Five star recognition for Perthshire’s tourism industry
Scone Palace is now officially one of Scotland’s most elite visitor attractions with a world class denoted five star VisitScotland grading.
The original home of the Stone of Destiny and the site of the coronation of the Kings of Scots, Scone Palace has been acknowledged as one of only 65 five star visitor attractions in Scotland and joins five other attractions in Perthshire to achieve this prestigious award.
Fifteen hundred years ago Scone Palace was the capital of the Pictish Kingdom and the centre of the ancient Celtic church. Since those early years the Palace has been the seat of parliaments and the crowning place of Kings, it is also renowned for housing the Stone of Destiny and immortalised in Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Today, the Palace is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Perthshire attracting over 100,000 visitors each year. The state rooms offer a fine collection of furniture, ceramics, ivories and clocks. In the grounds sits Moot Hill, the crowning place of Scottish Kings. The grounds are also home to Perthshire’s only Maze, The Murray Star Maze, created with beech hedges in the shape of the heraldic Murray Star.
Elspeth Bruce, Palace Administrator said: “We are delighted to have received this accolade which reflects the hard work and dedication of the staff at Scone Palace, and also their passion in providing excellent levels of customer service to visitors. Scone Palace and Perthshire has so much to offer and the awarding of the five star status reinforces this. We are also indebted to the Perthshire VisitScotland area office for their support and assistance."
Another five star accolade gained by one of Perthshire’s tourism businesses is the Newhill Granary self catering property in Glenfarg.
The luxurious property, owned by Bruce and Julie Hamilton and located in rural Perthshire, was given world class status by VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme for providing exceptional quality and a memorable experience.
Jennifer Moran, VisitScotland Perthshire business relationship and marketing manager said: “I’m delighted to acknowledge the high standards of Scone Palace and Newhill Granary. Visitors are increasingly looking for a unique quality experience that stands out. I believe that by gaining world class status both Scone Palace and Newhill Granary have achieved this and will contribute tremendously to the tourism product on offer in Perthshire.
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