New gallery wins VisitScotland’s 4 Star rating only a year after opening
A new art gallery and shop in Dumfries & Galloway is the first of its kind in the region to scoop a top Quality Assurance award from the national tourism organisation.
The Gallery at Laurieston, near Castle Douglas, has been rated a 4 Star Tourism Shop by VisitScotland in recognition of the excellence of the visitor experience it offers and its emphasis on Scottish crafts, produce and products. The Gallery is the first dedicated art gallery in the region to achieve this status.
The accolade for the art gallery comes only one year after it opened its doors to the public last June. It moved to its spacious new premises in the former village inn in Laurieston after seven successful years in an adjacent smaller local venue.
The gallery is the brainchild of owner and fine art and landscape photographic artist Phil McMenemy and also aims to showcase the work of artists from across the region. The former children’s mental health nurse decided to pursue his passion for photography professionally ten years ago and won the Scottish Nature Photography Award in 2010.
Phil McMenemy, Owner of the The Gallery at Laurieston, said: “We are delighted to receive the 4 star Tourist Shop award from VisitScotland which is even more special coming just a year since we opened our new premises. I enjoy sharing my vision and passion for Dumfries & Galloway through my work and I hope this award encourages more visitors to experience the region and explore its glories. Working in partnership with VisitScotland has been a real win for the business and I look forward to continuing to work together.”
Douglas Wilson, VisitScotland Regional Director said: “Congratulations to The Gallery at Laurieston on receiving this well-deserved award. This award is a welcome boost to the business as well as the region as a whole. Having high quality local businesses which place an emphasis on promoting Scottish crafts and products further strengthens our tourism offering and increases the marketability of Dumfries & Galloway as a destination which offers a superb and exciting range of things to see and do.”
Developed and improved over the past 25 years, the QA scheme is a tourism industry world-leader, providing a trusted, independent and impartial source of information for visitors. Enabling businesses to not just meet visitor expectations but exceed them, it is delivered by a dedicated team of experts who offer valuable business advice and support. The scheme is not just about driving standards; it aims to help businesses reach their full potential so they can reap the benefits and secure their success. That in turn delivers benefits for the economy of their region and for Scotland’s tourism industry.
For more information on The Gallery at Laurieston, visit www.pmcphotography.co.uk or www.facebook.com/galleryatlaurieston
For more information about VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Schemes, visit www.visitscotland.org
