Nature / Wildlife tour operator wins service excellence award
LOCAL wildlife tour operator Seabirds-and-Seals has added another award to its growing list of accolades.
The Lerwick based business has just been named winner of the service excellence award 2024 by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Scotland.
Seabirds-and-Seals: The Original Noss Boat Tour, operated by Brian and Marie Leask, goes now forward to the UK finals, held on 9 May at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
The business provides wildlife boat tours around the islands of Bressay and Noss.
Upon taking the business over around seven years ago, the husband and wife team focused on making the business as accessible as possible.
A qualified senior level social care worker, Marie Leask is committed to inclusion and that tours should be for everyone.
Amongst other things, they have invested in making their boat wheelchair accessible by adding a flat, obstruction-free boarding platform to accommodate all levels and abilities, and they have also given their crew additional training.
Leask said: “We run from April to early October, weather permitting, providing informative fun-filled tours to suit all ages, interests and capabilities.
“Our team is made up of enthusiasts passionate about local wildlife, geology, history and heritage, and also about sharing it all with our customers, ensuring that they leave Shetland happy, relaxed and committed to returning.
“Our aim is inclusion for all, and we have worked very hard and invested much to achieve that aim. Brian and I are delighted to be recognised by the FSB in this way.”
FSB Highlands & Islands development manager David Richardson said: “I met Brian and Marie in Lerwick in November and was instantly drawn to their warm and welcoming natures and their passion for their business.
“I’m absolutely delighted – but not surprised – to see them win our service excellence award.”
