Executive Summary

The purpose of the Executive Summary is to give judges a general overview and better understanding of your day-to-day business/project. Although not an exhaustive list, some examples of the type of information judges will be looking for are listed below. This question is not scored and is for information only.

• Who’s involved in the project/business/collaboration
• Size and purpose of project/business/collaboration
• Type(s) of activities/services on offer
• How long the project/business/collaboration has been operating
• Demonstration of project/business/collaboration sustainability or annual growth
• Any other information you feel is relevant 

1.  How is your activity excelling in delivering for the local community and visitor experience?

Please provide evidence of activity and actions taken between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. Focus on the areas most relevant to your business. You don’t need to cover every example listed, but include practical details such as what you do, how it works, and the results. You can also add other relevant information if helpful.

You may wish to include:

• Details of how your activity delivers for the local community
• Details of how the local community are engaged in developing and improving the visitor experience
• What evidence do you have to support the value and excellence of the activity? E.g., feedback, increase in numbers (bookings, financial, engagement figures)
• How has your activity improved resilience and/or economic sustainability?

2.  What steps are you currently taking to develop your business/project? What do you hope to achieve and how are you measuring success?

You should provide evidence of current developments and how benefits to the community and the visitor experience will be monitored / measured, eg. through visitor and community feedback, increased revenue, target market statistics. Please cover any areas you think are relevant although you may wish to include aspects such as:

• Plans for new and innovative products/services
• What is the legacy of your collaboration/partnership working and/or will it continue?
• New collaboration and/or partnership working
• Investment in and plans for training and development to support recruitment, retention and development of staff
• Intentionally targeting new markets or increasing engagement/visitor/occupancy rates
• Obtaining an external assessment of quality and experience (eg awards schemes, customer ratings)

3.  Please demonstrate how you embed sustainability practices into your day-to-day business operations

Please provide evidence of activity and actions taken between 1st April 2025 and 31st March 2026. Focus on the areas most relevant to your business. You don’t need to cover every example listed, but include practical details such as what you do, how it works, and the results. You can also add other relevant information if helpful.

You may wish to include:

• Developing a climate action plan; achieving green awards; green champions within the initiative; promote environmental sustainable practices undertaken in your business; reducing waste from packaging; reducing food waste; increasing energy efficiency
• Ensuring that you are providing for visitors with access requirements; creating and promoting an accessibility guide detailing the onsite visitor journey; creating an access guide on your website to make your digital content accessible; employee training; ensure a range of catering choices for various dietary preferences; affordable pricing
• Use and promotion of local products and services; working with local businesses; hiring local staff; engaging with local communities to inform the development and/or delivery of your activity
• Promoting the local area, including nearby businesses and attractions; delivery of any relevant events that promote Scottish culture and nature, sharing the history of your business, community and local area
• Implementing nature-based solutions that protect, restore or create thriving natural habitats, such as protection of eco-systems, capturing carbon in nature, tree planting etc