ARGYLL and Bute has been dropped seven places in the food hygiene pass ratings in Scotland for 2026, according to new figures.
A report by online training provider High Speed Training listed the local authorities across the country with the highest pass ratings for their food hygiene inspections.
The report, which analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for almost 240,000 food businesses across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, found that in Scotland, the average pass rating across all food establishments in 2026 was 90.7 per cent.
Argyll and Bute ranked in 22nd place, with 92.03 per cent of the 477 premises graded passing the mark.
It is only a slight decrease from last year in percentages for the local authority, but a significant seven-place drop.
In 2025, the region was placed 15th, with 93.4 per cent of the 491 premises graded passing the mark.
Meanwhile, neighbouring council West Dunbartonshire was in 14th place with 94.33 per cent of the 300 premises graded.
Top of the list for the country was South Ayrshire for the fifth year, with 98.78 per cent of the 492 premises graded making a pass.
A spokesperson from Argyll and Bute Council said: "Pass rates can vary according to different approaches to food inspections by councils.
"Our role is to ensure the public feels confident eating out safely, so in Argyll and Bute, we only give pass rates to businesses that meet the required high standards.
"We work with food businesses to offer support and advice to improve their operation."
Scotland uses a different rating system to the rest of the UK, which has two main ratings - 'Pass' or 'Improvement Required'.
The Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS) evaluates businesses on their food hygiene practices.
After an environmental health officer has reviewed the safety systems, observed food hygiene in practice and spoken with the staff, the businesses are given either rating.
Dr Richard Anderson, head of learning and development at High Speed Training, said: “Food safety and robust hygiene practices should be of paramount importance to food businesses, and to the customers who use them.
"Over the last five years, we have seen trends broadly improve across Scotland, which is a really positive sign. These ratings are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates, and we urge businesses and customers to take them seriously.
“For businesses that perform well, it can be a real selling point. However, establishments with a low hygiene rating can be extremely off-putting for customers, which ultimately has a significant impact on reputation and profitability.”
Share