The Hospitality Industry Trust (HIT) Scotland has celebrated another year of supporting hospitality talent, awarding 212 scholarships to people already working across the sector.
The awards were presented at HIT Scotland’s annual Talent Conference at voco Grand Central in Glasgow, which attracted more than 430 attendees. The scholarship programme is open to anyone working in, or studying towards, a hospitality career in Scotland.
The scholarships, which are designed to motivate and support professional development through practical learning, are split into three categories – business, operational and inspirational empowerment – and content is tailored to each recipient’s development goals.
Among this year’s most coveted awards is the Art of Leadership programme at EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne, which were awarded to Kyle McCutcheon (29), Duty Manager at Lamlash Bay Hotel on the Isle of Arran, and Kyle Devine (27), Head of Learning at Cameron House on Loch Lomond. Both will now travel to Switzerland to take part in a tailored two-day leadership course, including a visit to the school’s Michelin-starred restaurant.
Kyle Devine said,“Being awarded this scholarship is an absolute ‘pinch me’ moment in terms of my career.
“I’ve worked my way through the ranks at Cameron House from housekeeping to heading up all training within the property. I am so excited to take the next step in my hospitality journey and cannot thank HIT Scotland enough for the opportunity.
“Management is all about development and inspiring your team to grow with you so this opportunity will change my career completely.”
This year’s scholarships span 16 categories, including people management and supervisory programmes for first-time supervisors and mid-level managers, delivered through six online sessions focused on modern leadership and team management best practice.
Operational scholarships have also been developed for chefs, bartenders and hospitality operators looking to build technical skills and explore new approaches. Among the recipients is Vidhi Mehta (24), Chef de partie at Contini, The Scottish Café & Restaurant in Edinburgh, who has been awarded the Chef Craft Skills Scholarship, an experiential stage focused on fine dining and modern plating.
Vidhi said, “The HIT scholarship will allow me to develop my skills and take my career to new heights. My dream is to one day have my own fine dining restaurant and with the help of HIT Scotland, my goal now feels so much more achievable.”
David Cochrane, Chief Executive of HIT Scotland, said, “It is inspiring to see Scotland’s hospitality talent so motivated to expand their skills and experiences. These scholarships spark ambition in individuals to grow professionally while bringing new ideas and innovation back into their teams and venues.
“From leadership development to operational excellence in the kitchen and front of house, HIT Scotland scholarships provide transformative experiences. We congratulate all 212 recipients and look forward to seeing their impact across Scotland’s hospitality industry in 2026.”
HIT Scotland thanked the Savoy Educational Trust, The Crerar Trust, The MacRobert Trust and Diageo Learning for Life, along with corporate sponsors, for supporting the 2026 scholarship programme.
More information is available at hitscotland.co.uk/scholarships-hit.