Comunn Eachdraidh Nis is celebrating following news that the centre has received a 4 Star ‘Excellent’ Visitor Attraction rating from the national tourist organisation, Visit Scotland. Following a recent incognito visit by a Visit Scotland inspector, CEN has been upgraded from a 3 Star ‘Very good’ Visitor Attraction assessment, to 4 Star ‘Excellent’.
The CEN café has also received the organisation’s Taste our Best food award.
Although 4 Star overall, staff, directors and volunteers were particularly pleased that, in a number of categories, the facility has been assessed as 5 Star ‘Exceptional’, which is the highest rating.
Highlighted for particular praise were the hospitality and friendliness, the service and efficiency, the cleanliness, the building itself and its grounds.
Joan Mackay, chairperson of Comunn Eachdraidh Nis said: “We are delighted to receive this award in recognition of the excellent work carried out by staff and volunteers at Comunn Eachdraidh Nis - thank you to each and every one of you.”
Victoria Harvey, VisitScotland Development Manager for Outer Hebrides, said: “A huge congratulations to Comunn Eachdraidh Nis on achieving both a four-star Quality Assurance grading and a Taste Our Best award.
“This is a fantastic achievement which reflects their commitment to providing a quality visitor experience and their recent refurbishment which is a prime example of a community tourism enterprise in action.
“Offering a warm and friendly welcome, passionate volunteers, living Gaelic and treasure trove of things for visitors to discover in North Lewis, visitor attractions like Comunn Eachdraidh Nis are contributing to the Outer Hebrides’ and Scotland’s reputation as a must-visit destination by committing to creating a recognised quality experience."
“Grading visits to visitor attractions are carried out every two years, with details of the grading system set out in Visit Scotland’s Best Practice Guide, available online. An overall percentage of between 78-84% is required for a 4 Star grade, with a minimum of 85% being the standard for the 5 Star rating.