“These guys know how to make a guest feel welcome, the atmosphere is spot-on both day and night. The decor is stylish, practical and comfortable, the food is tasty, well presented and well priced. But the extra mile is this - call in for coffee/tea in the morning or afternoon and get FREE pastries (freshly made on the premises that morning). Whether you take my "grippit" nature to originate from my Scots origins or Yorkshire upbringing I'll leave you to decide, but something genuinely (and sincerely) for free in this day and age is worth telling folk about. By the way the RED stands for "Relax, Eat and Drink" - says everything. They're in Leys Road in Forres. No website, so tel is 01309 676737”

“I like this place a lot. I once visited with a friend who was recovering from a severe ankle fracture. I had booked in advance but forgot to mention his crutches, etc. With his ankle bolted back together he hobbled across from the car park and into the tea room. The staff spotting his plight swiftly and without any suggestion from either of us swapped our pre-booked table (away in the corner somewhere) for one better suited and more convenient for someone on crutches - right by the door. The service and food were first class as usual. To me that's going the extra mile as, though obliged by law to provide access for disabled, some other places pay lip service to the requirements and to their less able customers. Here we saw polite, timely and appropriate action taken to lessen the stress/pain of a customer. No website but they open daily. Best to check, tel 01343-814622. Easy parking as well. ”

“Among the many great places to stay that were recommended to us in our itinerary, prepared by Secret Scotland, Glendavan House stands out. Moira Milne and her daughter Rebecca, the owners of this ultra-comfortable B&B near Dinnet, in Deesside, are exemplary hosts, and set our highest definition of Scottish hospitality. When we return to Scotland, Glendavan House will be our Number One stopover destination... and not only for the red squirrels and the porridge.”

“I recently sent a group of journalists along to Boogie Woogie as part of their three day trip touring the North of Scotland. On meeting them at the end of their trip, I heard nothing but praise from the great welcome they received when they visited Boogie Woogie for a lunch stop. Not only did they feel welcomed from the moment they stepped in the door, they raved about the lovely fresh food and said it was one of the highlights of their trip. The only regret was that they didn't have more time to browse and spend money in the lovely gift shop! ”

“Having bought a house in Aberdeenshire and commuting from West Yorkshire on a regular basis before we finally move up in January 08, I picked the Fjord Inn at random out of the telephone directory. It was a good move,the food is exeptional, the service is first rate and the staff and owners are very friendly, the chef comes out of the kitchen to ask if you enjoyed your meal and the waitress even remembered that we had been decorating on our previous visit and asked us for a progress report! I'll be a regular visitor when I move up in January”

“My daughter and I travelled from Dundee to London on Monday 19th November, returning on Friday 23rd.We travelled south on the 11.06 from Dundee and home again on the 14.00 from London Kings Cross. On both journeys we were very impressed by the steward in First Class. His name is Graham Crighton, based in Aberdeen. On the journey south he had realised the seat reservations were unsuitable for 2 people travelling together and greeted us when we boarded to say he had kept suitable alternative seats. He was extremely helpful and cheerful throughout that journey and when he saw us again on the return journey, he remembered us and asked about our stay in London and brought us magazines another passenger had left. He also helped with our luggage when we reached our destination (we don't travel light!). He was friendly, cheerful and helpful to all the passengers and a credit to GNER. I feel that service like that should be recognised and encouraged - it is very rare these days.”

“This site is a great idea. I'd like to recommend the Crown and Anchor Hotel in Findhorn. We visit Findhorn frequently and the Crown and Anchor is a great place. It doesn't matter if you're in for a pint after a walk, or if you're in for a meal, the service is always great - friendly and professional. And the food is first class too. On the few occasions we've been there when demand exceeds the kitchen's capabilities the service is exactly what it should be: informative, realistic and honest. If there's a half hour wait, then there's a half hour wait. And it's a very pleasant wait too - with good company and good beer. Quality is never compromised; the customer is always first. A gem of a place. I guess that's why it's so popular. ”

“We've recently returned from yet another stay at the Cullen Bay Hotel. This hotel has now taken all the decision making out of our UK holidays - we just wouldn't consider staying anywhere else. The family running this establishment, Marjory & Jim and their two sons Simon & Douglas, together with their staff, just could not do more to make your stay special & relaxed - nothing is too much trouble. (Wet clothes/boots disappear to the drying room, ice packs re-appear in the morning re-frozen). For our latest stay the hotel was full, both with holiday-makers and locals coming in for the superb evening meals (all prepared with fresh local produce) - but despite this, the family still managed to make everyone feel as if they were the only guests. The location is fantastic - the comfortable, relaxing dining room overlooks Cullen Bay on the Moray Firth and our room also had a super sea view. The only bad thing we can say about our stay was having to leave at the end of it”

“Dropped in here as I was passing by with a group of 3 couples from the USA. Upon enquiring about a tour, we were offered a tasting and nosing tour. This turned out to be the most fascinating experience for us all. Not only did we have the tour of the distillery but afterwards we were given 4 whiskies together with different foods that complimented their tastes and fragrances. In my 25 years of visiting distilleries this has to rank as one of the most memorable thanks to the enthusiasm, knowledge and charm of Emma our Guide. Well worth travelling the extra miles for!”

“On a week-end in Braemar which was supposed to be filled with cycling and walking but which turned out to be very wet, we found this excellent eating place. Go through the centre of the village heading to Linn o' Dee and you can't miss it. They only serve evening meals on Fridays and Saturdays but the food was obviously cooked by a chef who enjoys and is proud of what he produces. It was fresh, tasty and well presented. I chose the Scottish cheese dish (2 hard, 2 soft and 1 smelly) for my final course and the chef/owner was out with a detailed explanation of where they all came from in Scotland. It was superb. We went back the next day and used it as a coffee shop, very popular with good coffee and cakes. Great place, try the evening meals and he might be encouraged to open longer during the week. ”