Safe To Trade Award

9 September 2020

Macdonald Aviemore Resort given a top clean bill of health says Safe to Trade Scheme

Macdonald Aviemore Resort is amongst 175 hotels across the UK which have been deemed as fully Covid compliant, by the nationwide Safe to Trade Scheme.

Many Brits have already head off for a much needed staycation to Aviemore, and the Cairngorms. Macdonald Aviemore Resort is one of the first to be given the all clear by a new independent scheme amongst just 31 Scottish hotels.

Macdonald Aviemore Resort Exterior

The newly-launched scheme helps holidaymakers to identify which hotels, bars, restaurants and cinemas are going the extra mile to ensure the safety of both their staff and guests.

It was launched by top-ranking hospitality safety experts, including the former CEO of the Health and Safety Executive and Food Standards Agency and the ex-head of Local Delivery at Food Standards Agency.

The scheme guarantees an independently verified safety standard for hospitality businesses that are not only compliant with, but also implementing measures that go above and beyond the government’s guidelines for trading during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 31 Scottish hotels in the Top 175 Approved Safe to Trade Hotels in the UK have been independently audited by the Safe to Trade Scheme’s team of expert environmental health practitioners and have had to pass a strict approval process.

Family in Swimming Pool

The hotels will now work with the experts at the scheme on an ongoing basis, who will audit their safety practices against its Safety Charter to ensure that they are running a Covid-compliant operation. The information is being made available to the public, so that they can make informed choices.

The establishments now feature on a national register, that holidaymakers can consult to find a safe to trade venue, which is regularly updated following honest feedback – both good and bad – from staff and customers.

Family Autumn

Mark Flanagan, who chairs the Safe to Trade Scheme governance board said: “We are delighted to announce the first 175 UK hotels to meet our stringent standards and be deemed as Safe to Trade.
"For those customers looking to make the most of what’s left of the summer with a UK staycation but who want to do so as safely as possible, the Safe to Trade Scheme provides peace of mind.
"Customers who consult our register of approved venues at safetotrade.org.uk can search for a hotel by name or location and be confident that every approved hotel that features on the list complies fully with the law.”

Green Loch

As well as hotels and lodges at at Macdonald Aviemore Resort, the sister resorts nearby are also compliant - Macdonald Spey Valley Resort in the outskirts of Aviemore and Macdonald Lochanhully Resort in Carrbridge.

To find out more about the Safe to Trade Scheme visit: www.safetotrade.org.uk.

Lochanhully Chalet