The Rocks Leisure Group has been named Independent Multiple Operator of the Year at the Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN) Awards.
The Highlands and islands hospitality group, which includes Macgochans and Roslyn House in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, The Lochside in Bowmore on the Isle of Islay, the Ben Nevis Bar in Fort William and The Benleva in Drumnadrochit, was presented with the prestigious accolade at the industry awards in Glasgow last night, which was hosted by comedian and author David Walliams.
It was not the only award – Ricky Wallace from The Lochside in Bowmore was named Barperson of the Year at last night’s SLTN Awards event.
The Rocks Leisure Group comprises a collection of unique businesses in stunning locations across the Highlands and islands and employs 200 staff.
The foundations for the group were laid in 2012 when Neil Morrison acquired the leasehold for Macgochans pub and restaurant in his home town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull – a bar he had first worked in at the age of 18. He went on to acquire The Lochside in Bowmore on the Isle of Islay in 2015, transforming the 12-bedroom inn, which now boasts an incredible whisky bar and a stunning 70-cover restaurant and terrace overlooking Loch Indaal and Bowmore harbour. In early 2017 Neil added The Benleva in Drumnadrochit to his portfolio, before joining forces with two fellow operators to acquire the Ben Nevis Bar in Fort William in 2018. The latest addition to The Rocks Leisure Group portfolio came earlier this year with the launch of Roslyn House – a stunning eight-bedroom luxury ‘smart’ guest house in the heart of Tobermory.
Collecting the SLTN Independent Multiple Operator of the Year Award (four to seven outlets), sponsored by Diageo, The Rocks Leisure Group MD Neil Morrison said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this; it’s a real honour to receive this recognition from the industry.
“All credit to our fantastic team who work hard to deliver exceptional quality, service and hospitality in each of our venues day in day out.
“And huge congratulations to Ricky on winning the Barperson of the Year award – very well-deserved!
“It’s been a great year for us – we’ve continued to invest in our people and our venues and we’ve launched a brand new business, Roslyn House. To be named Independent Multiple Operator of the Year is just the cherry on top!”
The Rock’s Leisure Group’s SLTN Award came after The Lochside was named Whisky Bar of the Year and Roslyn House won the Rising Star award in last week’s Hotels of the Year Scotland Awards.