This category was looking to reward businesses that exceed customer expectations, making a stay or visit more memorable.  These important awards recognise that as a service industry, excellence in service, hospitality and customer care are core business objectives. They were open to all members of VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance schemes and no matter how large or small your business, it’s the size of your welcome that counts!

Entries were invited for: Camping and Caravan Park of the Year, Guest House / B & B of the Year, Hotel of the Year, Self-Catering Operator of the Year, and Visitor Attraction of the Year.

WINNER – Blue Reef Cottages, Isle of Harris

Blue Reef operate two, bespoke designed and innovative self-catering units in Harris. Their commitment to excellent customer care is apparent in the ongoing development of their business and the 95% annual occupancy they enjoy. No element of the customer experience is left to chance at Blue Reef, with an exceptional welcome and supreme comfort offered as standard. Run by husband and wife team Neil and Rhoda Campbell, who are always on hand, Blue Reef is undoubtedly world-class in its tourism offer and a very deserving winner.

FINALIST – Foxglove Cottages, Drymen Loch Lomond
Foxglove Cottages are based near Loch Lomond on a small private family estate. Recently built and completed for the five star self-catering market, Foxglove offers modern, stylish self-catering accommodation for their guests. Service is personal, clearly efficient, and no element of the guest experience is left to chance. The units are very well equipped and the owners, Jean and James Bowman, insist that they should be there throughout the guests' stay. Foxglove is undoubtedly a fine new business and a welcome addition to self-catering in Scotland.

FINALIST – Unapool House Cottages, Sutherland
Unapool House Cottages, based in north-west Scotland, is a small self-catering business consisting of three, 3 and 4-star cottages. The customer service received at Unapool is very much tailored to each individual guest’s requirements. Unapool House Cottages believe that guests should be wholly supported, through excellent customer care, in their desire to be left alone to enjoy the scenery, sporting and recreation activities of this very special part of Scotland. Unapool is an excellent example of first-class customer care being offered at highly accessible prices.

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