An enterprising Angus business has scooped a top award in the Scottish Thistle Awards, regarded as Scotland’s tourism industry’s Oscars.
Newton Farm holidays and tours, situated off the A90 at Newton of Fothringham Farm, near Inverarity, was crowned most hospitable bed and breakfast or guest house in Scotland at an awards night in Edinburgh.
The success was the icing on the cake for Louise Nicoll and her husband Graeme as she celebrated her 46th birthday.
The couple booked their place in the final when they picked up two regional awards – for best outdoor experience and most hospitable bed and breakfast.
They were one of only three businesses in the whole of Scotland to receive two awards in November.
The enterprise “started by accident” in 2006 when Louise’s mother’s bed and breakfast business was fully booked for the Glamis Extravaganza.
However, over the years the family has identified a number of avenues in which to diversify, including popular farm tours and alpaca walks.
Louise revealed the stunning award meant a lot to her personally as she is a friend of the sculptor, Joanne Calcutt, of Little Ironies.
She met the artist years ago through Business Gateway when Joanne was living in Broughty Ferry. She has since moved Southampton.
“The award is really stunning. When I knew we were through to the final I could only dream of winning it,” she said.
“Knowing it was made by one of my friends made it so extra special.
“Graeme and I, along with our twins, are overjoyed to have won the national Most Hospitable B&B Award.
“We are so proud to know our efforts in sharing our family home and farm life to make our guests’ experiences in Angus, truly unique and memorable, has been rewarded in this way and to bring this stunning award home to beautiful Angus to further enhance the reputation of our region is an absolute joy. “
The judges praised the business for offering “genuine Scottish hospitality and warm welcome” to a broad range of guests.
They commended their strong awareness of their market and their work with the local community and other sector organisations to improve tourism across the region and beyond.
