Ayrshire, Scotland, 2 September 2007--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.

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.”

http://www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk/hotel.html

THE ELITE AYRSHIRE BUSINESS CIRCLE

Western House Hotel is a member of The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is a newly formed association of some of the top companies in Ayrshire.

Its purpose is to publicise its members, and to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of industry, commerce and business services available within the county boundaries of Ayrshire.

Members include the Clydesdale Bank, Ayr Racecourse and the Western House Hotel, and member company activities include building and construction, architectural practice, estate agency and land management, chartered accountancy, insurance broking, legal services, golf club management, marketing services and brand creation, web design and public relations consultancy.

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle runs its own online news magazine, which can be found at http://www.ayrshirebusinessnews.com

As well as regularly updated illustrated articles about member companies, Ayrshire Business News also features rolling news, business and sports headlines, and its own online department store.

For further information about The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle and to apply for membership, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Founder members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle:
 
Clydesdale Bank http://www.cbonline.co.uk
Ayr Racecourse http://www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk
Western House Hotel http://www.westernhousehotel.co.uk
CKD Galbraith Property Consultants http://www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk
Frazer Coogans Solicitors http://www.frazercoogans.co.uk
MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers http://www.mackaycorporate-brokers.com
Donald Ross Estate Agents: http://www.donaldross.co.uk
William Skinner & Son Building Contractors http://www.willamskinner.co.uk
Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants http://www.sinclairscott.com
Paligap Creative Agency http://www.paligap.com
ARP Lorimer & Associates Architects http://www.arpl.co.uk
Brunston Castle Golf Club http://www.brunstoncastle.co.uk
Accident & Injury Claims Centre http://www.accidentclaims.com
Fame Publicity Services http://www.famepublicity.co.uk

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Issued on behalf of Western House Hotel by Fame Publicity Services.

Contact:

Murdoch MacDonald
Fame Publicity Services
10 Miller Road
AYR, Ayrshire
KA7 2AY
Scotland UK

Telephone: 01292 281498
Mobile: 07833 667322
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web: www.famepublicity.co.uk
         www.AyrshireBusinessNews.com