HATA Award Winners 2025
On Thursday 5th June our Hospitality and Tourism Academy (HATA) celebrated all of their students by hosting the 11th HATA Awards.
Our HATA students along with their family and friends were treated to an evening of celebration featuring a delicious grazing table, laughs and recognition.
Our Head of Curriculum, Lucy Huby, opened the evening with a recap of the year; thanking all the students for everything they have achieved and all the staff for their hard work and commitment.
Guest speakers included Katalin Urquhart, HATA Graduate and local business owner, and Ross Guidi from Loch Ness Country House Hotel, as well as Flt Sgt Andy Stephens, Recruitment for RAF Reserves.
Student Cameron Symon spoke about her experience of travelling to Lausanne in Switzerland as part of her course to encourage our returning SCQF Level 5 students to apply for the opportunity next year. This amazing experience is fully funded by HIT Scotland.
Recognition Awards
- This year our students had opportunities to support the Highland Tourism Awards, HIT Scotland Highland Dinner, and various UHI Moray events such as HATA cocktail nights, Long Service Staff Awards, and a collaboration with our Beauty Students - thank you to all the students that helped at these.
- We always like to celebrate our students 'silliness' and uniqueness during the year - and this year was no exception - from the 'Lost Keys', 'Miss Chatterbox', 'Most Cuts in One Day' and the now annual 'Melting Pot' it has become one of the highlights of the Awards Night. Thank you to the class of 25 for all the laughs.
Customer Service Award
A new award introduced this year and selected via feedback from our customer comment cards:
- Keirien Derrer
- Tilly Roberts
- Cameron Symon
Distance Travelled Award
These students have all shown progression in a variety of ways, whether its the confidence to speak to a customer or to now know the importance of preparing for a practical sessions:
- Erin Geddes
- Keirien Derrer
- George McBean
Most Potential Award
For the students who we feel are likely to excel in their chosen career in the hospitality industry:
- Cameron Symon
- Fraser McNaught
- Leigh-Ann Ewing
- Neve Cruickshank
- Mathilda Spooner
- Dean Hannah
Excellent Theory Award
Behind every great practical skill is a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding; another new award introduced this year recognising consistent excellent theory work:
- Dakota Bolton
Consistent Calmness Award
In the fast-paced world of hospitality, staying cool under pressure is a true superpower; this award recognises a student for their consistent calmness with everything they did.
- Freya Paterson
Doing It Alone Award
A special award for our student who has reached the end of her part-time learning journey with us - she completed the last couple of years on her own, attending classes when she could around family commitments and working remotely on the theory elements:
- Laura Baker
Barista Award
Our hotly contested Barista Award was a tricky one to decide this year seeing us introduce a Highly Commended category:
- Olivia Weber - Winner
- Cameron Symon - Highly Commended
Best Attendance Award
Across all our full time Hospitality courses attendance has been over 90% throughout the year - however five students all achieved 100% attendance:
- Ran Grant
- Fraser McNaught
- Neve Cruickshank
- George McBean
- Cameron Symon
Student Choice Award
This award is voted for by the students - they choose one student from their class who they felt has been the reliable one, who they see as being a good student:
- Leigh-Ann Ewing for SCQF Level 5 class
- Dean Hannah for SCQF Level 6 class
Mike Crossland Award
Presented to a student who has overcome many challenges to get to where they are:
- Cameron Symon
Student of the Year
For the HATA student who shows great attitude and doing everything with a smile; from being so unsure at the start of the year to blossoming with confidence by the end - we couldn't be prouder:
- Tilly Roberts
Congratulations to you all!
