THE owner of two of Scotland’s most popular and enduring nightclubs was presented with the top trophy at a major drinks industry awards.

Donald MacLeod, who owns Glasgow rock club the Cathouse and student venue The Garage, was the winner of the Industry Achievement Award at the 20th SLTN Awards, which is hosted by the Scottish Licensed Trade News (SLTN).

The nightclubs celebrated their 25th and 21st anniversaries this year.

In addition to operating the two long-running Glasgow venues and The Garage in Aberdeen, which launched three years ago, Donald is a champion of the trade, actively involved in a number of organisations, including the Night Time Industries Association; Glasgow Licensing Forum, which he has chaired for the past four years; and a forum of operators from across the country and Police Scotland, which he set up earlier this year.

Comedian and presenter Jimmy Carr was master of ceremonies at this year’s SLTN Awards in Glasgow’s Hilton hotel on Thursday, presenting awards to 20 of Scotland’s best pubs, clubs, restaurants, staff and operators in front of an audience of 700.

Winners hailed from across Scotland, including Inverness, Glasgow, Linlithgow, Balmaha, Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Donald wasn’t the only individual recognised on the night.

Other winners included Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group, owner of properties that include The Busby hotel in Clarkston and The Lynnhurst hotel in Johnstone, which was named Independent Multiple Operator of the Year; Glasgow nightclub the Sub Club, which took the title of Nightclub of the Year; The Institute Nightclub in Aberdeen, which won the Social Responsibility Award; The Oak Tree Inn in Balmaha, which was named Independent Pub of the Year; and Falkirk bar Sportsters, winner of the Sports Bar of the Year award.

SLTN editor Gillian McKenzie said: “The SLTN Awards has always been about recognising the very best of Scotland’s licensed trade and in this, its twentieth year, the standard was higher than ever.

“Scotland’s bars, pubs and restaurants are among the best in the world, and this year’s winners highlighted a real cross-section of what is, without a doubt, one of the most passionate and talented industries in the country.

“I’d like to congratulate all of our SLTN Award winners and highly commended finalists who deserve enormous credit for displaying the high standards, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit Scotland’s licensed trade is known for.”