Tour Guide of the Year accolade at inaugural Orkney Tourism Awards

Roy leading a tour group on site. (Jo Bourne)

The Ness of Brodgar picked up the award for Tour Guide of the Year at Saturday’s inaugural Orkney Tourism Awards in Kirkwall.

Organised by Destination Orkney, 13 awards were presented on the night, with eight of the winners selected by a public vote over the past year.

During excavation season around 17,000 visitors make their way to the Ness, many of whom take advantage of the three free site tours each day.

The 11am and 1pm tours are led by the Ness of Brodgar’s Roy Towers and Sigurd Towrie, with the World Heritage Site rangers, Sandra, Elaine, Keith and Eleanor, taking the 3pm excursions.

The 2022 Orkney Tourism Awards.

Speaking after the ceremony, Ness of Brodgar site director Nick Card said: “I am delighted with the award and hope that you will all be able to experience our world class guides and visitor experience for yourselves.

“Our sincere thanks to all who voted for the Ness and we look forward to seeing you on site again this summer.”

The award-winners will now be put forward for the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards and the Thistle Awards later this year.