LOCAL tourist attraction Kelburn Castle is celebrating a double win at the Scottish Hospitality Awards.

The country park, which brings an estimated 75,000 visitors a year to the North Coast, scooped the Best Day Out award while the Kelburn Garden Party took the Best Scottish Festival gong.

Staff from the park picked up the awards at a glamorous bash at the Marriott in Glasgow.

The country park hosts hundreds of local groups, school trips, weddings and corporate functions every year, with popular attractions including the secret forest and a trio of adorable lamas.

Dr Alison Burke, general manager of Kelburn, said staff were delighted to receive the honours.

She said: “We are all still over the moon to have won.

“Kelburn is a truly magical place that nurtures the imagination and creativity of children, with everything from the majestic graffiti castle, the formal walled garden with its ancient trees and the adventure playground, all having a special place in local people's hearts.

“There are also the outstanding walks through the Kelburn Glen with its awe-inspiring waterfalls and I believe Kelburn truly is the best day in the country."

As well as being a national attraction, the site provides livery for 30 horses, offers camping and glamping facilities and stages a series of major annual events, with the garden party the jewel in its crown.

The festival welcomes up to 4,000 visitors to the park for three days of music and art in the July sunshine.

David Boyle, director of Kelburn Garden Party, says he is delighted that the festival has been honoured with the award.

He said: “Kelburn Garden Party has evolved over the last 13 years to become one of the best and most creative events on the Scottish calendar.

“Following a tough two years of Covid cancellations, we are delighted to be returning this year with our most spectacular event so far.”

Kelburn Estate is open daily from 10am to 6pm, with the secret forest open Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm.

Entry to the estate is free, with car parking costing £5. Entry to the secret forest costs £4 per person.

More information on Kelburn Castle is available at www.kelburnestate.com