ANOTHER first for Scotland has been the introduction of the world's first "exclusive use" designator. Primarily covering castles and historic properties, the designator is aimed at giving buyers the knowledge that they can book with confidence as the grading is restricted to four and five-star properties. Only properties available for private hire can qualify and membership is limited to guarantee that only the best will make the grade.

These properties offer a unique experience. Guests stay in a fully staffed heritage property, full of charm and character, with excellent hospitality. Many offer a truly private retreat. One of the most exceptional is Blair House in Ayrshire, a popular venue where every room is decorated individually with style and luxury in mind. The setting is perfect for a business getaway, with an oak boardroom table that seats 16, crafted from Blair House's own trees. Everything is hosted on a personal basis, giving guests the feeling they are staying in a home, albeit a fivestar one!

As with Blair House, every property that has achieved the Exclusive Use designator provides discreet service and the very highest standards of quality and comfort.

Another exclusive-use venue is The Lodge on the shores of Loch Goil. As with its contemporaries, The Lodge offers luxury accommodation, absolute privacy, sumptuous decor and exceptional food and hospitality. Add to that a treehouse overlooking the loch and a wide range of outdoor activities, and The Lodge offers a true getaway destination with the ultimate in luxury and reward.

The drive for this new designator came from the industry itself which felt disadvantaged by not having a grading when being positioned next to hotels. A partnership with VisitScotland agreed the criteria for the accolade and identified how the industry might work together to develop Exclusive Use as an indicator of the best quality that Scotland has to offer in this market. The designator now confirms that these properties are ideal for a corporate or private retreat, a wedding, or even a highprofile product launch that needs a luxurious background.

Other venues that have made the grade include Dundas Castle, a private home and estate near Edinburgh; Fenton Tower near North Berwick, the exterior of which featured as Archie's Castle in the TV series, Balamory; fourteenth-century Duns Castle in the Borders; Pitcastle, a Tayside Victorian retreat; Winton House in East Lothian; and Edinburgh's One Royal Circus, a city centre retreat. Guests consistently praise these exclusive use properties and their designator demonstrates that they well deserve the accolade.