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Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has awarded 414 scholarships to those studying or working in the hospitality industry.
The scholarships were awarded at the annual HIT Talent Conference, which took place in Glasgow at the Voco Grand Central Hotel. Recipients ranged from those just beginning their careers to senior managers.
HIT’s scholarship programme is open to anyone in Scotland working in the industry or studying towards a career in hospitality.
HIT also announced the first recipient of a special new award introduced in honour of general manager, the late Graeme Gibson, who worked in many of Scotland’s top establishments, latterly The Grand Central Hotel, Glynhill Hotel, and then Yotel Glasgow.
The Graeme Gibson Scholarship rewards a rising star working in management in the Greater Glasgow area with four executive coaching sessions to work on their personal and career development, in addition to their scholarship award. This year’s winner is Graeme Walker, director of Sales and Marketing at the Clayton Hotel Glasgow City.
The Chris Rouse Scholarship is another special award, awarded in memory of the former GM of the Turnberry Hotel. The Chris Rouse Scholarship is awarded to someone working in the Ayrshire area, and this year’s scholar is Natalaigh Taylor, marketing manager at Trump Turnberry.
Seven new scholarships were also announced to reflect the changing needs of the sector: Cornell General Managers Programme; eCornell modules; Resilience; Whisky Appreciation Masterclass; Mental Fitness; Sustainability; and Technology.
David Cochrane, HIT Scotland CEO, said: “HIT Is delighted to announce 414 deserving beneficiaries of scholarships this year. These awards are important for ensuring hospitality talent is nurtured to help people forge successful careers and contribute to this vital Scottish industry.
“We are pleased to announce special awards made in honour of two industry legends. The first Graeme Gibson Scholar is Graeme Walker, director of Sales and Marketing at the Clayton Hotel Glasgow City, and this year’s Chris Rouse Scholar is Natalaigh Taylor, marketing manager at Trump Turnberry. The executive coaching they will receive in addition to their scholarship will help them grow and progress. We look forward to following all our scholars’ progress in future months and years.”
