BEST BAR NONE AWARDS 2025
Celebrating Success at the Inverness Best Bar None Awards 2025…
The Inverness Best Bar None Awards were held at the Mercure Hotel on Tuesday 6th January, bringing together guests for a wonderful evening celebrating excellence in hospitality. Sixteen local hospitality venues were recognised for their outstanding contributions to creating a safe and welcoming environment in Inverness.
Special Awards:
Best National Chain Pub/Bar – The Caledonian
Best Independent Pub/Bar – Jimmy Badgers
Best Late Night Venue (3am) – Johnny Foxes & The Den
Best Newcomer – Scran Kitchen
BBN Heart of the Community – The Gellions
BBN Innovation in Social Responsibility – Johnny Foxes & The Den
Inverness Best Bar None 2025 – Johnny Foxes & The Den
Gold Awards:
All sixteen venues received Gold award status in recognition of their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment. Each venue underwent an assessment focusing on how well they met standards across key themes based on licensing objectives and industry best practice.
Congratulations to all those involved.
NO Place for HATE Campaign
A new community and partnership initiative has launched in Inverness with a clear message: there is no place for hate in our community.
The campaign is supported by Operation Respect partners including Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division, British Transport Police, Inverness Community Partnership, Inverness Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau, Highland Council, Inverness Business Improvement District (BID), Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, NHS Highland, Scottish Ambulance Service, and others.
Inspector Paul Sutherland based in Inverness, said:
“Everyone in our community has a right to live free from hate and discrimination. Being targeted because of age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or variations in sex characteristics, is not just offensive, in some cases it can be a criminal offence. Too often, people feel isolated or unsure if what they’ve experienced qualifies as a hate crime but if something feels wrong, it’s always worth reporting, as we take all incidents seriously.
“Hate crimes can take many forms, including verbal abuse, name-calling, assault, threats, online harassment, intimidation, vandalism, damage to property and much more. It also divides communities and undermines the wider civic values we share. That’s why it’s so important we raise awareness about what hate crime is, how to report it, and that we make it absolutely clear that there is no place for hate in Inverness.”
City Leader, Councillor Ian Brown said:
“Hate crime is not always easy to recognise but it should never be ignored.
“Raising awareness is essential if we want to empower people to speak up, take action and ensure that those affected know that support is available.
“Inverness overall is a welcoming and inclusive city, but we all have a part to play in standing up against discrimination or hate of any kind.”
Councillor Alasdair Christie, Leader of the Opposition and Chief Executive of Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey Citizens Advice Bureau added:
“Anyone who has experienced or witnessed a hate crime should know that they don’t have to face it alone. Reports can be made directly to Police Scotland via 101 or 999, or there is an option to also use a designated community Hate Crime Reporting Centre.
Our trained staff and volunteers can provide confidential advice and support, and can help those affected to report any incidents in a way that feels right for them.”.
Chair of Inverness BID and Owner of SafeKab and Inverness Taxis noted the very real impact hate crimes can have:
“We really value our diverse workforce, and we take our role in serving our community seriously. While most of our customers are fantastic, there is a minority who racially abuse some of our hardworking staff and such incidents are escalating.
“We operate a zero-tolerance policy, and don’t hesitate to report or ban offenders but this shouldn’t be happening. The impact for those targeted, as well as for our wider team is really distressing and we fully support this campaign and the message that hate of any kind has no place in our community.”.
REPORT HATE CRIME: https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/reporting-hate-crime/
Inverness City Centre Business Awards 2025 – Winners Announced
We were delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our city centre businesses at the Inverness City Centre Business Awards 2025 at the Drumossie Hotel. It was a brilliant evening recognising the dedication, creativity and hard work of the individuals and teams who help make Inverness such a vibrant and welcoming place.
This year saw an exceptional standard of finalists across 18 categories, reflecting the strength, resilience and heart of our city centre. With hundreds of nominations and votes cast by the public, and also the businesses themselves, the awards once again showcased the pride our community has in its local businesses and third sector organisations.
On the night almost £1500 was raised for the Street Scene initiative which ran a pilot earlier in the year. BID Senior Community Safety Manager Owen McManus thanked the attendees for their generous support
Independent Inverness Weekend – 6th to 8th November
Explore the very best of Inverness’s independent retailers during this special three-day event organised by the Inverness Independent business group.
Enjoy exclusive offers – see them all listed below – across the city centre and look out for the new Independent Inverness logo in shop windows — the mark of a true local business taking part.
