NEWS
National awards for Macgochans and the Ben Nevis Bar
April 2024
Macgochans in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull has been named Argyll & Bute Pub of the Year, and the Ben Nevis Bar in Fort William has taken the title of Highland Pub of the Year - for the second year running - at the National Pub & Bar Awards 2024!
Awards organisers said winners in these categories have "demonstrated excellence across a number of elements that affect the customer journey, including design, service, style of offer, marketing and investment".
The wins mean Macgochans and the Ben Nevis Bar will join fellow County Winners from across the UK at a major awards ceremony in London in June, where they will have a chance of being crowned a Regional Winner and taking the overall National Pub & Bar of the Year title.
Huge congratulations to the incredible teams at Macgochans and the Ben Nevis Bar on these amazing achievements!
Team Lochside visit Port Ellen as legendary Islay distillery is reawakened after 40 years
March 2024
Some of the team from The Lochside in Bowmore on Islay were lucky enough to enjoy a tour of the legendary Port Ellen distillery as it reopened for the first time in more than 40 years.
The distillery stopped production in 1983 and lay dormant for more than four decades before major investment from owner Diageo brought it back to life in March 2024.
The Lochside team enjoyed an incredible tour of the distillery, a taste of the first new make spirit produced in 41 years, and brushed up on their Port Ellen knowledge so they can share the incredible story with customers at The Lochside, which has its own impressive range of Port Ellen whiskies.
The Lochside celebrates Local Hero
January 2024
The Lochside celebrated its 2023 Local Hero, Ella Edgar, by inviting her along for a special meal.
Ella was nominated for The Lochside’s 2023 Local Hero accolade for her dedication and commitment to teaching Highland dancing on Islay for over 50 years, and for providing entertainment for events on the island all year round.
In true local hero style, Ella invited Arlene McKerrell, who nominated her, and fellow nominees, Neilly Bonar and Agnes McEachren, to join her for the celebration meal at The Lochside. And Head Chef, Archie Carmichael, took a quick break from the kitchen to congratulate Ella, whom he has known for 50 years!
Rocks and Ricky triumph at SLTN Awards
November 2023
The Rocks Leisure Group team celebrated a double win at this year's SLTN Awards!
The Lochside's Ricky Wallace was named Barperson of the Year, while The Rocks Leisure Group won the Independent Multiple Operator of the Year award!
Collecting the SLTN Independent Multiple Operator of the Year Award (4-7 outlets), sponsored by Diageo, The Rocks Leisure Group MD Neil Morrison said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this; it’s a real honour to receive this recognition from the industry.
“All credit to our fantastic team who work hard to deliver exceptional quality, service and hospitality in each of our venues day in day out.
“And huge congratulations to Ricky on winning the Barperson of the Year award – very well-deserved!
“It’s been a great year for us – we’ve continued to invest in our people and our venues and we’ve launched a brand new business, Roslyn House. To be named Independent Multiple Operator of the Year is just the cherry on top!”
Awards for Roslyn House and The Lochside
November 2023
Roslyn House in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and The Lochside in Bowmore on the Isle of Islay each won awards at the Hotels of the Year Scotland Awards!
Roslyn House - The Rocks Leisure Group's eight-bedroom luxury 'smart' guest house which launched in September - won the Rising Star award.
The Lochside - our cosy 12-bedroom inn on Islay which has an incredible range of over 300 whiskies - was named Whisky Bar of the Year.
Huge congratulations to our wonderful team!
Plaudits for The Lochside and Ben Nevis
October 2023
Congratulations to our amazing teams at The Lochside and the Ben Nevis after both businesses were featured in prestigious guides.
The Lochside in Bowmore on the Isle of Islay featured in The Times’ Five of the Best Whisky Bars while the Ben Nevis in Fort William secured a place in the Good Beer Guide 2024.
Described as a friendly local, The Lochside was lauded for its incredible range of whiskies; while the Ben Nevis was recognised for its selection of local ales, which include those from the Hanging Tree Brewery in the grounds of sister hotel The Benleva in Drumnadrochit.
The Times | Five of the Best Whisky Bars
The Lochside, Bowmore
More Islay malts than you ever imagined in a friendly local, right on the shore of Loch Indaal, three minutes’ walk from Bowmore Distillery. The hotel bar has more than 300 bottles, local craft beers, excellent wines and gins galore. The 12 cosy bedrooms are a bonus if you’re going big.
The Good Beer Guide 2024
The Ben Nevis Bar, Fort William
Ales: Hanging Tree After Dark, Hangman’s IPA, one changing beer (sourced locally, often Hanging Tree Brewery)
Built in 1806 and under new ownership since 2019, this pleasant two-room traditional locals’ pub on the pedestrianised High Street is said to have a resident ghost in the loft. A decked area at the rear gives splendid views of Loch Linnhe. As well as the three ales, over 50 malt whiskies are stocked. A food menu of good, honest pub favourites is available all day. Live music plays at weekends.
