“Always a friendly wee shop, but letting you taste the clementines before you buy is definitely going the extra mile. You don't get that service from those dreadful supermarkets. Once again a reminder that Comrie in Perthshire has some super little retail businesses that deserve support.”

“Open Road Hire, Andrew Still, rent out Caterham sports cars. My brother-in-law bought it for Lynda (my wife) and I as a gift, but it's certainly something we'll do again for ourselves. The car was beautifully prepared and the effort Andrew put in to marking out routes and places of interest paid dividends. We followed the single track route to the southshore of Loch Tay. It was nothing short of spectacular. He's a really helpful guy and nothing is too much trouble. I'm a car nut and have had about 15 cars in 11 years (my wife does keep score!) but nothing, and I mean nothing, is as engaging as the little Caterham. It really is driving at its purest. For something so tactile, it also remarkably easy to drive and not intimidating. We took the car back to our timeshare at Gleneagles and all our guests wanted a ride in it. Mercifully we had to leave and explore the hills. The chefs at the hotel where we stopped for lunch also popped out to see it! Life enriching experience and great idea. Well done Andrew ”

“What an amazing place, just off the A9 between Dunkeld and Pitlochry. The staff are so friendly and welcoming. On our first visit the staff were superb - suggesting one very large sandwich would do for my two girls when I had originally ordered two. My eldest daughter then wanted some ice -cream and they made her up a special cup. And then, while walking round the centre the young man from the counter brought the girls some strawberries to share. Our second and third visits were just as great. The staff are so accommodating - wonderful people, they just make you feel right at home - I tell every one I meet to go there now. AND the scones and coffee are superb. Tel 01796 472358. (No website found.)”

“Went into the House of Tartan in Comrie and asked about Mackenzie flashes. (These are the little bits of colour you see on a kilted Scot's socks when he's wearing his fancy dress. Normally they are in single colours.) Though they didn't have them ready-made, the friendly sales person offered me some MacKenzie tartan off-cut to make my own. Even better, he didn't want money for it. So he poured a box of materials out on the floor and we enjoyed some time searching for a piece the right length. Certainly an Extra Mile. I now have a wee sowing job for my mother-in-law. ”

“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 everything a neighbourhood bistro should be - and a real asset in Crieff. The friendly service definitely 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! ”