Plan your visit using the Love Inverness App, where a dedicated Independent Inverness tour highlights all the participating businesses and their offers.
The receipt raffle gives customers the chance to win a raffle prize donated by the businesses with every purchase.
✨ Fashion Show – Friday 7th November, 6–7pm – Join us in the Victorian Market Arcade Hall for a showcase of local independent fashion and design.
Make a purchase from any participating business over the weekend for a chance to win prizes donated by local retailers.
🛍️ Limited-edition Independent Inverness tote bags, printed locally, will be available from participating shops while stocks last.
Support local. Celebrate independent.
Ablekids Press – Late night shopping event Friday 7th Nov, open until 8pm, Enjoy some wine whilst you explore the fantastic range of books & gifts available, Christmas stock in-store now. Sat 8th Nov – Meet the Author, Book signing with Gwen Bowie’s with her Gaelic latest picture book, Casan Cugallach, Receipt Raffle.
Aeternum – 25% off Amber Moda & Sergio Elefante Jewellery, Receipt Raffle
Castle Gallery – Linocut workshop with Linda Farquharson Fri 7th Nov (now filled) Christmas gift stock on Display, Receipt Raffle
Charlotte Smith Bridal Boutique – Fashion Show & any bride who books an appointment during the 3-day event will receive 10% off their dress, Receipt raffle
Chisholm’s Highland Dress – Free measurements to be taken for tailor made garments including kilts, jackets trews and waistcoats (normally charged for). Safety sgian dubhs on sale for half price. Receipt raffle
Colin Campbell – Receipt raffle
Craigdon Mountain Sports – Receipt raffle
Highland Whisky Shop – TBC
Judith Glue – Fashion Show, 15 % off all gifting, up to 25% off Eribe knitwear & up to 50% off branded clothing, Receipt raffle
La-Di-Da Fashion – Fashion Show, Up to 50% off Selected lines & dedicated 70% off sale rale, Receipt Raffle,
Maggie Blyth – Fashion Show, Sat 8th Nov, 11-3 Colour Analyst Katie Thompson will be in the shop offering free colour analyst advice, Receipt Raffle
Merchant’s Delicatessan, Tasting platters, Christmas stock & Hampers on display, Receipt raffle
Miele’s Gelateria Inverness – Receipt raffle
Panasonic Store & Euronics Centre – What: We will be delivering two short in-store presentations at Panasonic Store Inverness showcasing how simple and useful modern Smart TVs are, with live demos on Panasonic’s 2025 Fire TV models. When (each day, Thu 6 – Sat 8 Nov): 11:00 – Smart TV Basics (20–25 mins): What a smart TV is, Fire TV home screen, catch-up apps, Alexa voice control, simple tips to get started. 14:00 – Smart TV Deep Dive (35–40 mins): Personalisation/profiles, picture & sound settings, casting from a phone, privacy controls, and handy shortcuts. Extras: Free tea/coffee/cake, friendly Q&A, and an event offer of 24 months interest-free credit on Panasonic OLEDs with 10% deposit and free local delivery & installation. Receipt Raffle
Rebel Row X Prickly Thistle – – 10% OFF all garments in store for three days only! Proof of IV postcode required for discount (excludes made-to-measure garments, gift vouchers, Uist Wool, Winter Workshops and any of the Michael Forbes collection) – WIN £500 Voucher – Locals who purchase over this weekend will be entered into our giveaway! (No minimum purchase) Fashion Show in VM Fri 7th Nov 6-7pm, – Saturday In Store Gathering X Witches X Rebellion – Come and see us on Saturday 8th Nov for our in store celebration event where will be gathering for a wee rebellion and to have a good old fashioned gathering of like minded locals! – Official Witches of Scotland Surprise in store Saturday Afternoon – Pop in to see what’s in store
Rouge Boutique – 20 % off in-store (except lingerie), Fashion Show, Receipt Raffle
Triquerta Crafts – Fashion Show, Receipt Raffle, Lots of other exciting surprises 😊
Trophy Centre – Receipt Raffle
J Graham & Co – Receipt Raffle
The BID AGM will take place on the 27th November 2025 at the Inverness Library at 4.30pm
All BID levy payers are eligible for free BID membership and any membership applications or nominations for Directors to join the BID board must be received from members by 15th November 2025 at 1700.
All enquiries can also be made via:
(01463) 714550 or by emailing info@invernessbid.co.uk
The Board of Directors for Inverness Business Improvement District (City Centre) are pleased to confirm that the Annual General Meeting for the company will be held on 27th November at 17:00 in the Inverness Library.
