Bra entrepreneur Michelle Mone gives
Ayrshire tourism conference some uplift

THE Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Partnership Conference was held in the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock sponsored by Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire and Visit Scotland. The event was organised by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.


The keynote speaker was Michelle Mone (pictured above), who enthralled the audience with the fascinating story of the success of her bra business. Her humour and tenacity impressed those present, and her message of ‘never give up’ was well received.

Almost two hundred delegates attended the event, which was opened by Provost Stephanie Young of East Ayrshire Council. Speakers included Bob Leitch, Chair of the Tourism Partnership, who stressed the importance of the sector working together in a time of change, and Professor John Lennon of the Moffat Centre at Caledonian University, who spoke highly of the food offering in Ayrshire and our readiness to capitalise on the natural assets we have. Gwen Raez, Group Product Manager of Visit Scotland highlighted the new marketing campaign being undertaken and the different customer groups at which it is being targeted.

Bob Leitch, chairman of the Partnership said “The feedback from the delegates indicated they found the day to be both interesting and enjoyable. I think we have taken another step in driving the tourism sector forward in Ayrshire. Michelle certainly took the place by storm!”


[Picture shows Michelle surrounded by members the members of Ayrshire and Arran Tourism Partnership. Back row left to right: Howard Wilkinson, Bob Leitch, Michael Wright, Professor John Lennon, Stuart Gibson, Daniel Steel. Front Row: Alastair Dobson, Carolyn Elder, Michelle Mone, South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan, Catriona Mackie, Malcolm Simpson. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

For further information please contact Bob Leitch on 07775 510956.

Or CLICK HERE.

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Western House Hotel in Ayrshire Scotland
wins Scottish Thistle Award

THE Western House Hotel at Ayr Racecourse has been given one of the highest accolades in tourism – a coveted VisitScotland Thistle Award.

The four-star hotel, which opened in June 2005, landed the honour in the Serviced Accommodation category at the awards ceremony held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last Friday.

CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW FULL-SIZE VERSION:


[Picture shows left to right: VisitScotland chief executive Philip Riddle; Western House Hotel restaurant supervisor Alison Mair; receptionist Vicki Hamilton; Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol; VisitScotland director, visitor services and quality, Willie Macleod; Western House Hotel new business development manager Mary Simpson; Christmas co-ordinator Marion Patterson; manager Craig Dunlop; reception supervisor Alastair Stewart; front office manager Pam Davies; Minister for Enterprise, Energy & Tourism, Jim Mather MSP; and VisitScotland chairman Peter J Lederer CBE.]

Western House, which was also named Scottish Wedding Hotel of the Year in January, was in a short list of three including the Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh.

In announcing the Ayr hotel as the winner, compere for the night television star Alistair McGowan read out the following comments from the judges:

“From the time the doorman greets you, a special kind of service meets you throughout the Western House Hotel.

“Highly professional staff are experts in judging their customers’ requirements, and operate a constant system of double checking that everything is in order in a subtle and unobtrusive manner.

“Corporate guests, Christmas parties and individual guests are all personally welcomed in a manner appropriate to them, and their needs addressed on an individual basis.

“2007’s target occupancy was exceeded in the first five months of the year, clearly showing that the investment in a personalised approach to customer care paid dividends.”

Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol said the Thistle Awards were the Oscars of the hotel industry, and added: ”I am so proud of the team who made this possible. Customer care is the backbone of the success of any business in the hospitality sector and to win a Thistle Award is testimony to the fact that the staff here are getting it right.

“Western House may only have been established as a hotel less than two and a half years ago, but we have staff who are amongst the most experienced and skilled in the business.

“I am fortunate in that I had the golden opportunity to hand pick the team that is the cornerstone of our success. I feel very privileged to be part of that team.”

The four-star, 49 bedroom destination was formerly the meeting place and offices of the Western Meeting Club, owners of Ayr Racecourse until 2003.

When the course was bought from the Club by Alan Macdonald, chairman of the Dawn Group and Richard Johnstone, managing director of Thorntoun Health Care, they decided to restore this near 100 year old mansion to its former glory, and after a £4.5 million makeover Western House Hotel was opened on 3 June 2005.

The elegant Cathedral Ballroom accommodates up to 160 guests for the wedding meal and 250 at the evening reception. And magical romantic gardens with stunning water features provide the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs.

The Scottish Thistle Awards

Created by VisitScotland in 1991, the Scottish Thistle Awards showcase business excellence and quality. As an important event on the tourism calendar, the media attention it generates helps VisitScotland and the sponsors raise the profile of the tourism industry.

VisitScotland's objectives for the Scottish Thistle Awards are:

* Reward excellence in Scotland’s tourism industry in all areas and at all levels

* Promote quality service and products which reflect all that is best in Scotland’s world reputed and foremost industry

* Encourage professionalism, innovation and creative thinking within the industry

Links:

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

www.VisitScotland.org

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Western House Hotel in Ayr shortlisted for Scottish Thistle Awards

THE Western House Hotel at Ayr Racecourse is among 35 top tourism businesses which have made it through to the finals of this year’s prestigious VisitScotland Scottish Thistle Awards.


Picture shows: The Western House Hotel

The Western House Hotel has been shortlisted in the Customer Care (Serviced Accommodation) category, along with Clach Mhuilinn, Inverness and the Radisson SAS Hotel, Edinburgh.

Ayr Racecourse general manager William Gorol expressed his delight at Western House Hotel making it through to the Finals of the Scottish Thistle Award for Customer Care. William said: “The Thistle Awards reflect the pinnacle of the Scottish hospitality industry, and I am thrilled that Western House Hotel has reached the finals.

“Customer care is probably the most important aspect of the hospitality industry, and at Western House we have left no stone unturned in making sure our customers are given the very best care and service.”

Now in their 16th year, the awards were open to all businesses operating in Scotland’s tourism industry.

Congratulating the finalists, Tourism Minister Jim Mather said: “These awards recognise people who are delivering the very best of Scottish hospitality. I congratulate all those shortlisted. They have achieved high standards, and have not only boosted their own individual businesses, but also Scotland’s economy as a whole.

“The Scottish Thistle Awards are yet another reminder of the skills, talent and drive shown by our tourism industry. The Scottish government is determined to work with the industry to build on our successes, boost tourism figures and increase sustainable economic growth.”

Over 200 entries were received for this year’s Scottish Thistle Awards. Each category had its own independent panel of judges who work to a strict scoring system.

VisitScotland Ayrshire & Arran Area Director Catriona Mackie said; “I am really impressed by the top quality entries from Ayrshire this year, and congratulate The Western House Hotel on making it onto the shortlist, and wish them the best of luck in the final stages of judging.

“We know that it is the little things we do which will make the difference and keep visitors coming back to Ayrshire & Arran for more.

“The Scottish Thistle Awards recognise small and large businesses across Scotland which go that extra mile to drive up quality and make Scotland and Ayrshire & Arran a must visit, must return destination.”

Visit the Western House Hotel website: CLICK HERE