A leading Ayrshire hospitality business co-founder has taken home the top accolade at a leading industry awards.
Hotel and restaurant boss Malcolm Simpson scooped the Industry Achievement Award at the Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN).
Malcolm founded SimpsInns with wife Karen more than 20 years ago.
The company boasts a selection of popular venues in the region including The Old Loans Inn near Troon, The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride, Si! Bar & Restaurant in Irvine and the Gailes Hotel & Spa outside Irvine.
Malcolm joined his wife Karen at a glitzy award bash in the Hilton in Glasgow where he was presented the award by top UK comedian Jason Manford.
The family business also includes the couple’s sons Lee and Jack who are key players in the company.
Malcolm received high praise for championing Ayrshire through involvement in a number of tourism initiatives, as well as showing "grit, determination and sheer hard work."
SimpsInns were credited for their impressive upgrades at the Gailes Hotel & Spa, including the construction of a £2 million new luxury spa, as well as stunning refurbishments of the hotel’s bar, restaurant and function suite.
SLTN editor Gordon Davidson said: “The SLTN Awards is an opportunity to highlight the very best of Scottish hospitality – the entrepreneurialism, resiliency and passion that makes this business so special.
“And as hospitality continues to contend with a raft of challenges, it has never been more important to celebrate the industry’s best and brightest.
“All our winners and finalists deserve huge congratulations. The standard of venues in Scotland has never been higher and that’s a testament to the incredible staff and operators that make this industry what it is.”
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