A Kenyan working at Cairndale Hotel and Spa in Scotland has been declared the Employee of the Year at the prestigious annual Scottish Excellence Awards.
Hassan Mohammed Mbirikany was feted at a colourful ceremony attended by industry executives at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburg.
The graduate of Kenya Utalii Hotel thanked his colleagues, customers and employer for the great experience he has had whilst working as the hotel’s assistant manager.
“I am very happy for this award after coming here more than a decade ago. It is a confirmation that with hard work and consistency, we can have the best impact,” he said.
The annual awards aim to celebrate the leading people, products, services and organisations that are setting new benchmarks in quality and creativity.
The awards represent the ultimate accolade for businesses and individuals working in Scottish hospitality and food service.
Hassan’s employer issued a statement congratulating him on the accolades saying Hassan is an inspiring and calming presence within the hotel and is popular and well-respected by colleagues and guests alike.
“We could not be prouder, and the award truly couldn’t have gone to a more deserving, humble and exceptional person. Hassan’s commitment and dedication to looking after our guests is second to none,” said the hotel’s Directors, Mathew Wallace and Mathew Jnr.
The soft-spoken and ever-radiant Hassan said the friendly Scottish have contributed to his success as a hotelier.
“Here it is hand on deck; we serve with dedication with the customer’s interest and conform always at the top of our minds,” said Hassan.
Hassan graduated with distinction in Food and Beverage Service at Utalii Hotel in 2003 and six years later got a Diploma in Personnel Management at the Institute of Personnel Management in Nairobi.
Having worked in different positions including a Banqueting Manager at a Nairobi five-star hotel, the young Hassan moved to Scotland where he pursued other professional qualifications.
In 2013 he was awarded Hospitality Supervision and Leadership Level 7 by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Hassan’s win is a testimony to the quality of hospitality training.
“We congratulate Hassan for this achievement and for flying our flag high. We have many of our alumnae out there receiving accolades for distinction, but this one is extraordinary. We shall congratulate him in person at the earliest opportunity,” said the Kenya Utalii College Director of Education Peter Muindi.
