Bed & Bookings: Online firm replaces VisitScotland

AN ONLINE booking service for bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) aims to grab a larger slice of Scotland’s £11 billion tourism market after taking over services from VisitScotland this weekend.

Edinburgh-based Private House Stays already handles website bookings for more than 200 B&Bs, guest houses and boutique hotels. The firm was founded in 2007 by Archie and Cassie Bouverie, who have run 9B Scotland Street in Edinburgh as a B&B for more than 12 years.

Under changes unveiled last month, the VisitScotland website will stop its online booking system but will instead link to several other providers, including PHS.

Cassie, pictured, said: “We are delighted to be working with VisitScotland as one of their booking providers.

“The PHS online booking form is the friendliest system on the market. Users trying to plan their trip should have fewer boxes to fill in, an unthreatening booking process and a secure contract between the parties.”

PETER RANSCOMBE