Perthshire's eight Tourist Information Centres are celebrating retaining their Gold Awards for excellent environmental management in the VisitScotland Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS).

Established in 1998, the Green Tourism Business Scheme is an accredited environmental recognition system for tourism businesses and is the largest scheme of its kind in Europe. Businesses are encouraged to do what they can to operate in a sustainable way to safeguard the future of the tourism industry and the environment on which we all depend. The scheme has three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

The Tourist Information Centres were first assessed in 2004 and Perthshire is the only area in Scotland where all centres hold the prestigious Gold Award. This significant commitment to improved environmental performance is part of the drive to maintain Perthshire's competitive edge as a premier green destination. The area, promoted extensively as `Perthshire - Big Tree Country`, has some of the finest woodlands and champion trees in Europe and an amazing range of opportunities for outdoor recreation in an unspoilt environment.

For more information on green issues relating to businesses, visit the website