A Plockton bed and breakfast, a clothing manufacturer and retailer and a group of young musicians are among five businesses to come out on top in today's (Friday 10th November) Talisker awards for quality and customer care.

The awards, divided into five categories: Traditional Music; Food and Drink; Retail; Visitor Information; and Child Friendly Service were presented by Alasdair Morrison MSP, Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and Gaelic, in a ceremony held at the Talisker Distillery in Carbost, Skye this afternoon.

The Aros Centre picked up another Talisker Quality Award. Skye's largest arts centre houses a cinema, restaurant, sea eagle viewing facilities and a shop, and this year won the Child Friendly category.

Skye Batiks, manufacturer and retailer of clothing, soft furnishing and gifts - another previous Talisker award winner - were voted top of the shops in the Retail category.

The Three Chimneys Restaurant at Colbost came top in the Food and Drink category. This is another achievement for the restaurant who were recently awarded a third Rosette for culinary excellence and two Red Stars by the AA.

The Visitor Information award was presented to Mr and Mrs MacKenzie, owners of the Heron's Flight, a Plockton bed and breakfast. Skyscene, a group of young, traditional performers led by Uig-based Donnie MacKinnon were winners in the Traditional Music section.

The winners, who come from throughout Skye and Lochalsh, all received specially commissioned wooden plaques designed by Mandy Silver.

Visitors to the island were given the chance to vote for their most welcoming establishment. Nomination forms were available in local tourist offices and at key entry points such as ferry terminals.

The awards are sponsored by Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE), part of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise network, United Distillers and Vinters - the owners of the Talisker Distillery - The Highland Council, the Highlands of Scotland Tourist Board (HOST) and the European LEADER II rural development programme.

SALE chief executive Robert Muir said: "I am pleased to see this year's Traditional Music category go to a group of young performers. This category demonstrates the wealth of local talent, inspiring community confidence and helping to boost the economic development of Skye and Lochalsh.

"The Talisker Quality Awards continue to recognise excellence across many sectors of the local economy, helping to maintain high standards throughout."

Alastair Robertson, manager of the Talisker Distillery said: "Today is a real celebration of everything that Skye and Lochalsh has to offer, both to the visitor and the resident alike. Talikser Distillery is proud to lend its name to such worthwhile awards."