Hospitality Health – a Scottish charity dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of those in the hospitality & tourism industry has been presented with a cheque from The Ben for £10,000.

The charity is on a mission to change the way the industry thinks about mental health, and they want those who work within the industry talking about it. They believe that recognising and understanding emotions is essential for employers and giving them the tools and skills to understand stress will lead to positive change. The funds will go to support the training of staff in becoming Mental Health First Aiders and the development of a training course to support supervisors and managers understand the needs of staff identifying with neurodiverse disorders.

Hospitality Health was founded over seven years ago and several organisations support them with a variety of fundraising activities.

Speaking at the presentation, Rob Foulds, The Ben President, “We are delighted to offer this to support Hospitality Health. We have been supporting the charity for over 3 years now and are delighted with the way they are supporting staff in the sector as well as encouraging operators to think about putting the staff first.

Gordon and the team at Hospitality Health are so passionate about helping those that work in the industry by providing invaluable information to anyone that may be facing work or personal worries. This is a fantastic charity that is current and needed in an industry that whilst is very rewarding can be very tough!”

Gordon McIntyre, Founder of Hospitality Health, added: “We are absolutely delighted that The Ben have been kind enough to support Hospitality Health for another year. This is the third year they have done so, we really appreciate it – £10,000 is a huge amount for us, this will go towards funding places for more staff in the industry to become Mental Health First Aiders and training in understanding neurodiversity.

What we are trying to achieve with Hospitality Health is to equip our industry with the right tools and mental health first aid certificate training to not only address mental health but to put staff welfare first.”

Any hospitality business wishing to raise funds or to be considered to receive the Wellness Charter, should contact Gordon at gordon@hospitalityhealth.org.uk

Pictured in the photo receiving the cheque are from left to right – Rob Foulds – President of The Ben, Gordon McIntyre MBE – Hospitality Health and Chris Gardner – CEO of The Ben.

More information about the charity can be found online at: www.hospitalityhealth.org.uk

First Flight Marks Start of Twice Weekly Flights to Switzerland

Glasgow Airport has welcomed the inaugural Edelweiss flight from Zurich, marking the official launch of a brand-new direct service between Scotland and Switzerland.

The first flight touched down yesterday (Friday, 29th May 2026), establishing a twice-weekly connection that will operate every Monday and Friday until 14 September 2026.

The new route provides passengers with a convenient, direct link to Switzerland’s largest city and a key European hub.

Zurich offers visitors a unique blend of lakeside beauty, historic charm and easy access to the Swiss Alps, making it an attractive destination for both short breaks and longer leisure trips. The service also strengthens inbound tourism opportunities, enabling Swiss travellers to explore Glasgow and the wider west of Scotland.

Chris Tibbett, Executive Director, Commercial Aviation and Marketing, said: “We’re proud to celebrate the arrival of Edelweiss’ first flight from Zurich, marking the successful launch of this exciting new route. It’s fantastic to see this service take off, providing our passengers with a direct link to one of Europe’s most popular destinations.

“Zurich is not only a vibrant city in its own right but also an important gateway to the wider Swiss network and beyond. This new connection further strengthens our partnership with the Lufthansa Group while enhancing choice and connectivity for travellers across Scotland.

“We look forward to seeing the route perform strongly throughout the summer and to welcoming many visitors from Switzerland to Glasgow.”

Passengers can now book flights throughout the summer season via flyedelweiss.com.

Scottish Fair Trade has published a new Fairer Hotels Guide, offering actionable support to hotels and accommodation providers across Scotland looking to strengthen their approach to Fair Trade, ethical sourcing and sustainability.

Designed specifically for the hospitality sector, the guide translates the internationally recognised 10 Fair Trade Principles into clear, actionable steps for hotels of all sizes – from independent B&Bs to larger operators.

The resource responds to growing pressure on the sector to address workforce challenges, improve transparency in supply chains, and meet rising guest expectations around ethical and sustainable practices.

