Scottish Hotel Awards
for Glenapp Castle

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The 9th Annual Scottish Hotel Awards 2012

On 20th May the prestigious Scottish Hotel Awards were  held in the Grand Ballroom at the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow and it proved to be a real night of celebration for Glenapp Castle winning a total of four awards.

Glenapp Castle, the McMillan Family's luxury, five star hotel in Ballantrae, received four Scottish Hotel Awards. Graham and Fay Cowan who operate the hotel said:

’it was quite a night! We are delighted that key individuals John Orr, Adam Stokes and Hugh McDowall have been singled out and that their continued commitment to excellence has been recognised and rewarded in this way.’

Glenapp Castle opened as a hotel in April 2000 and has won a string of awards since then including AA Scottish Hotel of the Year and in 2011 was awarded a Michelin Star and 4 AA Rosettes.  It is one of six Scottish members of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Association.

General Manager Gold Medal- John Orr, Castle Manager

Graham and Fay Cowan said:

’John is a wonderful ambassador for the castle and a true professional whose care and dedication has meant that no request is ever too much trouble. We are lucky that John has been part of our management team for a number of years. He joined McMillan Hotels in 1995 and worked his way up from Trainee Manager at Cally Palace Hotel, in Gatehouse of Fleet and then through the ranks to become Castle Manager at Glenapp Castle in 2003’.

Hotel Chef Medaille d’Or – Adam Stokes, Head Chef

Adam Stokes, who trained at Michelin Starred Hambleton Hall, in Rutland was awarded Hotel Chef Medaille D’or.  Adam said:

‘I am thrilled with this award. We have a great team in the kitchen and we are so lucky to have such wonderful local produce and suppliers here on our doorstep in Ayrshire and Galloway’

Hospitality Gold Award – Hugh McDowall, Assistant Manager

Hugh McDowall started working for the McMillan Hotel group in 1989 at North West Castle. He then moved to Kirroughtree House Hotel as Assistant Manager in 1992. After a short gap he re-joined the group as part of the Glenapp Castle management team in 2009 as Assistant Manager. Hugh’s warm and considerate approach to both guests and staff alike has meant he is highly regarded by all. Hugh said:

‘this award comes as a complete surprise and is a real honour!’

The Fine Dining Award – Glenapp Castle

The restaurant at the castle with its Michelin Star, 4 AA Rosettes and now this new accolade shows that it is one of the best places to dine in Scotland. The castle is open to non-resident diners for lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. A prior reservation is required.

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