Issued: 04 October 2001

Lochside In Line For Thistle Award

ONE of the most successful tourism ventures in Angus is in line for a top award.

Lochside Caravan Park has been nominated in the Customer Care category of the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards, which aim to reward excellence and to promote best practice.

The awards are run by the Scottish Tourist Board who shortlisted the caravan park for its commitment to looking after customers from arrival to departure.

Councillor Bill Crowe, Convener of Contract Services, revealed that the caravan park was recommended for an award by a visitor, and was subject to a further inspection by a 'mystery' guest from the tourist board before being shortlisted.

Councillor Crowe said: "This proves that Lochside Caravan Park is indeed putting its visitors first and I am delighted this has been recognised by the tourist board.

"Caravaners from throughout the UK are clamouring for pitches alongside visitors from Holland, Switzerland and Belgium. The work that wardens Bob and Liz Mather are doing is often above and beyond the job description, as they go out of their way to ensure that their customers are well looked after.

"I am delighted that their hard work has been acknowledged in being nominated for a Thistle Award - which is an enormous achievement in itself - and I would wish them every success at the awards ceremony later this month."

The efforts of Mr and Mrs Mather at Lochside Caravan Park have already been recognised by a prestigious award, when they were runners-up in the Tourist and Heritage Category in the Angus Achievers Awards.