The guide focuses on practical actions, including:

• paying the real Living Wage and supporting good working conditions
• building longer-term, transparent relationships with suppliers
• identifying and addressing risks in supply chains, including modern slavery
• sourcing credible Fair Trade products such as tea, coffee and sugar

It also highlights how hotels can use their purchasing power to support both local economies and Fair Trade producers globally.

Kiera Wilkins, Scottish Fair Trade, said:
“We know many hotels across Scotland are already taking steps to support local suppliers, improve working conditions and act more responsibly. This guide is about building on that – providing a practical framework that helps businesses understand what good looks like and identify realistic next steps.”

“As a Fair Trade Nation, Scotland is well placed to lead in this area. Hotels play a key role, not only in local economies but in global supply chains, and small changes can have an important positive impact.”

The guide has been developed to be accessible and relevant whether businesses are just starting out or looking to strengthen existing commitments. It aligns with wider priorities across the sector, including Fair Work, ESG and sustainable tourism.

Scottish Fair Trade is encouraging industry bodies, networks and partners to share the guide with their members to support collective progress across the sector.

The Fairer Hotels Guide is available to download here:
Fairer-Hotels-Guide.pdf

Image credit: The Torridon

Cail Bruich, Glasgow was recognised this week with an award by The Incorporation of Maltmen. The restaurant was recognised with the first Incorporation’s Best Restaurant Award.

Cail Bruich, (means to eat well), first opened in 2006, by Chris & Paul Charalambous. Lorna McNee joined the business in 2020 from Restaurant ‘Andrew Fairlie’ and 5 months later in 2021 was awarded a Michelin star. Lorna is the first female chef in Scotland to hold a star and Cail Bruich the first restaurant in Glasgow to have a Michelin star since 2004. The restaurant also holds three AA Rosettes and champions local Scottish ingredients alongside international luxury products.

David Scott, Head Chef, commented after receiving the award “We are absolutely delighted to have been selected to receive this award, what a beautiful plaque, that will be given pride of place in the restaurant, a huge surprise to win this. A huge thanks to The Incorporation of Maltmen, what an amazing organisation, providing support to the city and the wider hospitality industry in Scotland”

Ian Gibson, The Maltmen Visitor said “We are delighted to recognise Cail Bruich in Glasgow, a brilliant team in a Michelin star venue with an amazing menu, focussing on local produce. They are firmly established on the hospitality industry map in Glasgow as a destination both for locals and tourists to include on their visit to the city.”

Today’s Maltmen represent an ancient craft which goes back to prehistoric times in Scotland. By the 17th century, perhaps the heyday of Scotland’s old burghs, maltmen or brewers were well established in every town. Their craft symbol of malt shovels and sheaves of corn can still be found on gravestones all over the country as indeed can those of the other crafts.

The Incorporation was especially keen to support education in Glasgow. All this was financed from members’ entry fees, fines on members who broke trading regulations…….To this day the Maltmen still try to support needy pensioners and donate regularly to many charities. Their interest in education continues, each year a student in brewing is recognised at the Heriot Watt University, along with a hospitality management student at Strathclyde University and a top hospitality student from The City of Glasgow College.

The incorporation is always looking to recruit new members to their Craft, if you are interested in finding out more about how to join them and become a member, please contact Tom Monteith, the Clerk to the Incorporation of Maltmen on mailto:clerk@maltmenofglasgow.org

Mercat Tours is proud to announce its accreditation as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2), reinforcing its commitment to building an inclusive workplace and ensuring equal opportunities for disabled people within the tourism sector.

The Disability Confident scheme, developed by the UK Government, supports employers to challenge barriers, change perceptions and create more inclusive workplaces. Level 2 status recognises organisations that are taking proactive steps to recruit, retain and develop disabled talent.

For Mercat Tours, this milestone reflects a continued focus not only on accessible visitor experiences, but also on fostering an environment where team members feel supported and able to thrive.

