Orkney's only five-star bed and breakfast business is now rated in the top three of all Scottish visitor accommodation graded by tourism organisation VisitScotland.

Stewart and Jacky Anderson, who provide luxurious accommodation at Rickla in Harray, see the recognition as a reward for the efforts they make in caring for their guests.

The couple have been determined not to rest on their laurels since Rickla became one of only two bed and breakfast businesses north of Inverness to win five-star status.

Their latest venture, backed by support worth £9,800 from Orkney Enterprise, has been to provide private sun lounges for each of their two en-suite bedrooms.

"Our philosophy is simple," said Mr Anderson. "Our guests often have high-powered jobs and are coming here to relax and unwind far from the madding crowd.

"Our job is to make them feel as welcome and comfortable as we possibly can. We try to offer them the best of everything from the furniture in their bedrooms, to the superb local ingredients on the breakfast menu, to the quality of service we provide ourselves. 

"We are pleased that it seems to work. Many of the guests come back time and time again. Many stay for a week or a fortnight at a time and many contact us in the first place because of a personal recommendation from someone who has stayed with us before."

Two years ago, when Rickla was first rated five-star by VisitScotland, the  business was given a grading score of 93 per cent by the organisation's inspectors. It is the only visitor accommodation in Orkney with a five-star rating.

The Andersons, by continually finding ways to build on their success, have now achieved a score of 96 per cent.

Of the 59 accommodation establishments classed as five-star by VisitScotland, the list includes castles, hotels, guest houses and self catering businesses, as well as bed and breakfast providers - just one has a near perfect 98 per cent score.

Another is rated at 97 per cent while eight are in third place on the list having been graded five-star with scores of 96 per cent.

"We are proud to be among the top three of all serviced accommodation inspected by VisitScotland," said Mr Anderson. "It is something we think is important, not just for us but for the whole of Orkney.

"The islands have an enormous amount to offer to a very wide range of visitors, but in the final analysis, Orkney is only one of a huge number of choices open to the tourist. There is intense competition for the tourist's business and many destinations are a great deal easier and very much cheaper to reach than Orkney.

"Both the tourist and the business traveller are becoming increasingly selective and their expectations are rising rapidly. It is essential that Orkney provides accommodation which exceeds visitor expectations and encourages them to return."

Mr Anderson added: "We do work very hard, but we get pleasure and enormous job satisfaction from knowing we have exceeded any expectations our visitors had."

The new sun lounges enjoy superb views over the Harray Loch to the hills of Hoy and have turned the bedrooms into guest suites.

Graeme Harrison, Orkney Enterprise's development manager, said: "The Andersons are very responsive to the needs of their guests and we were happy to help them further enhance the experience their visitors enjoy.

"Customer reaction has been very favourable and it is great for Orkney that accommodation like this is available."