All BID levy payers are able to apply for BID membership and are able to attend the AGM.
For any enquiries please email admin@invernessbid.co.uk
Inverness City Centre BID Business Awards Return for 2025
The Inverness City Centre BID Business Awards are back for 2025, and you have a chance to celebrate the shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, salons, charities, organisations and services, that make our city centre such a special place to live, work, and visit.
Sponsored by the Inverness Courier, the awards shine a spotlight on excellence across many areas, from outstanding customer service and teamwork to creativity, innovation, and quality of products and services.
This year there will be just one round of voting and the public will have the chance to win two tickets to the prestigious dinner and ceremony and a £100 Inverness City Centre gift card.
Alongside the Public Vote, there will be a new Business Choice element, giving businesses and organisations within the BID area the chance to recognise their peers.
BID Chair Gordon McIntosh explained:
“For the first time, businesses and organisations within the BID area will be able to cast a weighted voted, adding a valued new dimension to the awards. Through BID we see every day the strong networks and ways our businesses across our city centre support and value each other, and it’s great to now reflect that in the awards process.’.
Public voting will run via the survey available on the Love Inverness App from Wednesday 1st October to Sunday 19th October 2025, giving everyone the chance to show their support and help recognise the city centre businesses they feel go the extra mile. The Love Inverness App is free to download from your app store.
Finalists will be announced on 31st October, ahead of the celebrations which will culminate with the Ceremony on Thursday 20th November 2025 at the Drumossie Hotel, where the winners will be revealed.
For enquiries, or to request an alternative voting method – if you are not able to vote via the App – please contact: admin@invernessbid.co.uk.
Business Tourism Market Research: Inner Moray Firth and Surrounding Areas
We are working with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and partners including The Highland Council on research to develop a better understanding of the opportunities for business tourism in the Inner Moray Firth and surrounding areas.
In particular, the research will explore:
It is vitally important that this research is informed by you – the industry – and we want to hear from accommodation providers, venues and attractions across the region.
HIE has commissioned an independent research agency, EKOS, to undertake the research and the research team has developed a short survey to collect industry views and information.
The survey can be found by clicking on the following link or scanning the QR code below – it should take no more than 10-15 minutes to complete. The timescale for completing the survey is Friday 29 August.
Take Part in the Business Tourism Market Research Survey
We know that surveys can be inconvenient, especially at busy times, but please do take the time to input to this work. It is crucial that the views of our industry are properly captured.
For further information
If you would like any further information on the survey or research, please contact Nicola Graham at EKOS on nicola.graham@ekos.co.uk or Eilidh MacDonald or Catherine MacNeil at HIE on hieresearch@hient.co.uk.
Analysis of survey responses will be reported to HIE in aggregate form only – with no individual views or feedback identified.
Thank you very much in advance for your input to this research.
Located in the heart of Inverness, the Old High Church is one of the city’s most historically significant buildings, with a presence in the civic and cultural landscape for centuries.
A newly formed community group, The Old High Inverness SCIO, is working to secure the site for public use, aiming to preserve its heritage and repurpose it as a space for cultural, educational and community activities.
The group have raised over £7,000 and secured funding for survey work which helped to shape their business proposal in collaboration with respected partners but they need your help.
The vision is for a multi-use venue that reflects the building’s historical value while delivering a relevant and inclusive space for today’s Inverness to compliment what is already on offer in the centre. The group are keen to involve businesses and the community as plans develop but –
A closing date for offers has been set for 1st August.
You can help by finding out more:
And you can make a donation via the link below:
You can also write in support of the SCIO proposal – please contact:
It’s now even simpler to see where you can spend your Inverness City Centre Gift Card, thanks to a handy new feature on the Love Inverness App.
Each participating business is clearly highlighted on its individual listing — and for added convenience, you can tap the heart icon on the app’s homepage to view a full list of all businesses that accept the card.
It’s the perfect way to explore the wide variety of shops, cafés, bars, restaurants, and more that welcome the Inverness City Centre Gift Card — all at your fingertips and only available via the Love Inverness App.
📲 Download the app today for free from your App Store and start exploring!
Inverness City Centre Business Awards 2025 – Winners Announced We…
Inverness BID Limited
17 Queensgate
Inverness
IV1 1DF
T: +44 (0)1463 714550
E: admin@invernessbid.co.uk
© 2021 Inverness Bid. All Rights Reserved
