A GALLOWAY country residence has achieved one of the highest quality assurance accolades from the national tourism organisation.
Nithbank Country Estate in Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway has achieved the 5-star B&B award on its first grading from VisitScotland.
Secluded in ancient woodland with river frontage and breath-taking views, Nithbank provides a unique experience, combining the personal service of a luxury hotel, with the freedom and privacy of home.
Lord Thurso said:“Our Quality Assurance scheme helps businesses to reach their full potential and truly shine. The scheme is about more than just the ‘stars’ on the door - it’s about the entire visitor experience, about investing in your business, driving-up quality and creating jobs.“Delivering a quality experience that meets, and exceeds, visitor expectations is crucial in making Scotland a must-visit, must-return destination.”Melanie Allen, owner of Nithbank Country Estate, said“We are delighted and honoured to be awarded 5-stars by VisitScotland and thank Lord Thurso for presenting us with the award”.The impressive estate, which is the only B&B in Dumfries & Galloway to hold a GOLD Award from Green Tourism, alongside the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Certification Mark, incorporates a number of green standards from home grown fruit to the promotion of sustainable travel and makes a conscious choice to work with and promote local talented suppliers.
Chairman Lord John Thurso recently visited Nithbank Country Estate ahead of a meeting of the VisitScotland Board in Dumfries & Galloway. A number of local tourism representatives attended a stakeholder dinner at The Buccleuch & Queensberry Hotel in Thornhill, including Duncan McConchie, Laggan Outdoor; Dame Barbara Kelly, Peter Pan Moat Brae; Kenny Bowie, Presidents of the Dumfries & Galloway Chamber of Commerce and Judith Hewitt from Devils Porridge. Russel Griggs and Rob Dickson, Chair and Interim Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Economic Partnership, were also in attendance, ahead of the Board meeting at Moat Brae in Dumfries the following day. As part of the Engagement Strategy of the VisitScotland Board, meetings are held around the country to meet stakeholders and get a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the tourism industry.
For more information on Nithbank Country Estate, see here: <a href=”https://nithbank.co.uk/“>https://nithbank.co.uk/</a>
VisitScotland’s <strong>Quality Assurance</strong> schemes can open the door to new customers. It is a powerful marketing tool and works well with online review sites in using an independent perspective to measure visitor experience against tried and tested criteria, so visitors know exactly what to expect.
For more information on VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme, please visit www.visitscotland.org/quality_assurance.aspx
Country Estate achieves five-star status