We were delighted that Hebrides Cruises owner, Rob Barlow, was awarded the 2024 Scottish National Investment Bank Award for Outstanding Business Leader, at the Prosper Award Ceremony on September 12th.
The Award Ceremony took place in the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness with impressionist and comedian Rory Bremner as host. Almost 300 finalists and local businesses gathered to celebrate the outstanding business achievements in the Highlands and Islands and congratulate the winners of ten awards being presented. With a record number of nominations, the judging panel had a difficult job .choosing winners from many inspirational examples of business excellence.
Rob was declared winner of the outstanding business leader award due to his passion in running a sustainable cruise business, helped by training and retaining the best qualified crews which in turn provides an exceptional experience for our guests and a significant contribution to the local economy.
We would like to congratulate all the winners and finalists who together painted a picture of encouraging and impressive business excellence in the Highlands and Islands
And thankyou to our amazing crews, shore team, lovely guests, excellent suppliers and everyone who plays a part in making Hebrides Cruises such a success.
The whole experience was a delight, James, Will, Carlton and Sofia were lovely and the ship and accommodation was great, our cabin (5) was well designed and comfortable with ideal nooks and crannies for storage. We made for a very sociable group and the ambiance was helped by the friendly atmosphere on board. It was all very enjoyable and the scenery stunning sailing up to the sea lock at Fort William and along the canal and lochs towards Inverness. It is a truly lovely time of year to visit the Highlands and the perspective from water level on the ship was ideal. Will provided an expert guide to the flora and fauna along the way and the walks on shore. Seeing spectacular skeins of Pink Footed Geese on their way to their feeding grounds on the morning of the last day was a particular highlight. I would not hesitate to recommend the cruise, we both had a lovely time in good company with a delightful and knowledgeable crew.
Peter Thomas: 16 September 2023Loch Linnhe, the Caledonian Canal & Loch Ness