Cairngorm Mountain in Scotland has been recognised as the UK’s top attraction by the Best Practice Forum in its first annual Business Excellence Awards.

The attraction, located close to Aviemore in the Central Highlands, was originally an engineering-led ski area but has been developed into a year-round attraction. It now boasts a funicular railway, the Ptarmigan Restaurant, a shop and a mountain exhibition telling the story of how the mountains have evolved and how wildlife has adapted to live in extreme conditions.

The site also won the award for attractions businesses with a turnover of more than £1m.

Ian Whitaker, Cairngorm Mountain’s commercial director, said: “The Best Practice Forum's Business Excellence Awards are awarded to UK businesses that have demonstrated their willingness to adopt or adapt best practice in all aspects of their operation – so raising their efficiency and profitability.

“They recognise how innovative business practice can achieve outstanding success and we are absolutely delighted that Cairngorm Mountain’s commitment to its staff training programme has been recognised in this way.”

Bob Kinnaird, chief executive, added: “We have worked hard to create a rewarding and inspirational professional community, where individuals feel part of the team and can achieve their personal aspirations.

“Everything we do as a company is geared towards continual improvement and that cannot be achieved unless staff members know what is expected of them and are given the correct skills and support to deliver. The Business Excellence Awards recognise the commitment by all of our staff to improving standards and offering an enhanced quality service to our customers.”

The award for attractions with a turnover of less than £1m went to Kents Caverns in Torquay which has increased turnover by 75 per cent in six years due to redeveloping visitor services at its system of natural caves.

Jacobite Experience, which offers cruises and tours on and around Loch Ness, was highly commended in the under £1m category. The Workhouse in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, operated by the National Trust, was also highly commended for its use of volunteers to develop the historic site into an attraction.

The four winning attractions beat off competition from other shortlisted operations which included Blackpool Pleasure Beach, The Eden Project, Maximum Fun, Paignton Zoo and York Maze.

The award ceremony was held at a gala dinner in London on 3 May 2006. Businesses wishing to apply for the 2007 awards can contact the organisation on +44 (0)1480 483333 or visit www.businessexcellenceawards.com