Smith shortlisted for Highland and Islands Thistle award
Blyde Welcome owner recognised for ‘outstanding contribution’ to hospitality
BLYDE Welcome founder Celia Smith has been shortlisted for the individual of the year prize at this year’s Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards.
The award celebrates individuals making an outstanding contribution to tourism, hospitality and events.
The nomination recognises more than four decades of dedication to the industry, from Smith’s early career in hotels, through 20 years as a lecturer at Shetland College UHI and then establishing Blyde Welcome.
Smith also regularly attends local school careers events to encourage young people to see hospitality as a skilled, creative and fulfilling career.
She also works closely with the Moving On Employment Project, supporting young people and adults facing barriers to employment by helping them build confidence, develop workplace skills and take meaningful steps into employment.
The shortlisting follows another significant recognition earlier this year when Smith was awarded Lerwick Town Centre Champion at the Living Lerwick Business Awards, recognising the contribution she has made to both the town centre and the wider community.
Smith said she was “overwhelmed” to be nominated for the Highlands and Islands award.
“Hospitality has given me so much throughout my career and I’ve always believed it’s about putting people first,” she said.
“To be recognised in this way is incredibly special, but it also feels like recognition for the fantastic team around me, my family, the people who have supported me throughout my career, and the wider hospitality community here in Shetland.
“I’m passionate about showing that hospitality isn’t just something you do until something else comes along. It can be an incredibly rewarding career where you have the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives every single day.
“We have so much to be proud of, and I’m delighted to be flying the flag for Shetland.”
Smith has also established the volunteer-run repair cafe at Blyde Welcome in memory of her late husband Chris, which raises funds for the Shetland branch of Alzheimers Scotland.
Commenting on the shortlisting, Living Lerwick chairman Steve Mathieson said: “This is not only recognition of Celia’s contribution, but also shines a spotlight on the strength of Shetland’s hospitality sector and the role it plays in welcoming visitors and strengthening communities.”
Meanwhile, Katie Hatfield, a volunteer at Blyde Welcome’s repair cafe, said Smith’s nomination was “so well deserved”.
“What Celia has created at Blyde Welcome is truly very special. Anyone who comes through the doors, whether for a cup of excellent coffee, a tasty home-bake or a visit to the repair cafe, is welcomed with warmth, respect and a real sense of being part of a community,” she said.
“Celia works incredibly hard, and has a real gift of encouraging, motivating and gently challenging people to achieve their best, often without them realising it.
“Her standards are always high, and she does so much to raise the profile of what true hospitality means, along with celebrating all that is great about Shetland.”
Lincoln Carroll from the Moving On Employment Project said: “Celia has worked tirelessly to engage young people in Hospitality and the relationship we have developed over recent years is testament to that. Recognising that is important as Celia quietly gets on with doing great work without seeking acclaim.”
The Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards celebrate excellence across Scotland’s tourism, hospitality and events sectors, with winners progressing to the national Scottish Thistle Awards.
The winners will be announced at the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards ceremony at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness on Friday 9 October.
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