The cream of the Highlands and Islands tourism industry have been honoured at a prestigious annual awards gala in the Inverness Kingsmills Hotel.
SSE stepped forward as flagship supporter of the popular Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA) for the second year running – helping shine the spotlight of recognition on tourist trade heavyweights across the world famous region.
Scotland’s tourism and energy sectors both work to create secure jobs, attract new talent and generate valuable investment for the Highlands and Islands. As a responsible developer SSE works with the very best in the energy industry to ensure a balanced approach to its business objectives in a sensitive area like the Highlands and is proud to have helped create a sustainable future for the people who live and work there over the past 40 years.
Alan Young, Managing Director of Corporate Affairs, presented the award of Young Ambassador of the Year to winner Isla Urquhart. He said:
“A decade on from the launch of HITA the calibre of the 2014 winners and runners up was truly remarkable. Tourism businesses old and new showcased some outstanding achievements in a part of the country where the economic environment can pose a notorious challenge.
“The passion and the values that underpin HITA are a natural fit with SSE’s commitment to supporting fragile economies and communities, be it through our hydro and other renewable energy projects, our electricity networks, our commitment to local businesses or our community investment funds. A good example of this dynamic in practice is SSE’s recent award of £225,000 towards the Great Glen visitor centre through one of our many industry-leading renewable energy funds.”
Since SSE began sponsorship of HITA, entries have soared to their highest levels yet. This year’s ceremony was attended by Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Fergus Ewing and topped off with a special impromptu performance by former Runrig frontman Donnie Munro.