This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Top tourism award for Seabird Centre
11/03/2003
The Scottish Seabird Centre at North Berwick was today
given a top tourism award.
Tourism Minister Mike Watson said it proved that quality
sells, and the centre, which has already received a 'Gold'
Green Tourism Business Scheme award, now holds the two top
awards in Scottish tourism.
The £3 million visitor centre was opened in 2000 and
uses the latest technology to observe seabirds by
remote-controlled cameras located on the Bass Rock three
miles out in the mouth of the Firth of Forth. Live pictures
are beamed back to the centre.
The five-star VisitScotland Quality Assurance Grading
Award means the North Berwick centre joins an elite list of
officially world-class visitor attractions in Scotland.
Mike Watson said:
"The Executive is committed to raising awareness of the
importance of quality and of sustainable tourism, and
ensuring that the industry adopts good business
practices.
"We need to encourage tourism businesses in Scotland to
join the VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme and the
Green Tourism Business Scheme.
"Our aim must be to improve standards and exceed
visitors' expectations, and to do this in a sustainable way
by encouraging these businesses to become environmentally
friendly.
The
Scottish Seabird
Centre is a registered charity which aims to increase
awareness and appreciation of Scotland's natural
environment.
VisitScotland has operated a Quality Assurance Scheme
for visitor attractions since 1995, giving independent
quality assurance and incorporating the inspection of
properties for Thistle tourist signposting.
www.visitscotland.com