The Famous Blacksmiths Shop in Gretna Green has just received CPT’s new Coach Friendly Visitor Attraction status – making it the first tourist location in Scotland to hold this standing.
The status was recently launched at the British Travel Trade Show (BTTS) in Birmingham, which recognises and rewards visitor attractions that make special effort to welcome and accommodate visiting coaches.
The shop, which has stood in Gretna Green since 1712, currently offers parking spaces for 60 coaches as well as a coach wash, toilet drop and group travel welcome area.
When receiving the status at the recent Visit Scotland expo, Lynda Denton, Head of Sales and Marketing at Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop, enthused: “We are delighted to have received CPT’s Coach Friendly status. As an independent family business we very much value nurturing mutually beneficial relationships and we have had a long-standing rapport with the coach industry.
“We appreciate the recognition we have received over the years from various travel trade associations who have awarded us top attraction and shopping destination on a number of occasions. This latest accolade is further recognition of our commitment to the coach industry, and the fact that we are the first in Scotland is a further delight.”
CPT’s Tourism and Operations Executive, Alf Scrimgour, added: ““We are delighted to welcome Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop as a Coach Friendly Visitor Attraction. The status recognises the commitment they have made to making sure that coach parties receive a very warm welcome when visiting.
“The shop is well known both nationally and internationally and it has never wavered in its commitment to making sure that its offer to coaches, drivers and passengers is second to none.
“The staff and owners have fully grasped the importance of the coach industry to its business and they really do present a true Coach Friendly face to our industry.”
Additional holders of the Coach Friendly Visitor Attraction status are West Midlands Safari & Leisure Park, Woburn Abbey & Gardens, and Sabrina Boats of Shrewsbury.