Kat Brogan, Managing Director said: “Our team care deeply about everyone feeling safe and happy at Mercat, comfy to be themselves. Our Leadership Team set the tone with a warm welcome, nurturing talent and confidence with trust and respect. I’m immensely proud of the culture and care our team show towards each other — the Disability Confident accreditation is their success.”

As a Disability Confident Employer, Mercat Tours has undertaken a self-assessment across two key areas: getting the right people for the business and keeping and developing its team. This includes reviewing recruitment practices, supporting employees who may acquire disabilities during their working lives and ensuring opportunities for progression and development are accessible to all.

The new accreditation aligns with Mercat Tours’ wider values as a Certified B Corp and Living Wage and Living Hours employer, where ethical practices, fairness and long-term sustainability are embedded across the business.

To mark the achievement, Mercat Tours recognised the contribution of its team, whose collective efforts made the accreditation possible. The initiative reflects Mercat’s belief that such achievements are driven by its people and should be celebrated as a collective success.

Disability Confident Employers play a vital role in shifting attitudes and behaviours across industries. By drawing from the widest possible talent pool, organisations benefit from diverse perspectives, improved staff retention and stronger team engagement — all of which contribute to a more resilient and forward-thinking sector.

For Edinburgh’s tourism industry, this represents an opportunity to continue raising standards collectively. As the city welcomes visitors from around the world, ensuring inclusive practices behind the scenes is just as important as delivering accessible experiences.

Marina DiDuca, VisitScotland’s Inclusive Tourism Manager, said: “Tourism has a unique power to connect people and cultures, and that starts with ensuring everyone feels welcome and included, both as visitors and as part of a workforce. Prioritising inclusivity and accessibility helps create a sector where everyone can participate, contribute and thrive, delivering richer experiences for visitors and more resilient, innovative businesses. Well done to Mercat Tours who has shown time and time again its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.”

Mercat Tours does not see this accreditation as a final step, but as part of an ongoing journey. The Disability Confident scheme encourages continuous improvement, and the organisation is committed to building on this progress as it works towards the next level of accreditation.

One of Ayrshire’s top spa hotels has been crowned the best in Scotland at a national awards ceremony. 

SimpsInns’ Gailes Hotel & Spa in Irvine has picked up the top accolade at the 9^th annual Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards in Glasgow. 

Located just 40 minutes from Glasgow, The Gailes has gained its reputation as Ayrshire’s award-winning luxury spa, wellness and golf destinations. The hotel now offers a collection of over 50 personalised treatments, day spa packages and overnight spa breaks. 

All three SimpsInns’ hotels reached the finals. The Waterside Hotel & Spa at West Kilbride won highly commended in the Best Coastal Hotel and Best Wedding Hotel categories, and The Loans Inn, Troon won highly commended in Best Boutique Hotel and for Best Team categories. 

The Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards showcase and reward outstanding service across Scotland’s hotel industry following a nationwide public vote. The Awards welcome over 500 members of the most prestigious hotels and hospitality businesses across Scotland with all three SimpsInns hotels reaching the final. 

The Irvine-based Simpson family is the driving force behind SimpsInns, which owns and operates a collection of award-winning hotels, restaurants, bars, spa, golf, and leisure activities along the Ayrshire coast, including The Gailes, The Waterside, and Loans Inn at Troon.  

Jack Simpson from SimpsInns, said:  “We’re extremely proud to have been recognised once again as an industry leader and for offering the best hotel spa experience in Scotland for 2026.

“The Waterside Hotel & Spa at West Kilbride and The Loans Inn at Troon also won a collection of highly commended awards on the night, meaning all three of our hotels are celebrating.

“This latest award success for all three of our hotels is testament to the hard work of our amazing team, who continually go above and beyond to ensure every guest enjoys a fantastic experience with us and keep coming back.”

Continued investment has been a key strategy for the growth of Simpsinns over the last three years, with over £4 million invested across the group. SimpsInns is committed to enhancing the quality of the guest experience across the group, including the newly refurbished restaurant at Loans Inn and the addition of 17 new bedrooms and sea view spa at The Waterside.

