A LOCAL travel agency has been named the Best Large Agency in Scotland for the 21st year in a row.

Barrhead Travel swept the floor at the Agent Achievement Awards, an event presented by Travel Weekly that celebrates and recognises the achievements of UK Travel Agents.

The Glasgow-headquartered travel group was named as the Best Agency to Work in the UK and individual employees were also rewarded for their hard work.

Chris Cooper, from Liverpool, was handed the Leisure Manager of the Year Award, and Glasgow-based Carol-Ann Jones, who heads up the HR team, was given the Mental Health Matters Award.

Chris Cooper, manager at the Barrhead Travel Liverpool Allerton Road store and winner of Leisure Manager of the Year, said: “I’m thrilled to have won this award and would like to thank my Liverpool team for all their hard work. The last few years have been testing for everyone in travel but when you’re surrounded by like-minded people who care and want to achieve great things it makes life a whole lot easier. I can’t wait so see what the rest of the year has in store for us.”

Carol-Ann helped organise an anonymous employee support system called ‘You Are Not Alone’ during the pandemic, allowing colleagues to be connected seven days a week to a Mental Health First Aid Trainer.

Jacqueline Dobson, president of Barrhead Travel, added: “Despite a challenging few years for the industry, it’s great to finally be able to reap the rewards of our hard work with award ceremonies back on the cards.

“It comes as no surprise to see Chris and Carol-Ann up there as winners as their individual efforts and determination leave a huge impact on our business.

“To win ‘Best Large Agency in Scotland’ for the 21st year in a row is a real testament to the quality of experience and service we provide not only for our customers but to our people as well. We look forward to building on these even further in the years to come.”