The former home of Sir Walter Scott has received five-star status from VisitScotland.

The news comes after the property - Abbotsford House - underwent a multi-million pound restoration project, the BBC has reported.

More than £12m was spent on the restoration and refurbishment to "preserve and protect" the historic property.

Commenting on the announcement, VisitScotland's regional director Paula MacDonald said a site needed to "exceed expectations" in order to gain a five-star rating.

-- Advertisement --

Ms MacDonald added: "That is quite a broad statement but it means every single element of the attraction that touches a visitor has to go above and beyond.

"So it has to have excellent customer service, fantastic retail, really exceptional food, brilliant volunteer - and Abbotsford really has nailed it on every single element of the criteria for the five-star programme."

Abbotsford's marketing manager, Beverley Rutherford, said the award was testimony to the work that had been put into the project, as well as the support it had received.

(JP/MH)