“I visited Soul for lunch yesterday with a pre-booked group of 20+ Norwegians. As their Blue Badge tourist guide, I had also been asked to give the group a whisky nosing and tasting. Everything - and I mean every last detail - was superb. From the support I got from staff when delivering my (heavy) supplies, while pouring the samples and when clearing up the whisky tasting, to the absoutely superb food, I felt I was being "extra-miled" at every turn. And - most importantly - my group was also delighted with everything, and really, really enjoyed the drinks, service and excellent food. ”

“My family and I were recently in the area - staying at Castle Fraser - somehow I was lucky enough to find Elma McMenemy to guide us during our visit. We were seeing the beautiful countryside but mostly doing ancestral research into our Scottish past. Elma went above and beyond - at one special moment we were removing moss by hand from the grave stone of my great great great great relative in a local kirk-yard. The info and places she uncovered were remarkable. Elma is extremely knowledgeable and very aware of the needs of her clients. Recommended to anyone !!!”

“We approached Tez Watson of Iolaire Photographics about producing some high-quality digital prints for display in Staffa House, our Bed & Breakfast establishment in Fionnphort, Isle of Mull. From the outset we received help and guidance of the highest standard from Tez. His knowledge and skill were great, but also his patience in giving us endless opportunities to see various possibilities and minor changes were invaluable and made us feel as though there was a real personal contact, even though the whole process was conducted through e-mails and phone calls. This was much more than just another sale for Tez, he took real care and interest in his work and we feel delighted that we stumbled across him. ”

“"We make 2 or 3 trips to Scotland every year and have stayed in countless holiday cottages, but Moray Coast Cottage in Portessie beats them all. We could quite happily spend our entire holiday just gazing out of the windows at the stunning sea views and the spectacular sunsets. There’s an impressive selection of books, maps & leaflets with ideas for walks, days out, watching wildlife and generally making the most of the area. We found a basket of home-made goodies to welcome us on arrival and the cottage was absolutely spotless. Since discovering it, we’d never dream of going anywhere else."”

“My car recently broke down and having realised it was going nowhere I decided to return home. I the spotted the local bus leaving a stop, ran across the road and flagged it down. I asked the driver if he could accept a card payment as I had no cash on me, explaining that I had just broken down. "No, problem" says the driver "I'll give you a ride back into Forres". Well done that man and many thanks. ”

“I hope it is okay to comment on a place that you go to regularly ? Finzean farm shop is about 26 miles west of Aberdeen. On a fine day with a beautiful view of Clochnaben and Peter hill, it is just the best pit stop for lovely tasty food. The frittata and salad that they do is so DELICIOUS that I order it every time I am there ! In the entrance area they sell loads of good local vegetables and fruit in season. Also duck and hen eggs. The fruit and veg has wee signs on it telling you what variety it is and who grew them (Bill's record tatties)etc. I think this is a really nice touch. It's a little gem of a place run by really nice people. ”

“My wife and I have been caravanning for 25 years but have never seen such spotless facilities as we encountered at Myrus. The wardens, Janet and Bill, are to be congratulated for all their work and the site deserves its 5 star status.”

“These guys know how to make a guest feel welcome, the atmosphere is spot-on both day and night. The decor is stylish, practical and comfortable, the food is tasty, well presented and well priced. But the extra mile is this - call in for coffee/tea in the morning or afternoon and get FREE pastries (freshly made on the premises that morning). Whether you take my "grippit" nature to originate from my Scots origins or Yorkshire upbringing I'll leave you to decide, but something genuinely (and sincerely) for free in this day and age is worth telling folk about. By the way the RED stands for "Relax, Eat and Drink" - says everything. They're in Leys Road in Forres. No website, so tel is 01309 676737”

“Among the many great places to stay that were recommended to us in our itinerary, prepared by Secret Scotland, Glendavan House stands out. Moira Milne and her daughter Rebecca, the owners of this ultra-comfortable B&B near Dinnet, in Deesside, are exemplary hosts, and set our highest definition of Scottish hospitality. When we return to Scotland, Glendavan House will be our Number One stopover destination... and not only for the red squirrels and the porridge.”

“I recently sent a group of journalists along to Boogie Woogie as part of their three day trip touring the North of Scotland. On meeting them at the end of their trip, I heard nothing but praise from the great welcome they received when they visited Boogie Woogie for a lunch stop. Not only did they feel welcomed from the moment they stepped in the door, they raved about the lovely fresh food and said it was one of the highlights of their trip. The only regret was that they didn't have more time to browse and spend money in the lovely gift shop! ”