Death shock drama

Five star luxury establishments will face competition from budget and designer accommodation in the 2011 Scottish Hotel Awards.

The awards scheme, now in their eighth year, is by far the most comprehensive in operation in Scotland and includes thousands of guest feedback nominations, peer reviews by industry experts and full-stay judging and interview visits. First Minister Alex Salmond has termed the event "the flagship awards scheme" for the industry.

The shortlist of eight hotels announced by the organisers includes Dutch-owned CitizenM in Glasgow, where guests check themselves into customisable rooms, and Hotel Missoni on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, which features dramatic Italian-influenced design.

Another contender for the main title in Scotland’s 2011 hotel ‘Oscars’ is the 86 bedroom Holiday Inn at Westhill, Aberdeen, one of Scotland’s fastest growing suburbs, where it is a focal point of the local community.

Aberdeenshire is also represented by Meldrum House, the historic country hotel at Oldmeldrum recently re-opened by Manchester United and former Aberdeen football club manager Sir Alex Ferguson, following refurbishment.