Duisdale House on the Isle of Skye has been named the top hotel in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands.
The 22 bedroom luxury hotel has seen a £500,000 investment over the past two years and collected the Best Hotel Experience trophy at the Highlands and Islands Tourism Association’s gala dinner.
The owner of the Sonas Hotel Collection, Annie Grace Gunn collected the award at the dinner in Inverness on Friday November 10.
“We are passionate about giving our guests a memorable island experience and showcasing the best of Highland hospitality,” said Ms Gunn.
“I am thrilled this has been recognised anew through this award in which we were competing against many wonderful hotels.”
She added: “At Sonas we invest in quality in all we do and are always trying to improve. Guests have been enthralled with the consistently high standard of service provided by our magnificent staff who go the extra mile for them day in and day out.”
Since 2021, Sonas has spent more than £1 million on its three hotels on Skye, with the others located at Toravaig, near Duisdale, and Skeabost, which is seven miles from Portree.
It also recently began operating the Knipoch Hotel in Oban and will re-launch it in March 2024 after a major refurbishment.
The award criteria specified that hotels must “provide guests with a memorable and authentic experience and a warm welcome to all visitors, have sustainability at their heart and demonstrate exemplary levels of customer service and satisfaction.”
Improvements and additions at Duisdale, bought by Anne and her late husband Captain Ken Gunn in 2005, have included three new lodges, a two bedroom cottage and a master suite, with private conservatory and terrace.
Anne personally designed much of the furniture and furnishings.
It is set in 25 acres of gardens and has panoramic views over the Sound of Sleat and the Knoydart wilderness.
The venue recently installed a six seater outdoor hot tub and swim spa and plans to build a spa incorporating a sauna, steam room, gym, chromotherapy and exercise pools, and treatment rooms.
Ingredients used in its 2 Rosette restaurant are sourced predominantly from Skye and Lochalsh or are freshly grown in its polytunnel.
Duisdale will now represent the Highlands and Islands in the national final of VisitScotland’s Thistle Awards which will be held at the Glasgow Hilton on December 1.