The VISIT SCOTLAND GRADING OFFICER visited Cairncroft on 7th April 2005.

All facilities were scored between 7 (Good) and 9 (Excellent).

Score Breakdown :
10 - Outstanding
9 - Excellent
8 - Very Good
7 - Good
6 - Quite Good
5 - Nearly but not quite good
4 - Definitely Acceptable
3 - Only Just Acceptable
2 - Not Quite Acceptable
1 - Definitely Poor
0 - Not Acceptable

Overall Score : 237/290 (81%)

Rating : 3 stars

Exterior : Section Score - 25/30 (83%)
1. Appearance of Building 9
2. Grounds and Garden 7
3. Environment (location, views etc) 9
Comments: I understand that the exterior of the property had been repainted during the course of May last year. It certainly looked very smart during my visit even though the weather wasn't showing us it's better face. Grounds continue to be well cared for and Cairncroft, in it's beautiful environment, surely won't fail toimpress first time visitors.
Bedrooms : Section Score - 47/60 (78%)
4. Decor inc Walls & Ceiling 8
5. Lighting 7
6. Heating 8
7. Furnishings and Fitments 8
8. Floor Coverings 7
9. Beds and Linen 9
Bathrooms / Wcs : Section Score - 32/40 (80%)
10. Decor 8
11. Floor coverings 7
12. Sundry Equipment and Fittings 9
13. Lighting / Heating and Ventilation 8
Comments: A very good overall standard is being maintained in the bathrooms.
Public Areas : Section Score - 40/50 (80%)
14. Decor inc Walls & Ceiling 8
15. Lighting 8
16. Heating 8
17. Furnishings and Fitments 9
18. Floor Coverings 7
Comments: The public areas are continuing to score well. Good use has been made of the available space with grouping of soft furniture around the open fire and other chairs and the dining table set apart. The suite is excellent and wearing well, and the curtains are also very good.
Kitchen : Section Score - 48/60 (80%)
19. Decor inc Walls, Ceiling and Floor 7
20. Lighting 7
21. Electrical Equipment 9
22. Furnishings and Fitments 8
23. Crockery and Utensils 9
24. Cooker 8
Comments: The kitchen is bright and well organised with plenty of work surfaces for food preparation. Facilities include an excellent provision of cooking utensils, crockery and sets of cutlery for both everyday use and more formal occasions. The utility room to the side of the kitchen offers additional space and houses excellent washing machine and dishwasher. A double larder fridge and generous sized chest freezer are also available.
Services : Section Score - 45/50 (90%)
25. Welcome, Atmosphere and Personal Touches 9
26. Management Efficiency 9
27. Tourist Information 9
28. Housekeeping 9
29. Overall Impression 9
Comments: Housekeeping of an excellent standard in all areas with clear attention to detail. Substantial tourist information is available and bookings appear to be dealt with in an efficient manner.

The above score of 81% is just 3% short of a 4 star rating.

For some reason, the Grading Officer refused to give us a score for "opportunities to interact with local wildlife"!