The Lochside's Ricky goes for gold
October 2023
The Lochside's Ricky Wallace is in the running for the Barperson of the Year award at this year's Scottish Licensed Trade News Awards!
Ricky’s incredible skill, knowledge and love of hospitality shone through in the judging stages and he is now one of just three finalists from across Scotland up for the big award next month!
Congratulations Ricky - an amazing achievement!
Team Lochside and The Rocks Leisure Group family are rooting for you in the final!
Promotion for Sophie at Macgochans
September 2023
Huge congratulations to Sophie Ryding who has been promoted to assistant manager at Macgochans in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull!
Sophie joined the team at the busy bar restaurant in February 2021 as a server and has quickly worked her way up through the ranks.
A well-deserved promotion for a very valued member of the amazing team at Macgochans!
Rocks ready to launch 'smart' new guest house
August 2023
The Rocks Leisure Group is set for further expansion with the launch of a ‘smart’ new boutique guest house in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull in September following a stunning transformation.
Roslyn House utilises the latest travel technology with a seamless self check-in process, giving guests greater flexibility to enjoy luxury on their terms.
The property now boasts eight stunning individually-designed guest rooms and suites, where beautiful antique furniture and four-poster beds have been paired with classic contemporary décor; there’s also a cosy and relaxing guest lounge.
Roslyn House offers luxury breakfast hampers featuring a carefully curated selection of local, artisan products – from cured meats and seafood to rustic breads and local jams – allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing breakfast in the comfort of their own room.
The property’s location on Breadalbane Street in the heart of Tobermory makes it the ideal base for exploring the huge range of local attractions; it’s also very close to its sister bar and restaurant Macgochans – a stunning seafront venue offering fantastic food, including fresh local seafood and meats sourced from nearby farms.
Macgochans named Live Entertainment Venue of the Year!
May 2023
Macgochans in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull has been named Live Entertainment Venue of the Year at the Scottish Hospitality Awards for the second year running!
The busy venue, which hosts a packed schedule of live music throughout the year and is at the heart of the annual Mull Music festival every April, picked up the award at a glittering awards ceremony in Glasgow’s DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel on 16th May.
Huge congratulations to the whole team at Macgochans! What an amazing achievement!
Stunning new terrace at the Ben Nevis
May 2023
The stunning new terrace at the Ben Nevis in Fort William is open!
Offering spectacular views of Loch Linnhe, the new terrace is framed by sleek glass panels to really maximise the incredible views - the perfect space to enjoy a delicious seafood platter with a glass of crisp white wine, or a refreshing cider in the sun! Bring on the summer!
The Ben Nevis named Highland Pub of the Year!
April 2023
The Ben Nevis has been named Highland Pub of the Year in the National Pub & Bar Awards!
The Rocks Leisure Group's Fort William venue was revealed as the winner of the prestigious accolade on 5th April and will receive the award at a ceremony in London in June.
Massive congratulations to the whole team at The Ben Nevis! What a fantastic achievement!
Going for gold
March 2023
Two of The Rocks Leisure Group's units have only gone and reached the final of this year's Scottish Hospitality Awards!
The Lochside in Bowmore on the Isle of Islay is a finalist in the Hotel of the Year category, while Macgochans in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull is in the running for the Live Entertainment Venue of the Year award.
Fingers crossed for the final!
Swan Loch
March 2023
Forget Swan Lake... The Lochside has its own masterpiece!
Inspired by the swans that are often spotted on Loch Indaal behind The Lochside, Patricia from the housekeeping team got creative with some towel origami and created these beauties!
The Lochside team is all about attention to detail!
IT'S CHRISTMAS @ MACGOCHANS
21/02/2023
The Macgochans team enjoyed a well deserved Christmas night out this week to celebrate all of their hard work throughout the year! All departments attended and enjoyed a well-earned break and the chance to be customers for a change!
Dinner Time!
Drink Time!
HPNOTIQ @ MACGOCHANS
04/02/2023
HPNOTIQ has made a re-appearance at Macgochans with our good friend Mikey's birthday party! What a blast from the past!
Available in our Tuck Shop for a limited time only!
Meet Rose... The Highland Coo!!!
11/02/2023
We have a new addition at The Benleva! Our Higland Cow, Rose, will be exploring the hotel and local area in Loch Ness to showcase what our stunning area has to offer!
Follow along on our socials to see what mischief she is getting up to!
LOCHSIDE GO ON TOUR!
08/02/2023
Our management team headed to Bruichladdich Distillery for a day of training, indulging in various drams as they went! Its a hard job... but someone's got to do it!
The team continues to expand their knowledge to pass onto our wonderful guests at The Lochside!
A massive thank you to Bruichladdich Distillery for taking the time pass on your pearls of wisdom!