Sir Andy Murray’s Cromlix hotel has scored the Scottish tourism industry’s highest accolade.
The five-star establishment, near Murray’s home town of Dunblane, has become the country’s second Five Star Gold Country House Hotel following a grading review by VisitScotland.
The award recognises exceptional standards and outstanding customer service – “at the very top end of quality”, according to VisitScotland.
The Victorian mansion, built on land once owned by local bishop James Chisholm, became a hotel in 1981. It was bought by tennis ace Andy Murray for £1.8 million at the start of 2013.
Following extensive refurbishment, the US Open, Olympic and Wimbledon champion transformed the building into a 15-bedroom lodge, set in 34 acres of woodlands.
It was the reception venue after his wedding to Kim Sears at Dunblane Cathedral in April 2015.
The hotel also boasts a Chez Roux restaurant overseen by Albert Roux, owner of the famous Le Gavroche in London — the first restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars.
Last year, plans were revealed to expand the hotel with 30 new rooms, a conference area and a gym designed by Murray himself.
General manager Graeme Green said: “Everyone at the Cromlix is over the moon to receive this grading from VisitScotland. Reinventing the glorious era of grand country house living, we strive to give our guests the best experience so it is wonderful to receive this recognition.”
Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, added: “It’s fantastic to hear that Cromlix has become a Five Star Gold Country House Hotel. To achieve our highest possible grading is very rare and a true testament to the team’s hard work and dedication to provide visitors with the highest standard of service.
“Our Quality Assurance Schemes are world-leading and provide a trusted, independent and impartial source of information for visitors. The star rating reflects the entire visitor experience, as well as the investment in the business to make it as economically sustainable and profitable as it can be.”
Scotland’s only other Five Star Gold Country House Hotel winner is Inverlochy Caste at Fort William.