Well – you may have already observed the logos plastered all over our website – or, if you live locally, you may have spotted two lunatics doing a jig near the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last Friday night, but, if not, the news is that we did it! After being a finalist for customer care last year, this time we took home the much-coveted ‘Thistle’ trophy in the category: ‘The Extra Mile’ (small businesses) , and we are absolutely delighted! The competition is fierce, and, all of those who achieve being narrowed down to the final three truly deserve a prize… The joy, though, in being declared the winner is fantastic – and, it feels as if all our efforts over the last few years has been recognised and rewarded – so, thank you to the Scottish Thistle Awards and Visit Scotland!
I was nominated to go on stage this year, should we win, and, typically, after donning a long black evening gown and all my glittering jewels last year, this year so convinced was I that we wouldn’t win, I dared to wear black velvet trousers (with nice comfortable elasticated waist!) and my old summer comfy sandals – and we sat in a row well to the back of the auditorium. I can only be relieved that the photographer did not do a close-up of me from the knees down… (usually it’s the other way around). Midge Ure was guest presenter and very nice he was too.
Out of Africa
What a boost this latest celebration has been to our somewhat flagging energy levels and spirits at this time of the year – we admit it – we are tired. So, are shortly off on a break to Africa to bask in some winter sunshine and be guests ourselves for a bit. But, laptop will be with us and bookings will still be taken, so do keep emailing – just - fogive us if we reply a little less briskly than usual.
Apart from clearing the equivalent of half a tonne of leaves from the garden most days, all is just ticking along and there is no major news to report.
So, until next time we meet in the winter wonderland season, on behalf of Philip and myself, thank you so much to all our guests for choosing to come and stay with us and for being so gracious and kind in your reviews, comments, letters and, when staying here! And, thank you to those of you who come back year after year.
We look forward to seeing those of you who are due to stay over Christmas and New Year, and in 2010.
Meanwhile, till December – take care.
Debbie and Philip
