Finalist - Anne Mulhern
As the owner/manager of The Willow Tea Rooms, Anne Mulhern is an outstanding Scottish entrepreneur who has demonstrated tremendous passion, tenacity and vision in taking a simple creative concept and achieving rapid commercial success. This is indeed a remarkable achievement for somebody who had no catering experience when she first leased the rooms. The Willow Tea Rooms is a great example of how a business should be run, and as the business has expanded Anne has devoted herself to developing her team to embrace the additional responsibilities created. She successfully trains her staff who are ambassadors for the Mackintosh art and for the city of Glasgow in general. Anne has the enthusiasm, experience and energy to continue to develop her business.

Finalist - John Parker
Morton of Pitmilly is an excellent business with proven results, which is a credit to its owner of ten years, John Parker. John has a policy of tireless, continual improvement based genuinely on the changing demands and expectations of his customers, and his rewards are a 90% occupancy rate, with 75% repeat guests. John actively promotes the rural tourism experience, and combines existing natural resources with the sophisticated needs of his customers. In the current climate of rural and agricultural uncertainty, businesses like Morton of Pitmilly show what can be done with existing rural assets, lots of courage, hard work and plenty of imagination.  

Award Description
The Individual Excellence Award recognises those dedicated to the industry. The award, which is nomination only, celebrates excellent managerial skills.

Judges were looking for evidence that he/she has made a significant impact on the development of Scottish tourism and has also managed to implement a successful service strategy whilst maximising benefits to their business. 

The winner should have a proven track record of being able to motivate and train staff towards attaining improved customer satisfaction.