A SELF-CATERING apartment in the grounds of an historic Selkirk mansion house has received the Four Star Quality Assurance Award from VisitScotland.

The holiday accommodation at The Haining was upgraded to the coveted grading following a recent assessment visit by a Quality Tourism Advisor. The first-floor accommodation enjoys stunning views over the Haining Loch, had previously been awarded a Three Star grading.

Guests staying at the two-bedroom apartment can enjoy all the benefits of the private setting within the woodland estate, whilst Selkirk town centre is only a short walk away.

Lawrence Robertson of The Haining Charitable Trust told the Border Telegraph: “We are delighted to have been upgraded to Four Star Self Catering from VisitScotland for our accommodation at The Haining.

"We are committed to offering our visitors the highest standards to ensure their experience of our accommodation and the Scottish Borders as a whole is the very best. The apartment offers the ideal location to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil holiday, but also for people wanting a base to enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the area.”

The secluded and picturesque location has proved popular for artists wishing to enjoy the loch-side setting or travel further afield to enjoy the rolling hills and stunning beauty of the Scottish Borders.

The Haining house and estate was left to the people of Selkirkshire and the wider public by Andrew Nimmo-Smith, a prominent Edinburgh lawyer in 2009.

It is now managed by The Haining Charitable Trust and has undergone major development with more planned to develop the facility into an important arts and cultural venue with the grounds open for all to enjoy.

Doug Wilson, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “Congratulations to The Haining on receiving this well-deserved award.

"This award is a welcome boost to the business as well as the region as a whole.

"The Haining was left for to be enjoyed by the people of Selkirkshire and the wider public and this apartment gives an added reason for visitors to come and enjoy the house and the estate. Having local businesses which place an emphasis on high quality further strengthens our tourism offering and increases our marketability of the Scottish Borders as a destination which offers a superb and exciting range of things to see and do.”

Developed and improved for more than 30 years, the QA scheme is a tourism industry world-leader, providing a trusted, independent and impartial source of information for visitors.