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Over 100 scholars receive career cash boost

11 Feb 2011

There was great excitement in the Scottish tourism and hospitality industry when more than 100 recipients of a quarter of a million pounds scholarship programme were announced. The awards came at the annual Hospitality Industry Trust  (HIT) Scotland Emerging Talent Conference.

Over the next two years, the chosen 110 scholars, who are either working or studying in the industry, will embark on world-class learning experiences at home and abroad.

Scholars are also placed with Michelin-starred chefs and will go behind the scenes at world class events and businesses across the UK.

The aim of the scholarship programme is to broaden horizons, encourage personal development and bring back best practice and new ideas to Scotland. In return, scholars are expected to drive up standards and potentially become leaders in the industry to help Scotland compete in an international marketplace.

The emerging talent scholarship programme represents a £250,000 investment by HIT Scotland, a self-funded charitable organisation. It is estimated to be worth nearly £1 million through staff training, staff retention and future income to the Scottish industry.

Open to anyone working in or studying any aspect of Scottish tourism, travel, leisure, and catering, more than 400 people applied for the scheme last September. They have been selected following individual interviews and assessments. The successful candidates come from 60 different businesses, colleges and universities across Scotland.

David Cochrane, chief executive of HIT Scotland, said: “The hospitality industry in Scotland is worth £11.2 billion to the economy. While we acknowledge the uniqueness of Scotland’s landscape and heritage as financial assets, we don’t pay enough attention to the people who can realise the country’s potential. 

“We operate in a worldwide market place and as the economy looks to recover it’s important to invest in future leaders to capitalise on growth when it comes. Without great people to make the Scottish experience special we are in danger of falling behind other countries.”

Scholars were told of their success at the end of the Emerging Talent Conference.  This year’s event was held at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange. Over the past seven years, HIT Scotland has awarded more than 800 scholarships.

Now in its seventh year, the Emerging Talent Conference brings together people from across the industry to celebrate best practice, encourage development and share ideas.

For more information on how to apply for future scholarship opportunities see HIT Scotland.