Tour firm’s quality honour

A Perthshire couple are celebrating recognition for their personalised tour service.

Sleepy Sporran Tours, a Perthshire company run by Trish Simpson and Ian Bell has received a five-star accolade following a VisitScotland Quality Assurance visit.

Owners Trish and Ian moved to Perthshire in 2006 and spent several years researching the local area, discovering hidden gems and planning routes that offer their visitors a different taste of what Scotland has to offer.

Through their efforts, with Ian acting as personal driver and Trish as tour guide, Sleepy Sporran Tours is starting to see an increase in international visitors from America, Asia and Australia taking up the offer of being picked up from their accommodation and whisked off to see the sights from the comfort of a luxury people carrier.

As well as obtaining a five-star grading, Sleepy Sporran Tours has also achieved a VisitScotland’s Taste Our Best award for the use and promotion of Scottish produce in its Sleepy Sporran picnic lunch, including eggs from their own flock in Blairgowrie and meat sourced from a family butcher in the same Perthshire town.

Ian and Trish said:“We are delighted and proud to have achieved the five-star rating which marks a significant milestone in our ambitions for Sleepy Sporran. The natural landscape of Perthshire and many local businesses play a vital part in our tour experiences.”

Caroline Warburton, VisitScotland regional leadership director said:“My congratulations go to Trish and Ian. It is well deserved recognition of their hard work to create a memorable experience for each and every one of their guests. These awards are a clear indication to visitors that they can expect the highest quality of service and standards.”