Bill and Cath Costley picked up the top accolade at the 15^th Annual CIS Excellence Awards on Thursday 31st May which is the Scottish hospitality industry’s equivalent to the Bafta’s. The couple, whose journey in the hospitality industry has spanned over 30 years, were awarded the Lifetime Excellence Award for their lifetime commitment to improving the hospitality, catering and tourism industry in Ayrshire.

Over the years the winners of the Lifetime Excellence Award have reflected a true who’s who of the Scottish culinary sector with iconic figures including Andrew Fairlie, Steven Carter MBE and James Thompson OBE all picking up the award.

The couple were given special recognition for their tireless efforts in ‘the pursuit of excellence’, their family motto, and for their inspirational work ethic which has seen them achieve culinary excellence and inspire chefs and entrepreneurs to achieve their own dreams.

Bill’s personal involvement in creating the next generation of chefs is reflected in his membership of the board of Ayrshire College, and his generosity in becoming the College’s first platinum business sponsor.

As well as inspiring future generations, both have been actively involved in the Scottish business community and with local charities including Hansel Village and Ayrshire Hospice.

Today, Costley & Costley are a leading Employer within the Hospitality industry in Ayrshire.  A Master Chef at 21, Bill Costley has striven to ensure Tourism in Ayrshire leads the way in Scotland and is held in great respect by his peers within the business community and hospitality industry. Bill was given a Lifetime Achievement award from the Scottish License Trade Association and is eager to nurture talent, to develop new ideas and skills and to keep Ayrshire at the forefront of the hospitality industry.

Bill Costley
Chairman

Bill is held in great respect by his peers within the business community and hospitality industry. A master Chef at 21 years old, Bill was given a lifetime achievement award from the Scottish Licence Trade Association. Bill also has a great passion and knowledge in art and is a keen artist himself.

Cath Costley
Director & Company Secretary

Cath Costley’s stylizing of the Costley Venues, and attention to detail, create a beautiful atmosphere which leave guests with a lasting memory of style, combined with hospitality whenever they stay with us. The Costley flagship Hotel, Lochgreen House Hotel in Troon, has won the AA Scottish Hotel of the year three times, with four red stars and three red rosettes for food. It was also successful in gaining five-star status with Visit Scotland.

Andrew Costley
Director & Executive Chef

Following in his father’s footsteps, Andrew also has a passion for cooking. Andrew is a Director with the company and is responsible for the management of nearly eighty chefs within ten kitchens throughout the company. His menus are modern and reflect the sophisticated tastes of discerning diners. Andrew is married to Dawn and has three sons and one daughter!

Linda Leckie
PA to the Chairman & HR Manager

Linda has worked for the Costley group since 1989 and is a versatile and dedicated member of the Costley team. Linda deals with the day to day running of the Costley group and is responsible for the nurturing of new ventures! Linda is also a keen chorister.

Michael Poggi
Development Director

Michael started his career with Costley at Highgrove House in Troon, which was the first of the Costley success stories. The son of an Italian father and Scottish mother, Michael’s family roots are firmly in the food producing industry. His family still grow tomatoes and produce olive oil in Italy.