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Visit Scotland | Alba
VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Providing the best possible experience

A Quality Assurance award speaks volumes to visitors. It shows you take quality seriously.

Our Quality Assurance (QA) Scheme for small serviced accommodation was developed in partnership with the industry. It provides a comprehensive accurate assessment of the quality of accommodation you offer. Find out more about the minimum requirements and criteria and of the scheme.

Who is eligible for the scheme?

We use the following definitions when deciding whether to grade a business as a small serviced accommodation provider.

  • B&B

    Accommodation offering bed and breakfast, normally but not always, in a private house run by the owner. B&Bs will usually have no more than six bed spaces and may serve an evening meal.

  • Guesthouse

    These will normally have a minimum of four letting bedrooms. Breakfast will be available and evening meals may be provided by staff or the owner. It will normally be commercially rated.

  • Farmhouse

    Accommodation offering B&B or guesthouse accommodation on a working farm, croft or smallholding.

  • Inn

    These will normally provide b&b within a licenced establishment. Food and beverage operation is a significant part of the business within the establishment. The restaurant and / or bar will usually be open to non-residents and will provide bar or restaurant food at lunchtime and evenings.

  • Restaurant with rooms

    These will normally provide b&b accommodation within a licensed establishment. The restaurant operation is a significant part of the business and will usually be open for non-residents. The restaurant should offer a high standard of food and restaurant service. A maximum of 12 bedrooms should be provided.

  • Guest accommodation

    Any establishment that meets the minimum entry requirements and does not meet one of the above definitions.

If your establishment does not meet any of these definitions, please consider whether an alternative sector’s criteria might be more appropriate.

Browse our self-catering criteria.

Browse our hotel criteria.