DUMFRIES House has scooped a prestigious award for their outstanding hospitality service.
The inaugural award for hospitality excellence created in honour of late Scottish chef Andrew Fairlie has been won by the 18th century Ayrshire country mansion and estate redeveloped by Prince Charles.
Staff from The Prince’s Foundation at Dumfries House were presented with the award by Andrew Fairlie’s widow Kate at this year’s CIS Awards in recognition of the estate’s contribution to Scotland’s hospitality industry.
The 2,000-acre estate features a restaurant, a cafe and a five-star luxury bed and breakfast, and is available to hire for weddings and other special events throughout the year.
Home to the largest known collection of furniture designer Thomas Chippendale’s early work, Dumfries House remained untouched for 250 years before it was saved for the nation by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay in 2007.
It now operates as a tourist attraction and education hub, offering young people the opportunity to engage in experiences that promote confidence, personal development and training in real life skills.
Louis MacCallum, director of commercial for The Prince’s Foundation at Dumfries House, said: “To be awarded the inaugural Andrew Fairlie Award for Hospitality Excellent is an honour and all of the staff are incredibly proud of this achievement.
“We take great pride in offering excellent hospitality to visitors and members of the local community.
Whether it’s their first or 100th visit to the estate, we want them to leave feeling like they’ve had a special experience which they will always remember.”
Andrea Nicholas, chair of the advisory board, said: “Andrew was unequivocal about using the word ‘excellence’ in the CIS Awards’ name and only accepting and judging entries which lived up to the term. Dumfries House encapsulates all that.
“It’s become a symbol of excellence in hospitality, hosting hundreds of events, as well as in education, training and restoration, and inspiring a new generation to enjoy hospitality and the outdoors.”
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