeper sets its sights south 

From January 2026, the Caledonian Sleeper will unveil its most significant update in three decades — a brand-new overnight route linking the Scottish Highlands, including Aberdeen, Fort William and Inverness, with Birmingham International. The Caledonian Sleeper also took the prestigious first place for 'Best Trains in the World" 

Settle in with dinner and a dram, drift off as the city lights fade, and wake to the quiet beauty of the Scottish landscape unfolding outside your window. Find your tickets here.  

Eòlas raises the bar — and the glass 
The restaurant Eòlas at Murrayshall Country Estate has been honoured with a Notable Wine List Award at the AA Wine Awards. The accolade celebrates the imagination and craft behind its cellar — a collection that pairs beautifully with the estate’s thoughtful, seasonally led dining.  

Johnnie Walker unearths a new gem: Black Ruby 

Johnnie Walker has unveiled Black Ruby, a vibrant new expression inspired by the iconic Black Label. Crafted by Master Blender Dr Emma Walker, it marks the brand’s first major innovation since 2022. 

Bursting with red-berry sweetness, soft spice and a touch of green-grass freshness, Black Ruby reimagines Scotch for a new generation.