A Highland town that was slated only weeks ago as a visitor destination, has come fifth in a UK survey of “excellence”.
Fort William is also one of only three Scottish towns in the UK top 10 of places where people are mostly likely to find restaurants, accommodation and attractions with excellent reviews by online travel site TripAdvisor.
Only three weeks ago a national travel magazine advised would-be visitors that the Lochaber town wasn’t worth stopping in unless they wanted to stock up on “tartan, tablet and fluffy haggis toys”.
But TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel review site, announced yesterday the list of towns where they had awarded the most Certificates of Excellence.
The award celebrates hospitality excellence and is given only to establishments which consistently achieve outstanding traveller reviews on TripAdvisor.
This year Scotland had three town’s in the UK top 10 _ Perth in third, Ayr in fourth and Fort William fifth.
In first place was Cumbria’s Windermere followed by Llandudno, Wales in second.
Councillor Brian Murphy, Fort William, said: “Those of us who live and work in Fort William will know just how many high quality establishments there are.
“It shows just how little research went into Travel magazine’s rubbish article a few weeks ago.
“It is good to see that so many people think Fort William is a worthwhile area to visit and rate its attractions so highly.”
Inverlochy Castle Hotel was one of the Fort William establishments to receive a Certificate of Excellence.
Assistant manager Ryan Davidson said: “More people than ever use TripAdvisor before they book anywhere to get a general feel of what the place is like, so it is always good to keep yourself highly rated on it.
“This can only do well for Fort William. It will keep people coming and let them see that there is a lot of choice of things to do and places to stay.”
The town’s Crannog Seafood Restaurant also received a Certificate for Excellence.
Owner Lorna Finlayson said: “I am not surprised that Fort William rates so highly because I know there is such a good range of excellent establishments, whether for food or accommodation. It is well deserved.
“From the point of view of our business, it further highlights the great Highland welcome that customers receive at the restaurant and the top quality of the food.”