Title sponsor Royal Bank of Scotland proud to back Thistle awards
Royal Bank of Scotland is backing local tourism and hospitality businesses, returning this year as title sponsor of the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards (HITA).
The annual awards celebrate and recognise excellence across every aspect of the sector; from food and drink, accommodation and experiences to outstanding individuals, action on climate change, inclusivity and innovation.
Garry Munro, Director Highlands & Islands Commercial Mid-Market Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, is delighted the bank has returned for another year as title sponsor of the prestigious awards.
Here, Garry explains why it is important to Royal Bank of Scotland to back the annual awards and show its support for the tourism and hospitality industry which is central to sustaining local communities across the region.
What inspired the Royal Bank of Scotland to become the title sponsor of the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards?
“At Royal Bank of Scotland, we are committed to supporting our customers, businesses and communities to succeed, and there is no better demonstration of the achievements and ambitions of our Highland communities than the HITAs. Leisure and tourism represent one of the largest sectors we support by customer numbers in the Highlands and Islands and is crucial for our region’s development. The HITAs therefore provides us with a perfect opportunity to recognise the people and businesses that make Highland tourism so exceptional, and play our part in supporting our local businesses to grow.”
How does Royal Bank of Scotland’s involvement in these awards help you connect with businesses and communities locally?
“Despite the difficult challenges the tourism sector faces here in the Highlands, I am continually impressed by how businesses unite to find solutions that allow them to overcome obstacles and sustain their growth. These awards give us all the opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions of businesses in the sector and is a wonderful opportunity to relax, reflect and look ahead. Our involvement in these awards also help us to better understand the obstacles these businesses face in achieving their ambitions. The deep local connections we build are paramount to us and provide us with the insights and tools to better anticipate, understand and respond to our customers’ changing needs in the communities where they live, work and do business.”
How does the Royal Bank of Scotland work with and support businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector in the Highlands and Islands?
“The most significant area of support for businesses comes from our dedicated Relationship Manager team, many of whom are located throughout the Highlands and Islands and will be known to you. They are eager to engage with clients directly at their premises and possess a wealth of local and business knowledge to assist them effectively.”
Why is it important to recognise excellence in tourism and hospitality across the Highlands and Islands?
“The awards showcase the outstanding efforts of businesses in the sector, emphasising their resilience and acknowledging the excellence they consistently provide. It’s important to celebrate their contributions to the sector and wider economy, and to continue supporting them to meet their ambitions.”
What impact does the tourism sector have on the regional economy and communities?
“The tourism sector plays a vital role in jobs creation, injecting funds into the local economy. It also supports numerous other businesses that provide services to the industry such as accommodation providers and local tourist guides. It also has the potential to attract significant investment to the area. For some local communities, tourism also provides a sense of pride in their area. It encourages historical preservation and also celebrates local culture and traditions through community festivals or larger events.”
What do you love most about the region’s tourism offering?
“The diversity of our offerings continues to impress me, with quality standards rising year after year. As a Highlander, I take immense pride in what we have to offer and firmly believe it is world-class. It is essential that we recognise our achievements, and events like this play a vital role in helping us celebrate our successes. The natural environment and incredible scenery is second to none. And the hospitality and friendly people make it a very special place for visitors as well as locals.”
What’s your message to businesses and individuals being celebrated at this year’s awards?
“On behalf of everyone at the Royal Bank of Scotland, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all who have entered this year’s Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards. It’s important to recognise the immense dedication and effort that goes into managing businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector. This year, we have been hugely impressed by the calibre of applications received. The stories shared exemplify a genuine passion and commitment to the sector, as well as to your customers and teams. A huge well done and we wish you every success in this year’s Awards.”
HITA chairman, Calum Ross, thanked Royal Bank of Scotland.
“We are delighted to have Royal Bank of Scotland return as the awards title sponsor. Such magnificent support from an industry leader in their own sector, and a critical financial partner to our industry is testament to how valued and respected the awards are, and inspires all across tourism and hospitality to strive for the highest levels of excellence.”
Covering all the regions of the Highlands and Islands; from Argyll in the west, to Moray in the east, and Orkney and Shetland in the north, the annual Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards bring together industry leaders, rising stars, new enterprises and trusted names to celebrate achievements and recognise excellence in the sector.
Winners proceed to the Scottish Thistle Awards national final to represent the region and compete with the best of the rest of the country.
The Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards ceremony and gala dinner will be held at the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel, Inverness on October 3.
Judging is currently underway and the shortlist will be revealed in July.