The owner of a Largs guest house has spoken of his delight after TripAdvisor awarded the business as number one accomodiation provider in the area.

Keith Low, of St Leonard's Guest House, told the News he was "thrilled to bits" with the accolade, after taking over the facility four years ago.

He said: "It is tremendous to get the recognition. Last year we won the award, and now we have won it for the second year running.

"It is not so much for me but for the team that do all the background work including the cleaners and cooks - and it is great to see the good work recognised in this way."

Keith, 59, who runs the guest house with partner  Lia, revealed to the News some of the secrets of its success.

He said: "We made an effort to make sure that guests staying are well looked after, and I feel we have stamped our mark on it since taking over in 2019.

"I used to have a restaurant in London and I think one of the important things to ensure is that everyone receives a warm welcome, first and foremost, and make them feel part of the family here. I always greet people and never not met once met a client, and I tell them some history about the town and recommend restaurants and places to go.

"I have done a bit of travelling myself so I know how important it is to get all the laundry and shower facilities in good order, and a good coffee in the morning and a first class breakfast, are all key. You want to leave people with a good impression and you want them to enjoy coming back too. It is our family home too and we want everything to run smoothly, and also, we want our warm personality to come across."

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

St Leonard's Guest House has also been supportive of Largs Community Council's neighbouring community garden which has become a popular attraction at the foot of Gogoside Road.

Keith said: "Robbie Stevenson and his wife Fiona, and Largs Community Council are regularly down planting flowers and maintain the garden and I join them. They have done a fantastic job providing all sorts of themes including the recent Viking Festival, Halloween, and Christmas decorations at the appropriate times of year - and it is always nice to provide a helping hand."

Keith was raised outside Windsor, and moved to Largs in 1998.

When the opportunity came up to take over the guest house, he and partner Lia both leapt at the opportunity, and they haven't looked back.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

He said: "We gave the property an extensive refurb and wanted to make the place really look spick and span, and it has been great to get this kind of recognition.

"We hope people will continue to enjoy visiting Largs and their time staying here."

Reviewers have left lavish praise on the TripAdvisor website including this recent visitor in August, who said: "The owner, Keith, was lovely, friendly, humorous, caring and informative. Breakfast was the best I've ever had. Room spotlessly clean, bed very comfortable, including pillows.

"I'm going to go back just for the pleasure of staying again."