“Last week while visiting Blair Atholl, I discovered a delightful boutique called Farthings@home selling gifts, plants and attractive dried flowers. I witnessed what must be a true extra mile moment. Jill Farthing, the owner, offered (free of charge) a glass of homemade lemonade to an elderly gentleman who was feeling the heat. This for me summed up the charm and thoughtfulness of both shop and owner. ”

“I ate here with friends recently. They told me that the food and service was very good. I fancied a calzone instead of an ordinary pizza, but this didn't feature on their menu - but the gentleman who served me didn't flinch when I asked for it - he said chef was happy to oblige! - I even got to select my own choice of fillings - it was delicious as was the rest of our meal! This is a great new addition to Crieff. The friendly service definitly went the extra mile! Delivino is at 6 King Street, just below James Square in the centre of Crieff. Tel 01764 655665. ”

“I visited The Bean Shop in George Street, Perth for the 1st time on Friday. Wow, what a great shop! My friends and I were offered a free (delicious) espresso coffee while we decided which of the amazing teas and coffees we wanted to buy. John Bruce, the fantastically enthusiastic and knowledgable owner explained he had been born in Darjeeling on a tea plantation and had been a tea and coffee lover from a very early age. This small shop certainly exceeded my expectations with the friendly service, free sample of coffee and superb products. I expect to become a regular!”

“What was a fairly anonymous roadside inn on the A93 between Perth and Blairgowrie has been transformed into a great country eaterie by Jeremy Wares. This is what pub grub should be about in this day and age. We arrived early for our reservation but that didn't perturb the cheerful and efficient waiting staff on what was a busy Sunday lunchtime. Great roast beef and yorkshire pudding, fish and chips, sorbets, spotted dick and custard were the choices from the menu and our wee one was accommodated with no bother with simple children's menu on offer which largely offers scaled down offerings from the main menu. It was great to see the local Inveralmond Brewery's offerings on tap as well. ”

“What a contrast in welcomes! On a busy Saturday morning in Perth, the large Threshold café at Perth Concert Hall couldn’t be bothered putting on real coffee or even hot chocolate because, they said, they had a conference in. Fortunately, we found a really friendly place just around the corner. At Caffe Canto on George Street they greeted us, sat us down, offered hot or cold milk with Americano, explained the difference between a very milky latte and a white coffee with an extra shot and, in general, demonstrated they cared about their customers. Sometimes it's the little gestures that make a difference. We’ll go back there!”

“If you are in the area this restaurant is a must to visit. Beautiful freshly prepared food. Great staff and lovely decor. Try the homemade ginger beer! ”

“It's Sunday evening on a drive south and we're hungry. Perth is the nearest big town so we make our way to the centre. It's already after 8pm and we haven't booked. We try two places amd walk from both. (Don't ask.) At the last minute we spot this cafe/restaurant. It's getting on for 9 o'clock but they are welcoming - totally charming, in fact, though it must be getting near last orders. The menu is authentic Breton - a reminder of warmer climes on a cool grey evening. It was all so appetising! Our faith fully restored, we continue our journey - but what a find for us, just as we were giving up hope! ”

“A miserable day and its our seniors club annual outing, first stop for coffee break was Crieff, seven of us decided to stretch our legs a bit and on the way back stopped at the Stenhouse Cafe for a snack and very nice it was too, pleasant staff, good food nicely presented and a very comfortable and clean premises. 10 out of 10, it made our day a bit more enjoyable. Find it at 22-26 East High Street.”

“Saturday 28 April was undoubtedly a fine day for photography and the Highlands were at their best to the extent that my camera ran out of charge. I asked the proprietor of the Tea Room at Queens View if he would allow me to charge the camera and without hesitation he agreed so after a very substantial and hearty lunch I was able to continue with both a fully charged camera and stomach. Thank you, you went the extra mile. Martin Hunt. ”

“I went into the Ben Lawers Hotel for a meal recently. Previously when walking in this area we had had trouble finding somewhere, because we were too early for most of the resturants and too late for the tearooms. Coming down from the hill at 5-6pm can be a tricky time to get fed. I was really impressed by the Ben Lawers Hotel, by Loch Tay. They didn't bat an eye at us turning up ravenous at 5.30pm wanting to eat a full meal. They were helpful, charming and the food was good value. They also let hill walkers use their car park and all they ask is that you go in and have a pint at the end of the day (that's not hard is it?). I'd recommend them to anyone walking in the Ben Lawers area”