The Gailes Hotel & Spa also holds the title ‘Boutique Spa Hotel of the Year’ from the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (CIBTAC). 

SimpsInns holds the title of Family Business of the year by Scottish Licensed Trade News, as well as Ayrshire Chamber Hospitality Business of the year. 

For more information on the Scottish Prestige Hotel Awards, go to www.prestigehotelawards.co.uk

For more information on the SimpsInns Group, visit www.simpsinns.com

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has unveiled its newly refreshed Garden View Deck & Bar, in association with Maison Pommery & Associés, offering a relaxed and elevated al fresco escape in the heart of the capital, in time for the summer season.

Located within the John Hope Gateway, the Garden View Deck & Bar will, for the first time, extend its opening hours across the summer months. The Deck & Bar is open from 12PM to 8PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12PM to 4:30PM on Sundays, offering the perfect weekend lunchtime escape with a view.

On Fridays and Saturdays, guests can continue enjoying the space with extended opening hours until 8PM. While the wider Gardens close at 5PM, the Deck remains open, offering panoramic views over the Living Collection in the light summer evenings.

The new evening offering invites guests to experience the Botanics at a different pace, encouraging them to linger longer and unwind in a beautiful garden setting as the sun sets. In collaboration with catering partners Heritage Portfolio, the menu has been designed for informal grazing and sharing, with a focus on seasonality and bold, summery flavours. 

Freshly prepared stone baked pizzas include classic combinations such as Margherita with tomato sugo, mozzarella and basil, and pepperoni with nduja and hot honey, as well as a vegan bianca with potato, caramelised onion and vegan mozzarella. A selection of artisan small plates includes a cheese board for two with Stilton blue, Camembert and Arran smoked cheddar, seasonal pickles and Gordal olives and more. Just like the Gateway Cafe, the menu will be inspired by produce from the Kitchen Garden, infusing fresh, seasonal, and hyper-local ingredients into the menu. 

Dr Julia Knights, Regius Keeper at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh said: “Today marks an important moment in an exciting new partnership between Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Maison Pommery, which brings together shared values of excellence, heritage, sustainability and cultural engagement. Together we are creating a premium experience that invites our visitors to enjoy nature and celebrate the Garden through a new lens, showcasing both the beauty of the Garden and its important mission to protect Earth’s fragile habitats.”

Sandy Robson, Executive Director of Heritage Portfolio commented: “We are delighted to offer a new space for Edinburgh locals and visitors to enjoy this summer, with a food and beverage offering that champions local produce while reflecting the best of the season in a relaxed, open-air setting for long summer evenings. The menu has been designed to be informal and shareable, encouraging guests to graze, try a little of everything and spend time together over food.”

Maison Pommery is highlighted through a selection of its emblematic cuvées, reflecting its expertise and heritage. Each Champagne precisely expresses the House style, combining finesse, freshness, and balance.

Julien Lonneux, CEO of Maison Pommery United Kingdom, adds: “At Maison Pommery, we firmly believe that excellence cannot exist without responsibility. Preserving nature means preserving the very essence of our wines and our heritage.”

The drinks offer also includes a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks chosen to complement relaxed outdoor dining. A dedicated spritz menu brings a playful, botanical focus inspired by summer evenings. Alongside classic serves like an Aperol Spritz and Hugo Spritz, the bespoke Garden Party collection includes the Strawberry Meadow with strawberry and elderflower, and the Provençal Bloom with lavender and lemon.

The Garden View Deck & Bar operates on a walk in basis, offering a flexible way to visit whether guests are rounding off a day in the Garden or arriving specifically for an evening drink and something to eat. Guests can enjoy the refreshed space on weekends from May 8th.

For more information on the Garden View Deck & Bar, please visit https://www.rbge.org.uk/deck-bar/

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ASSOCIATION OF SCOTLAND CONSULTATION RESPONSEBriefing for Operators

Briefing for Operators