Quality Assurance - Visitor Attractions

Quality Assurance

Visitor Attractions
VisitScotland has operated a Quality Assurance scheme for visitor attractions since 1995. The scheme gives operators an independent quality assurance award and incorporates the inspection of properties for ''Thistle'' tourist signposting. Find out how the scheme works.

What is assessed on the visits?
The Quality Assurance award consists of a star grade which results from an assessment of core and specific criteria, accompanied by a definition of the nature of the attraction, called the ''Designator''.

The Designator identifies the type of facility or attraction. Which Designator (definition) best describes your business? [More]

View the core criteria for assessment of visitor attractions:

Specific Businesses
In addition to the core elements, each sector has specially designed criteria appropriate to the type of attraction / facility, reflecting the various visitor experiences. Click on the link appropriate to your business:

Visitor Attraction/Castle/Museum/Historic House/Tour/Historic Attraction/Garden

Leisure Centre/Activity Centre

Tourist Shop/Garden Centre

Arts Venue

Wildlife Experience

What is the code of practice for Visitor Attractions?

Fees & procedures

Advisory visits

Schedule of conditions

Application form (PDF, 34Kb)

Further information on accessibility criteria for visitors with disabilities is provided

Visitor Attractions Accessibility Criteria (PDF, 1.16Mb)

Further assistance and hard copies of criteria for all the QA schemes are available from: qainfo@visitscotland.com