Scottish Outdoor & Leisure Winners!

By Sally Hampton -

Scotland’s premier outdoor and leisure providers came together in Glasgow on October 29 to celebrate another great year for the industry

The leaves are falling and there’s a nip in the air – this feels like the perfect time to reflect on a hugely successful year for Scotland’s outdoor and leisure industry.

The Scots Magazine was delighted to act as media partner for the second Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Awards (SOLA) 2017 alongside our sister publication Scottish Caravans & Motorhomes. The awards were created to celebrate the businesses that help ensure Scotland’s reputation as one of the world’s top destinations continues to grow.

At a glittering awards show at Glasgow’s Marriott hotel, there was an air of celebration and anticipation. Who would be anointed cream of the crop this year? The Scots Magazine’s Sally Hampton and Andy Williams had been asked to present two of the trophies so we were almost as excited as the nominees!

After breaking the ice at an informal drinks reception hosted by Thistly Cross Cider and Wester Spirits Co, events in the main hall kicked off to the sounds of the excellent Glasgow University Big Band. There’s nothing like a bit of swing to get you in the mood for a party! The band leader took some gentle ribbing from host for the night, Des Clarke, in good part and we were off.

At many awards shows, you either endure a rumbly tummy as all the trophies are handed out before dinner – or risk indigestion as you chomp through your meal quickly so they can get on with the main event!

SOLA solved this nicely by interspersing the presentations with dinner and short bursts of entertainment from 2016 X Factor contestant, James Hughes, and award-winning a capella group, Choral Stimulation.

The choice of host was also inspired. It was easy to see why SOLA invited Des Clarke back for the second year running. The radio star was the height of professionalism throughout, ensuring the presentations went without a hitch. His quick-fire post-dinner comedy set had the company in stitches, too!

They were delighted to get a bonus of more jokes at the end when there was a delay in setting up the Big Band for their closing set. As The Scots Magazine sloped off to bed at midnight the many happy winners, runners-up and nominees looked set for a long night of dancing and celebration.

For a full list of winners visit outdoorleisureawards.co.uk/winners/