Two Perthshire landladies have made it through to the finals of a UK-wide competition.
Maggie Miller and Sue Mathieson have been impressing guests with the warmth of their welcome.
They are two of just three Scottish finalists in the AA’s Friendliest Landlady Award, beating off stiff competition from over 3000 B&Bs inspected and rated by the organisation.
Well known in Perth, especially to the bus drivers she gives a big wave to every day, Maggie runs the Cherrybank Guest House with husband Robert.
The couple bought the Glasgow Road property 13 years ago and set about converting it into the successful business they run today.
Although she spent much of her career working in sales, time spent travelling and staying away from home inspired Maggie to enter the hospitality business.
“The experience gained gave me the insight to what people require and deserve, both in accommodation and hospitality,” she said. “I still remember the friendly, helpful and hospitable accommodation providers, as well as the less helpful and grumpy ones.
“Developing the business is an ongoing process for me and I follow my old school motto, tempori parendum which means keep with the times.”
Despite admitting she was “gobsmacked” at being nominated for the award, Maggie put her success down to her love of people and empathising with them.
She added, “My aim has always been to treat others as I would want for myself.”
Meanwhile, representing Pitlochry in the battle of the landladies is Sue Mathieson of Easter Dunfallandy House, who told The Courier her nomination was “quite a surprise”.
She welcomes guests with home baking and traditional Scottish breakfasts, using her 30 years’ experience in the tourism industry to ensure every guest’s needs are catered for.
She joked, “I’ve had a lot of practice and if I can’t get it right now, I never will.”
The nominations for friendliest landlady have been made through a combination of reports from AA inspectors and customer reviews. The winning proprietor will be awarded the title at the AA’s bed and breakfast awards lunch to be be held at the Royal Horseguards Hotel in London on May 16.