Quality boost for local accommodation providers

Three accommodation providers in Orkney have been commended for their quality, having recently received high-end quality assurance awards from VisitScotland.

Sandwick’s Skaill House Apartments’ Quality Assurance award was doubled, jumping from two stars to four; The Grainstore B&B, in Harray, has been awarded ‘Gold’ status to add to their four-star award; and Northlight Apartments, in Kirkwall, has achieved a four-star award at their first grading.

Now in their 30th year, VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Schemes provide an independent and impartial source of information for visitors. The awards are given based on impartial and expert advice from highly experienced VisitScotland Quality & Tourism Advisors.

Lee Inkster, Industry Relationship Manager at VisitScotland, said it is fantastic to see Orkney businesses drawing on VisitScotland support and congratulated the three recipients.

She added: “Businesses on Orkney continue to impress me, each in a unique and individual way – whether its achieving an added ‘Gold’ award in light of the extraordinary customer service and special touches, whether it’s putting in outstanding hard-work and effort to improve the quality of the business and managing to double the standard in just two years or whether it’s being passionate about providing top quality to visitors from the very start and achieving a top of the range award at the first-ever grading visit.

“These businesses have reached such a high standard and are meeting and exceeding customer expectations which is crucial to Orkney becoming a must-visit, must-return destination. I hope it inspires others to strive for such results.”