A BORDERS country house has scooped a top award from VisitScotland.

Fauhope Country House, on the outskirts of Gattonside, was awarded the Five Star Gold Quality Assurance Award in recognition of its standards as a B&B.

The accolade is the highest possible in VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme and Fauhope is one of only four B&Bs in the Borders to hold the coveted title.

The award recognises serviced accommodation businesses which achieve the highest levels of excellence and businesses that have excelled in customer care and hospitality.

Sheila Robson, owner of Fauhope Country House B&B, told the Border Telegraph: “All of us at Fauhope are delighted to have been awarded the Five Star Gold Award from VisitScotland.

“We aim to give every guest the best possible experience of our home and indeed the Scottish Borders as a whole, from the friendliest welcome to the soundest sleep followed by the heartiest breakfast,” she added.

“Everything we do is with our guests’ comfort and relaxation in mind, and this award is a wonderful recognition of our efforts.

“It makes what we do feel very worthwhile and has given us a real boost, so I would like to personally thank VisitScotland on behalf of the Fauhope team.

“We look forward to living up to the award over the coming months and years.”

Guests at the three-bedroom boutique guest house can make use of the on-site treatment room and can enjoy stunning views of the Eildon Hills across the River Tweed to Melrose.

Doug Wilson, Regional Director of VisitScotland, added: “Congratulations to Fauhope Country House B&B on receiving this well-deserved accolade. The award is a welcome boost to the business as well as the region as a whole.

“Developed and improved for over 30 years, VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance schemes are world-leading and provide a trusted, independent and impartial source of information for visitors. They allow you to not just meet visitor expectations, but exceed them.

“Quality Assurance is about much more than just the ‘stars’ on your door – it’s about the entire visitor experience, it’s about investing in your business and making it as economically sustainable and profitable, as possible.”