NORTHERN ISLES FERRY FIRM FLUSHED WITH SUCCESS

NorthLink Ferries has scooped two top prizes and three five star certificates at a national awards ceremony in recognition of the toilet facilities on-board its ferries.

The company’s cleaning staff took the ‘Attendant of the Year’ award and NorthLink was also the national winner in the ‘Sea Transport’ category at the Loo of the Year Awards in Nairn.

NorthLink’s three cruise-standard passenger ferries MVs Hrossey, Hjaltland and Hamnavoe were each awarded five star certificates for their toilet facilities.

Mike Sage, NorthLink’s customer services executive, said: “Although these awards are viewed by some as a source of light relief, they are testament to our ships’ crews who work hard to ensure NorthLink’s passengers travel in comfort and have easy access to clean toilet facilities during their journey. We pride ourselves on the all-round standard of service provided on-board our vessels, so to be recognised with these awards is very pleasing indeed. And yes, we’re ready for all the associated toilet humour that’s likely to follow.”

The Loo of the Year Awards and associated Attendant of the Year Awards for cleaning staff have been identifying the best in Britain since 1987 and are recognised as standard setters for all those who provide ‘away from home’ facilities for staff, customers and visitors.

Each entry received an unannounced visit from an authorised Loo of the Year Awards Inspector and was assessed against a wide range of judging criteria, including signage and décor, fixtures and fittings and overall standards of cleanliness and management. Every loo receives a star grading ranging from one to five and five star winners are short-listed for one of a number of National Awards covering Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The 2003 awards were sponsored by washroom specialists Cannon Hygiene, SCA Hygiene Products, Technical Concepts and Unger UK, together with the four national tourism bodies – Visit Britain, Visit Scotland, Wales Tourist Board and Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

More than 800 entries were received this year across all 18 categories of the competition, with many first time establishments joining the increasing number of providers who submit their toilet facilities for an annual independent assessment.