EatScotland is a quality assurance “where to eat” scheme from VisitScotland and a website promoting all positive aspects of food and drink in Scotland. SFQC have been contracted by VisitScotland to deliver this initiative.
EatScotland has two main objectives. Firstly it helps the residents and visitors to Scotland find great places to eat, not just the well-established places but also the many unsung and sometimes relatively undiscovered places within Scotland that are providing good food, but who may not have managed to get into the glossy printed guides.
The second aim is to raise the profile of Scottish food as an important part of tourism, giving credit to those who are achieving high standards and encouraging others to aspire to that standard. Good examples in the industry, no matter what type of business, will be acknowledged for their achievements.
The Scheme itself is not intended to enforce a straightjacket of formal upmarket standards or particular style on participating establishments. Research into the formation of the scheme found that consumers wanted a wide-ranging guide, incorporating a clear indication of ‘standard bearers’ in the industry – that is, businesses offering excellence and quality within their sector of the market.
“Mystery Customer” type assessments take into account the standards and expectations appropriate to the type of eating establishment. The standard covers quality, service, and hygiene. Using a team of experienced assessors, SFQC carries out assessments of participating businesses and operates a simple pass or fail system allied to constructive feedback should the applicant not be initially successful.
From a diner’s point of view, the scheme will help ensure that high standards are the norm, from takeaways and tearooms to restaurants, coffee houses to fish and chip shops.
Benefits to participants include the opportunity to participate in VisitScotland marketing or promotional publications. There may well also be special “one off” promotions available.
Once accepted into the scheme, the participant receives a Scheme window sticker plus certificate. A Scheme logo is also provided for use promotions activity. All approved participants are featured on the EatScotland website .