The schemes, based on the provision of facilities and services, recognise the special efforts made by operators to provide for visitors.
They have been developed in consultation with experts in the field they represent - organisations such as the Mountaineering Club for Scotland, Scottish Cyclists Union, Scotland by Bike and St Andrews Links Trust - for an inside knowledge of the visitors' particular needs.
Ancestral Tourism
Jointly developed by Tourist Board Training and VisitScotland, the Ancestral Tourism course ensures that only those who are passionate and committed to meeting, or preferably exceeding, the needs of the ancestral tourists are eligible to display and use the promotional material.
Anglers Welcome
Establishments displaying this award will provide additional facilities for visitors with an interest in angling, such as storage boxes for rods; a daily weather forecast; a freezer facility for bait or catch; facilities for gutting or preparing catches, or facilities for washing fishing tackle.
Arts Welcome
Establishments displaying this award will offer specific provision for guests attending cultural events or venues. This scheme is currently only open to accommodation providers in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Bikers Welcome
Establishments displaying this award will provide additional facilities for visitors touring Scotland by motorbike, such as safe, secure parking and facilities for maintaining their machines in top condition both mechanically and visually.
Children Welcome
Establishments displaying this award will display a positive attitude towards children and a genuine desire to meet and anticipate their needs.
Classic Cars Welcome
Establishments displaying this award will provide additional facilities for visitors touring Scotland in classic or sports cars, such as safe, secure parking and facilities for maintaining their vehicles in top condition both mechanically and visually.
Cyclists Welcome
Establishments displaying this award will provide additional facilities for visitors touring Scotland by bicycle, such as clothes-drying facilities and flexible eating arrangements to accommodate unpredicatable journeys.
Dogs Welcome (coming soon)
Establishments displaying this award will display a positive attitude towards dogs and a genuine desire to meet and anticipate the needs of both animal and owner.
Fieldsports Welcome
Establishments displaying this award will provide additional facilities for visitors with an interest in shooting, such as secure, legal storage boxes for guns; a daily weather forecast; a hanging or storage facility for game; kennelling facilities for gundogs, and local information on shooting opportunities.
Film Crews Welcome
Establishments displaying this award will display the considerable flexibity required to work with this industry. Additional parking facilities will be provided as required for trucks and lorries, as well as storage facilities for equipment.
Golfers Welcome
Establishments displaying this award will provide additional facilities for visitors with an interest in golf, such as lockable storage for golf clubs; a daily weather forecast; or details of local transport, golf shops, or tee-off times.
Groups Welcome
Establishments displaying this award will provide additional services to facilitate the management and smooth operation of group visits, such as organised group check-ins, pre-selected meals and good information prior to arrival. This award applies to hostel accommodation only.
Horses Welcome
Horses Welcome is the first quality-assured accommodation scheme for horses in the UK. The scheme consists of a comprehensive set of recommendations for grazing, stabling and facilities while the dedicated Horses Welcome website will help you plan your route and book your riding holiday.
Visiting Golfers Welcome
VisitScotland's Visiting Golfers Welcome award logo Golf clubs displaying this award will display a positive attitude towards visiting golfers and a genuine desire to meet and anticipate their needs by providing additional facilities such as lockable storage for their equipment and flexible tee-off times.
Walkers Welcome
VisitScotland's Walkers Welcome award logo Establishments displaying this award will provide additional facilities for hallwalking visitors, such as clothes-drying facilities and flexible eating arrangements.
