We are delighted to announce that our Destination Balcary Farmhouse holiday home has been graded a 4 Star Award by the Scottish Tourist Board. This was achieved at our first Scottish Tourist Board star rating assessment.
The STB Quality Assurance officer visited our new holiday home a few weeks ago. After a nervous wait, we have just received their subsequent Quality Assurance (QA Award) report and grading award.
We were filled with hope and expectation, but we still had to wait to see their final report and assessment. Relief and excitement was experienced as the letter was torn open and the headlines were read eagerly. It was wonderful to see and know that all the hard work and effort that everyone has put in has resulted in such a positive report and review. It is a great and positive endorsement for the Farmhouse at Destination Balcary. This helps put our new self catering cottage firmly on the self catering map of South East Scotland and the Visit Scotland website.
Destination Balcary – Visit Scotland 4* Listing
Report from Scottish Tourist Board
This is the Quality Assurance Award summary & overview from the Scottish Tourist Board
Feedback & Advice – Summary & Overview
“Thank you, Sue, for taking time to show me around the new addition to your self-catering property portfolio, in order to carry out the initial Quality Assurance grading visit.
I am pleased to confirm the 4 Star Award for The Farmhouse, with an overall score of 87%. This represents a strong award and will therefore likely under-promise and over-deliver, which can lead to guest satisfaction, positive reviews, repeat business and increased occupancy.
The elevated location with stunning views, together with your 5 Star Management Efficiency, will wow guests, with luxury touches such as the choice of home-baked cakes with local Cream o’ Galloway ice cream as part of the welcome pack, dog welcome pack, Scottish Fine Soaps toiletries range throughout and bespoke bone china crockery with ‘Life is Better by the Sea’ design.”
Visit Scotland – 4 Star Award grading report excerpt
Exceptional Cleanliness, Fresh & Smartly Presented
We scored very highly in the following category areas too:
Cleanliness – Key Scoring Area – 100%
“Cleanliness levels were 5 Star on the day of the grading visit, with everything in the property seeming fresh and smartly presented. The cleanliness is of an overall exceptional (5 Star) standard.”
Kitchen – Key Scoring Area – 87%
“Please note, this is a key scoring area which means it must meet specific standards for your award to be secure. It is scoring within the 5 Star band range.”
Management Efficiency – 100%
Management is of an overall exceptional (5 Star) standard, this includes: ‘Pre-arrival guest information including brochure’, ‘Welcome and arrival procedures’ & ‘In-unit guest information and personal touches’
There were also some very useful and constructive observations which the grading officer observed. We have taken note of these and will look to address them in the near future.
New Kitchen & Dining Area
Wonderful Experience & Something a Little Extra at Destination Balcary
We recognise that the Quality Assurance 4 Star rating helps visitors and potential guests make informed decisions. It gives them confidence in the high level of service and quality that we offer at Destination Balcary. We always strive to give our guests a wonderful experience and get something a little extra. Guests will get that and so much more here our beautiful location here at Balcary Bay.
Our thanks go out to everyone for all the hard work and efforts that has gone into achieving this at our first attempt. We are thrilled with all the initial 5* reviews from our guests to date and look forward to welcoming many more in next few months.
We look forward to seeing you here at Destination Balcary, come and see for yourself.
Views to Balcary Bay
