Our Tourism Community Awards

Welcome to 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.

Businesses can enter by nominating themselves and this year, we have also opened nominations to visitors - who can put forward their favourite island businesses. Being nominated by a visitor/guest (or not) will have no impact on the judging process,

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

From there, the shortlisted entries will also go forward for the final award, the Hebridean Digital Trailblazer Award. This 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.

How to Enter

Entry is FREE for Visit Outer Hebrides members. Non-members are warmly invited to enter, by joining Visit Outer Hebrides - gaining full membership benefits and promotion for their business. Find out more about membership here.

1. One entry per business.
2. Choose one award category that best suits your business.
3. You can self-nominate or be nominated by a visitor/guest/customer. We will also be inviting our visitor audience (on social media and through our visitor newsletter) to nominate businesses.
4. If your business has been nominated by a visitor, we will let you know.
5. Enter or nominate by completing this form with business details and why the business should win.
6. Book the Networking and Awards Evening on 26 November 2025 at the Cabarfeidh Hotel in Stornoway where the award winners will be announced and presented with an bespoke award. This event is open to all our members (whether or not you have entered the awards) and will be a great opportunity to network and catch up. Book here as places are limited!

Key Dates

1. Friday 24 October 2025 - entries close at 5pm. 
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.