TWO hotels have been successful in the Scottish Hotel Awards in the regional categories.

Knockderry Country House Hotel in Cove won Country House of the Year whilst Loch Lomond Arms in Luss scooped Events Hotel of the Year.

Establishments from nine different regions of Scotland were recognised for their excellence in the award scheme. The regional winners will now contest the national prize at an event later this month.

Kerrie Robinson, general manager at Knockderry Country House Hotel, said they have been involved with the awards for a number of years and were shortlisted last year for Small Country House Hotel. They are “excited” for this year’s awards as five members of staff will attend.

She said: “It’s fantastic, we have worked so hard over the last year with refurbishments and gaining two rosettes last month for our food and this is like the icing on the cake.”

Iain Hamilton, general manager at the Loch Lomond Arms Hotel said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised in the Scottish Hotel Awards. Since opening in 2012 it has been our aim to provide amazing accommodation and delicious food.

“Whilst awards are of course hugely important to us, and a great motivation for our wonderful staff, we really love seeing our guests leave happy and well-fed, having enjoyed the stunning setting in the picturesque village of Luss, on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.”

Last year, Loch Lomond Arms Hotel scooped four regional awards including informal dining and wedding hotel – and two surprise people of excellence awards – receptionist of the year, which went to Lori Barnes and manager of the year which went to general manager Iain Hamilton.

The Scottish Hotel Awards is created to encourage, recognise and reward hospitality excellence in Scotland.

Member hotels are carefully assessed throughout the year by industry specialists and the whole process culminates in an exciting gala evening when the national establishment and people of excellence winners as well as grand awards winners are announced.

Vivien Devlin, chair of judges, said: “At the Scottish Hotel Awards, our professional team of judges has spent the past nine months visiting dozens of hotels across the country to find the very best places to stay, eat and drink. Our aim is to recognise excellence in service and hospitality, hotels which offer that extra special quality and personal attention to detail.

“As well as the essential pillow test (to save you packing your own!), we observe all aspects of guest care and comfort, checking out breakfast, cocktail bars, brasseries and fine dining restaurants. After a great deal of consideration, We have now decided on the Regional winners for the 29 distinctly different hotel categories which range from B&Bs to Country Houses, Spa and Conference, Romantic and Wedding. These hotels represent a home from home for the traveller, whether for leisure, relaxation or business, golf, fishing or family holiday with the children and your dog. Wherever you travel in Scotland, from the Borders to Skye, luxury city hotel to a Highland Inn, we trust these Regional Award winners will offer a memorable experience.”

On April 24 the national People of Excellence winners will be announced at 5.30pm, followed by all establishment and grand awards during the Gala Dinner, which will be hosted by Arlene Stuart.