A young hospitality professional from Port Appin has been named among the three finalists for a major Highlands and Islands tourism award after building her career on the shores of Loch Linnhe.
Jolene Levy, 29, from The Pierhouse Hotel and The Linnhe Storehouse & Cafe, is shortlisted for the Rising Star title at the 2026 Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards in Inverness.
She is the only contender from Argyll to make the final three in the category, with the winner due to be announced at the Kingsmills Hotel on Friday 9 October.
The awards celebrate tourism and hospitality businesses and people from across the Highlands and Islands, stretching from Argyll and Moray to Orkney and Shetland.
The Rising Star category recognises people at the beginning of careers in tourism, hospitality and events, as well as those who have recently moved into the industry.
Jolene joined The Pierhouse Hotel in 2020 as Restaurant Supervisor before progressing to become Cafe Manager at The Linnhe Storehouse & Cafe.
The new venture overlooking Castle Stalker and Loch Linnhe was launched by The Pierhouse team in spring this year, with Jolene playing a significant role in its planning and development.
Her hospitality career has developed alongside her education, including completing a degree in international business and human resource management in Glasgow and a hospitality management course through HIT Scotland.
She has also completed WSET Level 1 and 2 Awards in Wines and Spirits, while continuing to return to Port Appin during summer seasons throughout her studies.
Jolene said:
“It’s a huge privilege to be named as a rising star in hospitality and tourism for the Highlands and Islands region.
“A massive thank you goes to my team and friends at The Pierhouse and The Linnhe for their ongoing support.
“Pierhouse Hotel manager, Fiona McLean, has provided me with invaluable mentorship, which has given me the confidence to grow into my current role and make so much progress with my career in such a short space of time.”
The Pierhouse Hotel manager Fiona McLean said:
“We’re so proud of Jolene for this massive achievement.
“Over the last six years, Jolene has proven herself as a shining example of next generation talent.
“Her leadership potential, passion and ambition have been key ingredients for delivering exceptional guest experiences at both The Pierhouse and The Linnhe.
“Throughout her time with us, Jolene has grown significantly in confidence, taking on greater responsibility and demonstrating her ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced environment.
“Jolene’s journey reflects not only her commitment to the industry but also her ambition to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact.
“Her progression from supervisor to manager, her academic achievements and hands-on involvement in launching a new venture has helped secure her place on this year’s ‘Rising Star’ shortlist and we wish her every success.”
The regional winners will progress automatically to the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final in November.
Regional winners will automatically progress as finalists to the Scottish Thistle Awards National Final in November 2026.
Find out more about the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards by clicking here
To find out more about The Linnhe; Storehouse & Café, go to https://thelinnhe.co.uk and follow on Instagram www.instagram.com/thelinnhe
Located around two miles from The Linnhe Storehouse & Café, The Pierhouse Hotel and Seafood Restaurant is tucked away on the shores of Loch Linnhe at Port Appin.
The small hotel and renowned Scottish seafood restaurant has an established reputation as one of Argyll’s most idyllic and romantic destinations.
The Pierhouse Hotel restaurant has three silver stars, two AA rosettes and is one of only four Argyll restaurants included in the Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland.
