Today (Saturday 23rd October 2010) Tourism Minister, Jim Mather, recognised further success for outstanding tourism businesses committed to promoting the best of Scotland, including high quality Scottish food and drink.

During a visit to the Ardanaiseig Hotel by Loch Awe, Mr Mather congratulated staff on gaining a series of recent awards and accolades for the hotel and its loch-side restaurant.

The restaurant won a third AA rosette last month, placing it among the top ten per cent of restaurants accredited by the UK-wide scheme; and in October’s edition of Condé Nast Traveller, readers put Ardanaiseig among the top three leisure hotel in the UK, their favourite in Scotland; and ranked the hotel 61st in the World’s Overall Travel Top 100 list.

Others recognised by readers of Condé Nast Traveller include the Isle of Skye; golf resorts The Old Course, Turnberry and Gleneagles; Edinburgh’s Balmoral Hotel and Culloden House in Inverness.

During a celebration event, Mr Mather and VisitScotland’s Regional Director David Adams McGilp, congratulated the Scottish tourism businesses that have been singled out for acclaim; and thanked hotel manager Peter Webster and Medaille d’Or winning head chef, Gary Goldie, for their commitment to sourcing, cooking and serving Scottish produce in line with the industry’s shared focus on Scotland’s food and drink.

Tourism Minister Jim Mather said:

“This business – in a wonderfully secluded yet accessible setting – places authentic, high-quality food and drink at the core of the exceptional welcome it extends to visitors. By championing Scottish produce the hotel is supporting the whole tourism sector’s shared drive to give visitors an authentic taste of what Scotland has to offer.

“I am delighted to congratulate all those across Scottish tourism who have been highlighted as being among the best in the world; and also to hear about the important contribution their efforts are making to supporting local communities and strengthening Scotland’s economy.”

Ardanaiseig Hotel Manager Peter Webster said:
“Our magical atmosphere, breathtaking Highland setting and delicious food and drink draw people back time and again. From our bread to our chocolates, everything we make is fresh. We only use the best produce, including herbs, vegetables and fruit from our own gardens. The game and seafood available locally is first rate and we take full advantage of that too.”
“We are proud – indeed bursting with pride to have received such positive recent recognition. A crucially important part of this success flows from the people of Argyll. Indeed it is only by working in close and creative partnership with the local community and with local businesses that the hotel can go on to realise its true potential and make its full contribution to the local economy.”