A local landlady has scooped a top national award for the running of a picturesque Highland pub.
Elizabeth Ferguson, who manages the Lock Inn, Fort Augustus, said she was “delighted” to win the Licensee of the Year award at the Scottish Licensed Trade Association awards.
She was presented with the award at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel on Thursday night after being shortlisted in the final three.
The Lock Inn is a bar and restaurant which overlooks the Caledonian Canal and is owned by John and Lorraine Hessel, of Highland Inns Ltd.
It employs a staff of about 30 people in the peak summer season and about 10 in the winter, and has a capacity of 82.
About two years ago, the Lock Inn was the first business in the area to use grant money from the Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company and Glengarry Trust to train up two apprentice chefs.
Miss Ferguson, who lives in the village and has managed the inn for 11 years, said: “I was quite shocked and stunned but I am absolutely delighted and thrilled to bits. This is the first time I have gone in for anything like this.
“I think it’s a combination of things which have played a part. It’s a traditional Highland pub and serves good food using locally-sourced produce and has a nice, friendly atmosphere.
“In the summertime we’re busier but at off-peak time it’s just down to improvising by having themed nights, and we also have the Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company subsidising a weekly lunch club.
“I have also focused on training up young people and we had a grant from the community company for taking on two apprentice chefs and they are doing very well.”
Harry Whiteside, chairman of the community company, said: “From what we have seen, there has been a ‘spider’ effect since she took on the apprentice chefs, and she has been training of all her staff right through to Scottish Vocational Qualifications level 4 in hospitality.
“We wish her all the best and congratulate her for her contribution to the industry.”
The community company works in partnership with the Glengarry Trust and Stratherrick and Foyers Community Trust.