Striking Gold in the Outer Hebrides

A couple who quit their jobs as primary school headteachers to run a guest house in the Outer Hebrides have struck gold in their latest quality grading by VisitScotland.

Jane and Dave Loomes, originally from the village of Lealholm in the North Yorkshire Moors, fell in love with the Isle of Harris after visiting in 2016 and now manage Ceol na Mara near Tarbert.

The guest house has seen its rating upgraded from 4 Stars to 4 Stars Gold in the national tourism organisation’s Quality Assurance (QA) scheme. 

Situated in a picturesque location on the edge of Loch Kindebig, the 20th century building was majorly refurbished in 1996 after falling into a state of disrepair and was taken over by Jane and Dave in 2018. 

Ceol na Mara was upgraded to Gold in reflection of its quality of service and attention to detail; every room is equipped with WiFi, flat screens, Nespresso machines and even a complimentary dram of whisky each evening. 

 It also holds a Taste Our Best Award – a VisitScotland initiative to encourage eateries to source and utilise the best Scottish food, drink and ingredients in the dishes they serve – for using island-sourced produce wherever possible, including Harris gin and Stornoway kippers. 

VisitScotland’s QA scheme acts as a benchmark for high-standards across the tourism industry including in accommodation, visitor attraction and food sectors. 

To learn more about VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance and other schemes visit: https://www.visitscotland.org

For more information on Ceol na Mara, visit: https://ceolnamara.com/ENDS