Edinburgh’s waterfront has received a major tourism boost after luxury floating hotel Fingal was named Europe’s Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2026.
The Leith hotel also picked up the title of Scotland’s Leading Boutique Hotel, placing an international spotlight on an area that has become one of the capital’s most important visitor destinations.
The awards, voted for by travel industry professionals and members of the public, recognise Fingal’s hospitality, service and distinctive setting at Alexandra Dock.
Often described as the “Oscars of the travel industry”, the World Travel Awards were established in 1993 and celebrate excellence across the global travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.
The latest recognition is also being seen as a boost for Leith’s wider visitor economy, with guests staying aboard Fingal supporting nearby restaurants, bars, attractions, independent businesses and tourism operators.
Since opening as a hotel in 2019, Fingal has welcomed guests from around the world, many of whom extend their stay to explore Leith and the wider capital.
Together with neighbouring attraction The Royal Yacht Britannia, the floating hotel has helped draw visitors to the area’s maritime quarter and showcase Leith as a destination in its own right.
Franck Bruyere, chief executive of The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, 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.”
Owned and operated by The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, Fingal was originally built as a Northern Lighthouse Board vessel serving remote communities around Scotland’s west coast.
It was later transformed into a luxury floating hotel and opened to guests in 2019.
Today, the ship has 23 nautical-inspired cabins, including the Skerryvore Suite with its private deck, as well as four duplex cabins.
It also features a ballroom reached by sweeping staircases and the Lighthouse Restaurant, which holds two AA Rosette.
Launched in 1963, Fingal was the last ship to be built by the Blythswood Shipbuilding Company in Glasgow. Like all Northern Lighthouse Board ships, Fingal was Leith registered but spent most of her service life working out of Oban for 30 years, followed by her last six working years, based in Stromness, Orkney.
She was sold to a private owner who lovingly maintained the ship for 14 years before The Royal Yacht Britannia purchased the vessel in August 2014, investing £5 milllion in transforming the classically designed ship.