After an unprecedented number of scholarship applications, HIT Scotland has awarded 284 scholarships, 70 more than last year!  This means that more people studying or working in Scottish hospitality have an opportunity for an inspirational learning experience to help them develop their skills and knowledge, growing their passion for the industry, which benefits the many hospitality businesses around Scotland.

Scholarships were awarded to those in many different operational areas, both back and front of house, and at all levels from new employees to senior managers.  From Aberdeen to Shetland, Edinburgh to Glencoe, Mull to Glasgow, Dundee to Pitlochry, scholars again come from all over Scotland, from large cities to the islands.

HIT Scotland are continually adapting to provide what the industry requires, and 2020 saw some new operational scholarships including Chef Craft Skills and Understanding Revenue, with extra people management scholarships offered due to the high demand for skills in that area. 

David Cochrane, HIT Scotland Chief Executive said:  “This year we had a fantastic amount of high quality applications, from all areas of Scottish hospitality, and it was very inspiring for us to see and hear the passion that people have for working in our industry.  Everyone was keen to learn and develop to help their career and their business, and make the offering from Scottish hospitality the best it can be. It was again a really hard decision to choose who we felt would benefit most from this year’s scholarships.  I’m sure this year’s scholars will make the industry proud!”

The scholarships were awarded at the HIT Talent Conference on Thursday 6th February at the EICC in Edinburgh.  Hosted by Jennifer Reoch, it was a fantastic day of educational and motivational speakers and workshops, designed to inspire hospitality leaders.  It included talks about selling “Scotland” to the world, the importance of health and wellbeing for the industry, comedy and communication, and from the tech entrepreneur whose company created the Minecraft game.  Attended by around 500 hospitality professionals, it was an excellent day to inspire, motivate and network.

For more information about the types of scholarships you can apply for, visit the Scholarships section of our website

See the photo gallery from the day here Talent Conference photo gallery