A drive by Ross-shire taxi operators to improve levels of service has led to them picking up an award for their commitment to customer care.

The 12 drivers took their 'for hire' lights off for a day when they took part in the Taxi Drivers Customer Care Award Scheme, which is part of an overall series of seminars organised by Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) to improve levels of service delivered by local tourism businesses.

A wide variety of courses are being run throughout the year on a range of subjects from customer service to food preparation, and professional wine service to information technology and best management practices.

Skills development manager at RACE Audrey MacLennan said: "Good customer care is now seen as a vital element in encouraging visitors into the area, keeping them here for longer and encouraging them to return in the future. The tourism training courses on offer provide all businesses in the tourism sector with access to training and information which in turn adds value to their particular business.

"Courses like Welcome Host have been the mainstay of previous customer care campaigns and have proved very successful in the hospitality sector, but it is important that other businesses like taxi drivers who deal with tourists are also aware of these skills. This will provide visitors with a consistent attitude to customer care no matter where they go in the area."

Phil Scott from the Ross-shire Taxi, Private Hire and Driver Association said: "Every driver attending the course found it to be a worthwhile learning experience. It highlighted the importance of a variety of points, from confirming the details of a journey with a customer early on, to sharing experiences of good and bad practices."

A full list of tourism training courses is available by contacting Audrey MacLennan on 01349 855226.