What started with one man and a mission has grown into one of the country’s top-rated independent dealerships for customer care.
Highland-based used car dealership Culloden Cars has taken home one of the highest honours in the UK independent automotive industry – winning the Customer Care Award at the 2025 Motor Trader Independent Dealer Awards.
Based just outside Inverness, the team secured the UK Independent Dealer Customer Care Award at a ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday 3 July – also receiving Highly Commended recognition in the Independent Dealer of the Year (Up to 50 Vehicles) category. Marking an incredible achievement for a local business going toe-to-toe with some of the most respected names in independent motor retail across the UK.
But for Managing Director Craig Walker, this award is about more than just industry recognition – it’s a deeply personal milestone.
“We’re completely blown away,” said Craig. “To be named the best in the UK for customer care is unbelievable – especially for a wee Highland dealership like ours.
“This award is for our whole team, and for every single customer who’s believed in us, backed us, and spread the word. We honestly can’t thank you enough.”
Craig’s journey into the motor trade started with nothing more than determination and a willingness to learn. As a teenager, he offered himself to garages for unpaid work – just to get a foot in the door. That eagerness to serve and his eye for detail quickly became trademarks of his work, laying the foundation for what would later become Culloden Cars.
Since taking the reins, Craig has grown the business from a one-man operation into a thriving team of 16, underpinned by the same core values he started with: honesty, fairness, and a genuine desire to help customers feel confident and cared for.
Emjay Arenas, shared his thoughts: “The opportunity to work with Craig and Culloden Cars came at the right time in my career, a conversation initiated by a mutual friend within the industry, saw my return to the motor trade.
“Craig and I speak the same language – the drive to succeed is something we both share and allows us to thrive in what can be a challenging industry.
“The team here at both Culloden Cars & Top Car Services were award-winning before I arrived. With Craig’s guidance, I hope to be a part of the continued recognition for honest hard work, winning awards, and embedding myself into the business as the vision for Culloden Cars comes to life.”
Culloden Cars is known for its transparent, people-first approach, with hundreds of five-star reviews praising the team’s care, communication, and commitment to doing things the right way. At the heart of it all is the Culloden Commitment: a promise that every vehicle leaves with a full MOT (no advisories), a three-month warranty, tyres with at least 3mm tread, and a full safety and provenance check.
But the relationship doesn’t end at handover. With Top Car Services – the dealership’s partner garage – customers get access to ongoing aftercare for servicing, MOTs and repairs, making Culloden a trusted one-stop shop for the long haul.
And the results speak for themselves. In just two years, Culloden Cars has tripled in size and become one of the most highly rated independent dealerships in the UK.
“This is a win for the Highlands,” Craig added. “We might not have a massive showroom or a city postcode, but what we do have is heart, graft, and a proper passion for looking after people.”
The Motor Trader Awards shine a spotlight on the very best in independent motor retail – recognising businesses that are raising standards, embracing innovation, and putting customers first. This year, the Highlands made sure it had a seat at the table.
Culloden Cars is a premier used car dealership in Inverness, Scotland. Committed to providing quality vehicles and exceptional customer service, it has established itself as a trusted name in the automotive industry. Its recent merger with Top Car Sales has further expanded its offering, making it a popular choice for anyone looking to buy or sell a car in the Highlands and beyond.
For more information about Culloden Car Sales, visit www.cullodencarsales.co.uk. Alternatively, you can follow Culloden Cars on Facebook and Instagram.