Tuesday October 20th 2026
Final Hotel, Edinburgh
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Edinburgh’s Port of Leith has received an international tourism boost after luxury floating hotel Fingal scooped two major awards.
The hotel was named both Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel and Scotland’s Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2026.
The double win puts Leith’s waterfront in the international spotlight, highlighting the area’s growing reputation for hospitality, food, culture and maritime heritage.
The awards, voted for by travel industry professionals and the public, recognise Fingal’s high standards of hospitality and the personalised service provided by its crew.
Since opening as a luxury floating hotel in 2019, Fingal has welcomed visitors from across the world, many of whom go on to explore Leith and the wider capital.
Alongside neighbouring attraction The Royal Yacht Britannia, the hotel has helped showcase the area’s maritime history while contributing to Leith’s emergence as a destination in its own right.
The success is also expected to benefit the wider waterfront economy, with visitors supporting local restaurants, independent businesses, attractions and tourism operators.
Franck Bruyere, chief executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, which owns and operates Fingal, said: “To be recognised as both Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel and Scotland’s Leading Boutique Hotel is an incredible honour. These awards mean so much because they are voted for by our guests and industry peers. Since opening, our ambition has been simple: to deliver world-class hospitality with warmth, personality and a genuine Scottish welcome. This achievement reflects the passion and dedication of every member of the Fingal crew.
“We’re particularly proud that this success shines a light on Leith. In recent years, the area has established itself as one of Scotland’s most vibrant visitor destinations, celebrated for its waterfront setting, heritage, restaurants, independent businesses and warm hospitality. When visitors choose Fingal, they’re not just choosing a hotel, they’re discovering everything Leith and Edinburgh’s waterfront have to offer.”
Fingal was originally built as a vessel for the Northern Lighthouse Board, serving remote communities along Scotland’s west coast, before being transformed into a luxury hotel.
The ship now features 23 nautical-inspired cabins, including the Skerryvore Suite with its own private deck and four duplex cabins.
Facilities also include a ballroom accessed by sweeping staircases and the Lighthouse Restaurant, which holds two AA Rosettes.
The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to recognise achievements across the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
Fingal’s latest success strengthens its position among Europe’s leading boutique hotels while drawing further attention to Leith’s growing appeal as a waterfront destination.
Tweet Share on Facebook
News
