Fiona’s surprise at ‘Unsung Hero’ award

A GRETNA hotel manager was overjoyed after she received a special accolade at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony in Glasgow on Tuesday night.

Fiona Connor – known as Fiona Joyce to many of her customers – has been a familiar face at the Solway Lodge Hotel since 2003.

She has dedicated over 20 years to the popular venue, embodying the passion and loyalty at the heart of Scotland’s hospitality industry.

For the last decade, Fiona has been front of house manager at the hotel and restaurant.

And she has continued in the role, working up to 30 hours a week, despite having secondary breast cancer.

On Tuesday night Fiona was named Unsung Hero at the 2025 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.

She said: “I didn’t know anything about it, I was up for manager of the year but I didn’t win that.

“We were all sitting down and there was a thing that said ‘Unsung Hero’ with a question mark, but we didn’t have a clue.”

Fiona attended the ceremony with some of the Solway Lodge team, including owners Garry and Lesley, after being nominated for manager of the year.

She added: “The lady phoned me up. It was two of my staff who had put me forward for manager of the year.

“We were invited to go to the awards ceremony in Glasgow and eight of us went. It was an amazing night.”

When it came to the Unsung Hero category, Nicola Walker, from monthly licensed trade magazine – DRAM, delivered a short speech. And emotions ran high as Fiona came up to the stage to collect the award to a standing ovation.

Fiona said: “I started on July 19, 22 years ago. I came as a waitress and worked my way up.

“I got diagnosed a few years ago with secondary breast cancer. I had breast cancer in 2010 and it came back, and I have had liver cancer for the last 18 months.

“My husband John and son Liam have always been there for me. My husband does everything for me.

“It’s been a whirlwind, but I’ve never given my job up because it keeps me going. I love my job because every day is different.

“I don’t want to hide the fact that I have cancer, this award is for me and all the women who have cancer.

“I would just like to thank all my staff and customers for all the support they have given me since I was diagnosed. Without them I don’t think I would still be working.”

The Solway Lodge party were also joined by Annandale neighbours The Anglers at the ceremony, with the establishment in the running for pub of the year.

Fiona actually used to work with Anglers landlord Sean Black and said: “I was Sean’s first boss. He’s just amazing and he’s a winner to me.

“He has supported me right from when he found out I was nominated.”

Posting on social media, Sean praised Fiona and also thanked his customers.

He said: “Fiona’s incredible 22 year commitment to her job at the Solway Lodge and her unstoppable determination in the face of cancer is nothing short of inspirational.

“The team and I are all absolutely delighted to have been there to cheer her on all the way to the stage!”

Thanking his customers, he added: “From one very proud landlord to a whole bunch of brilliant customers, thank you so very, very much.”