Jill Chalmers, Managing Director of the five-star Glenapp Castle on the Scottish southwest coast, and one of Scotland’s most respected figures in luxury hospitality, has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award - announced last night at the prestigious Scottish Excellence Awards ceremony in Edinburgh.

Jill Chalmers said: “I am truly humbled to receive this award. My Scottish heritage has always been deeply important to me, and I have greatly valued the opportunity to contribute to, and support, the continued excellence of Scotland’s hospitality industry. Hospitality is, at its heart, about people - the teams we build, the guests we welcome, and the communities we serve. This recognition is not just personal; I share this recognition with the many talented individuals I have had the privilege of working alongside at Glenapp Castle and throughout my career.”

Originally launched in 2004 as the CIS Excellence Awards, The Scottish Excellence Awards celebrate the very best of Scotland’s hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors, providing a unique mark of distinction. The Lifetime Achievement Award stands as one of the programme’s most prestigious honours, recognising individuals whose careers have made a lasting and transformative impact on the industry. This year, the accolade has been presented to Jill Chalmers in recognition of her outstanding career, visionary leadership, and significant contribution to Scottish hospitality.

With over 30 years of experience in the global hospitality industry, Jill Chalmers has built a distinguished career, with Scotland consistently at its heart. Spanning every level of the sector - from boutique properties to grand estates - she has advised a wide range of hotels and businesses nationwide and on an international scale, including through her own consultancy, supporting their growth and long-term success. Jill brings an instinctive understanding of the DNA of exceptional hospitality - not just luxurious, but deeply personal, thoughtful, and memorable.

Since joining Glenapp Castle in 2017 at the invitation of owner Paul Szkiler, Jill has played a pivotal role in transforming the Scottish property into an internationally acclaimed five-star destination. Under her leadership, occupancy has surged, turnover has tripled within three years, and the team has doubled in size.  Working closely with Paul Szkiler, she has led a series of developments including: the Hebridean Sea Safari, a unique seaborne adventure through the Scottish Hebrides; the Castle Penthouse Suite, the largest and most luxurious penthouse in Scotland and The Azalea, by Glenapp Castle, a spectacular dining venue set within the Castle’s Walled Garden. Most recently, she has spearheaded the launch of The Nest, a new standout accommodation offering at Glenapp Castle - an exclusive, wellness-focused standalone suite designed to meet growing demand for private, nature-led stays, set to debut in July 2026

Beyond accommodations and dining, Jill has curated Glenapp Castle’s extensive Activities & Experiences Programme, which now offers over 75 curated experiences. These initiatives enrich the guest experience while supporting local businesses and generating employment opportunities within the community. She has played a pivotal role in unlocking new revenue streams while redefining modern luxury - driving strong commercial performance and elevating Scotland’s reputation on the global stage.

Complementing her operational achievements, Jill has long been committed to nurturing the next generation of talent in Scotland, mentoring young professionals and supporting charitable initiatives including The King’s Trust, where she has supported its largest fundraising event in Scotland for 16 years.

The announcement was made last night at the Scottish Excellence Awards ceremony in Edinburgh at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, and marks a significant milestone in Jill Chalmers’ illustrious and inspiring career, solidifying her position as a driving force in the industry.