Published: Friday, 12th December, 2008 12:30pm

Hotel wins gold award

Tourism in Peeblesshire was given another pat on the back this week.

Cringletie House was amongst the first businesses in Scotland to have received Gold Star Award status under VisitScotland"s Quality Assurance scheme.

The hotel, situated on the A702, is one of only 21 establishments to be awarded a Gold Star Award by the national tourism organisation in recognition of its exceptional hospitality and service.

The Gold Star Award accolade has been launched by VisitScotland to highlight establishments within the Quality Assurance scheme that strive to exceed customer expectations on an on-going basis whilst taking an innovative and proactive approach to customer care.

These establishments demonstrate excellent leadership and a high commitment to the training and development of their staff, who are front line ambassadors for the hospitality industry, instilling a pride and enthusiasm for the product they offer.

Cuisine is also an essential element of this new accolade and establishments must be dedicated to using fresh produce, cooked and presented with imagination.

Johanna van Houdt, owner of Cringletie House Hotel in the Scottish Borders, commented: 'Having been chosen for one of VistScotland"s Gold Star Awards is a great compliment to us and an exciting reward for the whole team at Cringletie House.'

'We pride ourselves in giving our guests the best possible welcome to Scotland and the Scottish Borders in particular by offering great, personal service and going the extra mile to make every guest feel at home.'

Sandi Hellowell, VisitScotland"s Regional Director, said: 'Cringletie House Hotel really is a leader in its field, as this award shows, and this is fantastic encouragement to continue operating at this level.

'The Gold Star Award is proof of the quality tourism product that Peeblesshire has to offer, reaffirming it as a must see, must return destination.'