DUNBAR is celebrating doing the double after two businesses picked up awards at a national ceremony.

The Brig & Barrel and The Royal Mackintosh Hotel were among the winners at the Scottish Hospitality Awards on Tuesday.

Awards were handed out to businesses from across the country at the ceremony in Glasgow which celebrated Scotland’s vibrant hospitality industry.

The Brig & Barrel was named the Pub/Inn of the Year South East while The Royal Mackintosh was named the Hotel of the Year South East.

The Inn at Kippen, near Stirling, was named the Pub/Inn of the Year Central before going on to win the overall prize.

James Hughes, owner of the Brig & Barrel, on Belhaven High Street, was pleased with the success and highlighted the challenges the industry had faced in the last few years.

He said: “I’ve never seen hospitality so difficult, especially when we had Covid restrictions, but even coming out of that.

“Brexit has a lot to do with it as well.

“We have seen real difficulties with staff in hospitality and also supply issues have been a wee bit up and down.

“Then, on top of that, you have the cost of living crisis and the price of electricity.

“Things like a box of tomatoes have gone from £8 to £24.

“It has been a pretty tough juggling act but we have got the most amazing support of customers and we have got such a friendly wee team of staff.”

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Mr Hughes, who lives above the property with wife Sarah and dog Fozzie, attended the awards and picked up the prize on behalf of The Royal Mackintosh team, who were unable to attend, as well.

Now, he is looking forward to another busy summer with about 25 members of staff.

He added: “It gets very busy with tourists from Easter right through to the end of September.

“It is nice that this recognises all the nice reviews we get.”

The awards ceremony, now in its sixth year, celebrated the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the hospitality sector in Scotland.

READ MORE: Dunbar hotel named in top 100 restaurants in Scotland

Hannah Renton took over The Royal Mackintosh Hotel 12 years ago and has built the business back up.

The business, on the town’s Station Road, employs about 16 members of staff and 38-year-old Hannah, who lives in the town, was thrilled with the success.

She said: “We are obviously delighted but just as delighted that James from the Brig & Barrel won as well.

“That was great to hear and I am very delighted as was my whole team – I let them know straight away.

“It was a Dunbar double and it is brilliant, especially because James and I get on well and get to support each other.

“I’m thrilled and it is nice to get recognition for my team and their hard work.

“I’m thrilled because we all work very hard and it is nice for the town, perhaps put the town on the map.

“I think Dunbar does not always get the recognition it deserves.”

Perth’s Salutation Hotel, which was named Hotel of the Year Central, was also crowned the overall winner of the category.

A spokesperson for The Scottish Hospitality Awards 2023 congratulated each of the winners and nominees.

They said: “The Scottish Hospitality Awards 2023 has once again showcased the remarkable talent and exceptional standards within Scotland's vibrant hospitality industry.

“The 2023 winners have consistently demonstrated excellence, innovation, and dedication in their respective categories, setting the benchmark for quality and service within the Scottish hospitality industry.”