Our Board

The Board of HITA is drawn from leading business people across the Highlands and Islands. They are real practitioners and each are volunteers who take no remuneration in any way from their involvement and support.

Mission Statement

The Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards aim to encourage and promote excellence across the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Our mission is to recognise and celebrate the individuals, businesses, and communities that set the highest standards in delivering exceptional visitor experiences. By honouring innovation, sustainability, and commitment to quality, we inspire continued growth and success in the industry, ensuring the Highlands and Islands remain a world-class destination while supporting the prosperity and vibrancy of our local communities

  • Calum Ross

    Chair

    Proprietor Loch Melfort Hotel.

  • Laurence Young

    Finance Director

    Director, Glencoe Activities Limited.

    Director, RiverBeds Luxury wee Lodges with Hot Tubs.

    Director, Scottish Segway Centre.

    Director, Ossian Developments Limited.

    Director, Surgeons Lodge Limited.

  • Craig Ewan

    Director

    Operations Director, Kingsmills Hotel and Ness Walk Hotel.

    Committee Member, Highland Hospitality Industry Trust.

    Vice Chair, Highland Hotel Association.

    Ambassador, Highland Hospice.

  • Marina Huggett

    Director

    Owner, Tourism Excellence Consultancy.

    Chairperson, Achnagairn Estate.

    Scottish Thistle Awards Industry Panel.

    Trustee, HIT Scotland.

  • Willie Cameron

    Director

    Founding Director of Marketing at Visit Loch Ness.

    Founding Director of the Cobbs Group.

    Tourism Ambassador 2005.

  • Lindsey Randall

    Director

    Division Manager, Caley Cruisers Ltd.

    Director Loch Ness Harbour Company.

    Committee Member, Highland Hospitality Industry Trust.

  • Jo de Sylva

    Director

    Director, MacGregors Hospitality; includes MacGregors Bar, Bogbain Farm, and The Ben Bhraggie Hotel.

  • Emma Clark

    Director

    Proprietor, Glenegedale House, Islay.

    Chair, Explore Islay and Jura.

  • Graeme Bell

    Director

    General Manager, Inverness Airport, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited

  • Stéphane Portès

    Director

    General Manager, Macdonald Drumossie Hotel

  • Steve Barron

    Director

    Managing Director of Highland News & Media.

    Director of Iliffe Media Group.

    Director of Inverness Chamber of Commerce.

    Vice-President of Newsbrands Scotland.

  • Steve Walsh OBE

    Director

    Chief Executive, High Life Highland

  • Russell Fraser

    Director

    Managing Director, Loch Ness Hub & Travel.

    Founding Director, Scottish Community Tourism Network (SCOTO).

    Director, Visit Inverness Loch Ness.