This section will guide you through the content and processes of the Quality Assurance schemes operated by VisitScotland. A team of Quality Advisors carries out the day to day running of the schemes.

The information covers the Star schemes for visitor attractions and all accommodation sectors, including hostels and caravan & camping parks. In addition, there are full details of Walkers and Cyclists Welcome schemes and criteria for provision for visitors with disabilities. Criteria, conditions, fees and on-line application forms are included for each scheme.

To find out more about the Quality Assurance schemes, follow the links below:

• Camping and Caravan Parks
  This includes Holiday Parks, Touring Parks, Camping Parks and Thistle Award for Caravan Holiday Home

• Campus Accommodation
  College and university accommodation offered during vacation time to individuals and groups

• Exclusive Use Venue
  Accommodation exclusively for one customer or party with a minimum let of one day

• Farmers' Markets
  A regular market manned by local farmers and producers selling direct to the public

• Hostels
  This includes Hostels, Backpackers, Group Accommodation, Activity Accommodation, Camping Barn, Bod or Bothie and Bunkhouse accommodation

• Hotels
  This includes Country House Hotel, Small Hotel, Town House Hotel and Metro Hotel

• Lodge
  Travellers' accommodation near to major roads, airports or in city centres

• Scotland's Best Bars
  Aims to promote good Scottish pubs, bars and inns of all types to visitors

• Self-Catering
  House, cottage, apartment etc. usually let on a weekly basis

• Serviced Apartments
  Self-catering apartment where limited services, like cleaning or concierge, are provided

• Small Serviced Accommodation
  Includes Bed & Breakfast, Farmhouse, Guest Accommodation, Guest House, Inn and Restaurant with Rooms

• Visitor Attractions
  This includes Visitor Attraction, Castle, Museum, Historic House, Tour, Historic Attraction, Garden, Leisure Centre, Activity Centre, Tourist Shop, Garden Centre, Arts Venue and Wildlife Experience

Joining the Scheme
There are three main steps to joining the Quality Assurance Scheme:

1. Firstly find out the Fees for participation
2. All participants are required to read and accept the schedule of conditions
3. Now, complete an Application Form

Further Information
The schedule of activities gives details of invoicing, joining deadlines and the ''scheme year''.

Find out more about trade input into the Quality Assurance schemes in the form of the Overseeing Committees.

Further information on marketing your establishment and opportunities available through the tourism network is available in the Marketing Opportunities section.

Various training schemes are available to help you attain the highest quality for your product. Information on training initiatives is contained in the Business Development section.

For further information and assistance with the Quality Assurance schemes, please contact: qainfo@visitscotland.com or tel: 01463 723040