A Moray-based whisky specialist has been awarded five stars by VisitScotland for its historic shop.
Judges from the tourist authority said the Gordon and MacPhail business on South Street in Elgin, which has been open for almost 120 years, offered visitors a “superb retail experience”.
Staff were commended for being very helpful, engaging with customers and providing good advice.
Displays in both the grocery and delicatessen areas and the world-famous Whisky Room were also praised.
The shop joins 11 other five-star tourism providers in Moray, including Glenfiddich Distillery, Cardhu Distillery visitor centre and Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere visitor centre.
Gordon and MacPhail shop manager Mark Angus said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a five-star rating by VisitScotland in recognition of the quality of produce and service in the shop.
“The shop, like Gordon and MacPhail itself, will be 120 years old next year so this is a good start to the celebrations.”
Scott Armstrong, VisitScotland regional partnerships Director, said: “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the team at Gordon and MacPhail’s Elgin retail shop, on achieving this top grading from VisitScotland.
“Promoting Scotland’s food and drink is a recipe for success – the industry has the potential to provide significant growth for tourism. As we head into 2015 and the Year of Food and Drink, it is more important than ever that our tourism businesses grasp the opportunities afforded over the next 12 months to promote themselves to visitors from right around the world.
“Our Quality Assurance scheme helps businesses to reach their full potential and truly shine. The scheme is about more than just the ‘stars’ on the door – it’s about the entire visitor experience, about investing in your business and making it as economically sustainable as it can possibly be.”
To celebrate the rating, the shop will run five star offers on some very special whiskey, wine, chocolate and cheese for one day only on December 13.