“Sometimes going the extra mile only takes a moment – it’s the fact that the ‘extramilee’ appreciates it that’s important. Picture the scene. It’s the underground carpark adjacent to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh and it’s immediately after a Scottish Tourism Forum evening reception there. We return to the car. Cash for the parking fee? I have none. She has no handbag. We have one of those ‘But I thought you’d carry cash…’ conversations. I fume out of the carpark to find a cashpoint. Luckily, there’s one nearby. But I need coins. Where’s the nearest shop open at this time of night? Wait a minute, I’m passing the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel. Next moment, I’m inside, explaining to a smiling young man at reception of my plight – trapped in an underground carpark. It’s no problem, change is quickly produced and he finds the whole episode perfectly understandable and amusing. Problem solved. Just a few seconds of service-giving with charm and politeness. Under the circumstances, that’s an extra mile in my book. So we escaped imprisonment behind the barrier and will always have coins in the glove compartment from now on! ”

“This is an excellent B&B. The fine old house is very comfortable, peaceful, spacious, and elegant, and successfully blends old-fashioned charm with modern standards and fittings. It's set in extensive and attractive grounds a couple of miles outside Linlithgow, one of the best small towns in central Scotland. Clearly the owners take pride in the standard of everything they offer. Our room was large, warm (in very cold weather), well equipped, and pleasing in every respect. A full Scottish cooked breakfast is on offer. It was perfectly cooked and served. We needed to be out early, and the owner gladly moved the starting time of breakfast earlier than advertised to suit us. That was the first 'extra mile.' The second arrived in the middle of breakfast, just after we'd eaten the cooked food: we were served a small plate of oatcakes, strawberries, blueberries, and brambles as a palate-cleanser before toast and coffee. This wasn't on the menu; it was just an additional thoughtful grace-note. This is one of those B&Bs that sets standards many a hotel cannot match. Highly recommended, then. Not cheap, but worth the price for what's on offer.”

“I am not in the habit of recommending accomodation to anyone but I have to make an exception for John and Reta at Violet Bank House.They were so warm and welcoming and provide all the little extras that make such a difference. Wonderful rooms, breakfasts to die for,simply exceptional.”

“We have just returned from our first visit to Scotland. First port of call was Violet Bank House and what an introduction to the country. Reta and John are perfect, warm hosts for whom nothing is too much trouble. The whole place is spotless and the breakfast a real treat which sets you up for the day.We had to leave for the flight home at 7am and so were expecting nothing more than a cup of coffee and maybe some toast. They wouldn't hear of it and gave us the full breakfast at 6.30! That's above and beyond the call of duty and is certainly going the extra mile. Without doubt the best place we've ever stayed in the UK.”

“We had great service at The Orchard the other night from our waitress Lindsay. It's nice to be in a pub where you get table service and you can order food in the evenings. Lindsay seemed to anticipate when we might need something without having to hover around the table! We'll definitely be going back. The Orchard is at 1/2 Howard Place, Canonmills, Stockbridge. Jane, Alison & Christine”

“Greatbase provided us with a lovely flat in Edinburgh in April 2008. It was halfway up the Royal Mile and handy for all parts of the city. The furnishings were all good quality and the bedding was particularly good - our son suffers from asthma and he was fine with the duvets and pillows used(which tends to be a problem in self-catering accommodation). We were provided with milk, tea, coffee, oatcakes and some home-made shortbread biscuits on arrival. Definitely somewhere we'd recommend.”

“We are from Germany and we stayed at the B&B of Reta McLennan (Violet Bank House) in Edinburgh. It was fantastic. The landlady Reta and her husband was very lovable hosts. The B&B was very clean and very comfortable. The breakfast was very good. Every day fresh fruit and many different things. The table was always beautifully set. When we had a wish or a question always we got help - the more so as my English isn't so good. For us it was a perfect Holiday in Edinburgh and we are sure to come back to Edinburgh and back to Reta and John McLennan in Violet Bank House. Stefan and Gudrun Werner from Berlin ”

“Comments about Lothian Bus drivers are often negative, but as a new and now frequent user of No 26, I have to commend the driver today who got off the bus, crossed the busy road and helped an elderly lady across to board the bus. This is one of several instances of random kindness/extra mileness I have seen recently on No 26 from Seton Sands.”

“This is the best guest house that we have ever stayed at. Reta and John go out of their way to make your stay memorable.They cannot do enough for you, the rooms are superb and if you don't want to take your car into the city centre there is a bus direct to Princes Street across the road. This is the third year running that we have stayed here and we have already booked for 2008 and 2009. What more can we say! Chrissie and Tony Wright Peel, Isle of Man”

“Violet Bank House is an outstanding B&B home with competent landlords in every respect. The house is tastfully furnished,spotlessly clean with all facilities necessary.Detailed travel information, restaurant reservations etc are given in a most competent way - better than in many 5 star hotels. Breakfast variaty is outstanding. The best B&B place in 40 years travelling.Very personal atmosphere.”