Record number of entries

The contest to find the best tourism businesses in the Highlands and Islands has reached new heights with a record number of entries.

A total of 203 entries have been received for the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards (HITA) this year – up more than 15 per cent on last year’s previous peak figure.

Judging has now started to determine the winners in 15 categories with the best places to stay, eat and drink and enjoy the area’s sporting and musical culture among those to be honoured.

A shortlist will be announced in September with winners announced at a ceremony in Inverness on 4 November.