An Orkney accommodation provider has climbed to the top of the local B & B trade thanks to its outstanding commitment to customer care and excellent facilities.

Scottish Tourist Board (STB) inspectors recently awarded Rickla - a B & B at Harray on the Orkney mainland its prestige five star status, making it the first B & B on the island to achieve the top rating - and after only four years in business. The achievement is even more impressive as only 17 of the 2,600 Scottish B & B's are recognised with five stars - the highest possible STB rating.

When owners Jacky and Stewart Anderson opened for business in 1996 they were awarded a three crown, highly commended rating - the highest grade for an Orkney B & B at the time. In 1998 they were awarded four stars after further improvements were made including a conservatory extension to serve as a separate guest dining room.

Jacky Anderson said: "Investing in facilities of the very highest standard and marrying this with total dedication to exceeding customer expectations allowed as to achieve the five star standard. This has been reflected in our 99 per cent occupancy level during this years summer season.

"Following our four star inspection two years ago and the realisation that we only just failed to make it to the five star standard by one per cent, we turned our efforts into taking Rickla that final step to achieving and actually exceeding five star specification. This included altering the lay-out of the bedrooms and improving the standards of fittings within the en-suite bathrooms."

This work was completed last winter - with assistance of some £1,400 (pounds), 30 per cent of costs from Orkney Enterprise

Graeme Harrison from Orkney Enterprise said: "Mrs Anderson is committed to providing the highest possible standards of service for her guests and the recent improvements underline her determination and commitment to this. Raising standards of quality across the full range of tourist accommodation within Orkney is an ongoing priority for Orkney Enterprise."

Chief executive of Orkney Tourist Board Gareth Crichton said: "The standards and commitment to outstanding service at Rickla are to be applauded and it is encouraging to see other accommodation providers across the county upgrading their facilities and improving standards of service every year. As competition for visitors increases, it is important improvements continue to be made in order for Orkney to build on its reputation as an appealing and popular tourist destination."