ONE OF MORAY’S leading tourist attractions has been celebrating this week after clinching not one but two awards.
The WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay has been for some years a shining light on the region with the visitor centre proving popular not only with visitors but through a series of annual wildlife educational events with local children.
Now the centre has taken a Gold Award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme – and this week also given the Moray Speyside Tourism Business Award, presented on Wednesday at an awards lunch in Lossiemouth.
“We have been working towards the Gold Green Tourism Award for over six years now – and after making some changes to make the Scottish Dolphin Centre more eco-friendly we have been rewarded for our efforts,” centre manager Alison Rose said.
She added: “The report highlighted the great range of local suppliers on the café menu and organic and ethical products in the gift shop, and the extensive education programme we deliver for local schools.”
The Moray Speyside Business Awards honour the success of regional businesses, and the WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre was recognised in the tourism category.
Alison added: “It is fantastic to also gain this recognition from the Moray Chamber of Commerce in 2016 as we have hit 95,000 annual visitors for the first time in our history.
“We are proud of the contribution we make to the local economy of Moray and that so many people have come to Spey Bay to learn more about the amazing bottlenose dolphins, and WDC’s work to protect them.”
Sarah Medcraf, CEO of Moray Chamber of Commerce, added: “I am delighted that we had such a strong turnout for our awards as they come in to their second year.
“Business is getting tougher each year with one thing or another and our Moray businesses prove time and time again that they can take it in their stride and thrive. Our awards are a celebration of that.”