THE co-founder and director of popular independent Ayrshire hotel group has won big at "Scotland's most prestigious hospitality awards".

Malcolm Simpson, of the SimpsInns group, collected the Industry Achievement Award for 2022 Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN) awards at the Hilton in Glasgow - where he was presented with his award by host for the evening, Jason Manford.

Malcolm Simpson founded SimpsInns with wife Karen more than 20 years ago after a stint working for hospitality group Whitbread.

Expansion and reinvestment became hallmarks of the business as the company grew from a single site operator to include The Old Loans Inn near Troon, The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride, Si! Bar Restaurant in Irvine and The Gailes Hotel and Spa near Irvine.

Though their approach was significantly challenged through the pandemic, where the hospitality industry was one of the hardest pressed by lockdown restrictions.

However, the family pressed ahead with the construction of a £2million luxury spa at The Gailes, as well as stunning refurbishments of the hotel’s bar, restaurant and function suite.

As the business has grown so too has the family’s involvement; sons Lee and Jack are now both key players in the company.

Meanwhile, Malcolm has championed the local area through involvement in a number of tourism initiatives.

Passion for both Ayrshire and hospitality has underpinned everything Malcolm has achieved in the past two decades – along with grit, determination and sheer hard work.

An audience of 650 gathered for the 26th SLTN Awards, where coveted corkscrew trophies were presented to pubs, restaurants, staff and operators from across Scotland.

SLTN editor Gordon Davidson highlighted the importance of these awards following the recent challenging times, highlighting those remaining resilient throughout.

He said: “The SLTN Awards is an opportunity to highlight the very best of Scottish hospitality – the entrepreneurialism, resiliency and passion that makes this business so special.

“And as hospitality continues to contend with a raft of challenges, it has never been more important to celebrate the industry’s best and brightest.

“All our winners and finalists deserve huge congratulations. The standard of venues in Scotland has never been higher and that’s a testament to the incredible staff and operators that make this industry what it is.”