Our Tourism Community Awards

Networking and Awards Evening 

The Networking and Awards Evening on 26 November 2025 at the Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway. An evening dedicated to networking, collaboration and connection between those involved in delivering tourism and destination services across our islands, culminating in announcement of this year’s award winners.

Book here as places are limited! 

Awards

Award nominations are now closed and the shortlist will be announced on Monday 3 November 2025.

This is our second Our Tourism Community Awards that celebrate the very best in hospitality, innovation, and island experiences across the Outer Hebrides. From unforgettable stays to mouthwatering island flavours, thrilling adventures to cultural treasures -  these awards recognise the passion, creativity, and dedication that make our islands so special and which helped secure the Outer Hebrides the prestigious National Geographic Best of the World Award 2025  and ranked #4 in Conde Nast Travellers Top 10 Readers Choice Award 2025 for Best islands in the UK.

Award Categories

An expert judging panel will create the shortlist and select the winners across the 7 categories below:

1. Excellence in Hosted Stays in the Outer Hebrides - Serviced: hotels, inns, B&Bs, guesthouses, sporting estates
2. Best Independent Stays Award in the Outer Hebrides - Un-serviced: self-catering, glamping (pods, huts, yurts), hostels, campsites, caravans, chalets
3. Best Eatery in the Outer Hebrides Award - Restaurants, pop-ups, takeaways, cafés, food vans, bars
4. Taste of the Islands Award - Distilleries, butchers, fish producers, bakeries, sweet treats, retail outlets
5. Best Nature & Wellbeing Experience in the Outer Hebrides - Boat trips, horse riding, outdoor activities, watersports, tours, spas, events
6. Best Cultural Experience in the Outer Hebrides -  Gaelic, history, museums, galleries, guided cultural tours, arts and craft shops, events
7. Outer Hebrides Small but Mighty Business Award - Sole traders, microbusinesses, honesty shops, artists, makers

In addition, shortlisted entries will also go forward for the Hebridean Digital Trailblazer Award. This (separate) award celebrates excellence in digital marketing, recognising creativity, inspirational use of digital channels, compelling storytelling and audience engagement. This winner of this award will be through a public vote (this is the only category open to a public vote).

Winners of all 8 awards will be revealed at our Networking and Awards Evening on 26 November, 2025.

Key Dates

1. Monday 27 October 2025 - entries closed at 9am. 
2. Monday 3 November 2025 - Shortlisted entries announced.
3. Tuesday 4 November 2025 - 9am public vote opens for shortlisted businesses for Digital Trailblazer Award.
4. Monday 17 November 2025 - 5pm public vote closes.
5. Wednesday 26 November 2025 - Winners will be announced at the Networking and Awards Evening - book here.