BURNS House Museum in Mauchline, Doon Valley Crafters and Cumnock’s Baird Institute are included in a list of visitor attractions offering VIP treatment.

It follows an agreement reached between VisitScotland and East Ayrshire Leisure to become part of an exclusive network of VisitScotland Information Partners (VIPs).

Staff at the East Ayrshire properties already provide information and inspiration to visitors by actively promoting their local area and the services offered by local businesses.

This new official accreditation will add value to the service they offer and make it easier for visitors to connect with local businesses.

VisitScotland will provide the partner sites with official ‘iKnow’ promotional material and information resources to make sure visitors receive first-class information.

The programme has taken the country by storm since it was launched with accommodation providers, visitor attractions and social enterprises all joining up to do their bit.

Doon Valley Crafters, based in Dalmellington, specialise in keeping traditional weaving and spinning techniques alive.

They are the first social enterprise in Ayrshire and Arran to sign up to the VIP programme, which is open to all types of quality-assured tourism businesses and community interest groups and social enterprises.

Spokesman Dale Stevenson said: “We are delighted to join the VIP scheme and to work together to ensure that visitors get access to all the information they need to make the most of their visit.

“We want visitors to Dalmellington to have a great time not just in the town but as they continue their onward journey through the region. We are proud to display the ‘iKnow’ Scotland accreditation at our centre as recognition of our commitment to providing first-class information about Ayrshire & Arran as a whole.”

Other East Ayrshire locations to join the scheme include the Palace Theatre, Dick Institute, Dean Castle and Burns Monument Centre.

John Griffiths, chief executive of East Ayrshire Leisure, said: “Our staff have a wealth of local knowledge and we realise how important it is to share this with our visitors to enhance their experience and help showcase the tourism offer in the area. East Ayrshire and the wider region have a host of things to see and do for visitors and we have a real sense of pride in being part of this exciting scheme.”

Visit www.visitscotland.org for more information on the VIP programme.