Our 91% Record Achievement

We are delighted to announce our family business has been awarded 91% by VisitScotland in our recent quality assurance visit.  

Graded with only 12 other tourism attractions in Scotland achieving over 90% in their assessment, the national tourism board acknowledges the exceptional visitor experience delivered by the people of Mercat.

We've been awarded 5 stars for the 8th year running now and we remain the only walking tour company with the accolade, however we keep trying to  better our percentage grading each year. We take inspiration and learn from superb attractions such as The Royal Yacht Brittania with their 97% grading, and we've strived to invest and improve our tour experience for visitors and staff alike.  

Surpassing the 91% grading from VisitScotland are the 97% of visitors who would recommend us to others, and we welcome back with a 'returner's discount' as thanks.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award, especially as VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme is now a benchmark for quality assessment internationally. Constant review of what we do by listening to visitor’s feedback and scrutiny for awards such as this help us to develop and improve. It means a great deal to have the hard work of our staff and our business ethos recognised and rewarded.” Frances Mann, Head of Product and Training

The record grading is the latest, valued award for Mercat following a successful year which has seen the company’s commitment to quality acknowledged with a National Scottish Thistle Award (Skills and Training), Scottish Business in the Community SME of the Year and GTBS GOLD re-awarded for sustainable practise.

We now aim to celebrate our 30th year with welcoming more visitors to Edinburgh and to the Mercat Cross to hear our history get a 'damn good telling'.

Des Brogan, Director