A dream come true

A local company has achieved VisitScotland’s top quality assurance award to become one of only two five-star tours operating in Perthshire.

Sleepy Sporran Tours, which is run by Trish Simpson and Ian Bell, offers luxury small group tours around Scotland, showcasing some of the country’s most beautiful scenery and wildlife.

Following a VisitScotland Quality Assurance visit, the business was praised for its hospitality and efficiency, ensuring visitors can enjoy a high quality experience.

Ian Bell and Trish Simpson, founders of Sleepy Sporran Tours said: “We are delighted and proud to have achieved the five- star rating which marks a significant milestone in our ambitions for Sleepy Sporran. The natural landscape of Perthshire and many local businesses play a vital part in our tour experiences and in 2018 we are looking forward to showing our UK and international visitors just how much this region, and of course, the rest of Scotland has to offer.”

From woody walks and whisky to modern marvels and historic houses, Sleepy Sporran Tours offers a range of tours covering regions such as Perthshire, Fife and Angus.

Owners Trish Simpson and Ian Bell have spent several years researching the local area, discovering hidden gems and planning routes that offer their visitors a different taste of what Scotland has to offer.

As a result of their efforts, Sleepy Sporran Tours is now starting to see an increase in international visitors from America, Asia and Australia.

As well as obtaining a five-star grading, Sleepy Sporran Tours has also achieved a VisitScotland’s Taste Our Best award for the use and promotion of Scottish produce in its ‘legendary’ Sleepy Sporran Picnic lunch, including eggs from their own flock in Blairgowrie and meat sourced from a family butcher in the same Perthshire town.

Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland Regional Leadership Director said: “My congratulations go to Trish and Ian at Sleepy Sporran Tours on the outstanding achievement of a five-star grading and Taste Our Best. It is well deserved recognition of their hard work to create a memorable experience for each and every one of their guests. These awards are a clear indication to visitors that they can expect the highest quality of service and standards.

Sleepy Sporran Tours is a valuable addition to Perthshire’s high quality tourism offering and Trish and Ian have shown real commitment and enthusiasm for the business, continuing to look at ways to grow and develop in the future.”

The VisitScotland Quality Assurance scheme, which has been developed and improved over 30 years, provides visitors with an independent, impartial and trusted guide to standards.

Delivered by a dedicated team of experts who offer scheme members advice and support on how to not only meet visitor expectations but exceed them, the scheme aims to drive standards and encourage excellence whilst helping businesses reach their full potential and secure their success.

To learn more information on Sleepy Sporran Tours visit: www.sleepysporran.co.uk

To learn more about VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme and Taste Our Best visit: www.visitscotland.org/business_support/quality_assurance.aspx