FOUR lucky Lornshill Academy pupils were buzzing with excitement after spending a fun-filled day sampling everything on offer at the Highland Safaris in Perthshire.

The youngsters were selected to try working as VisitScotland quality and tourism advisers (QTA) following a school visit from the group's regional director, Neil Christison.

After hearing they could review a Scottish tourist attraction of their choice, Eryn Marshall, Lucy Hensman, Imogen McLeod and Damien McAleese – all aged 13 – picked Highland Safaris.

As part of the review, the S2 students went for an exciting forest safari in a six-wheel off-road vehicle to learn about the Perthshire wilderness.

They also sampled the food on offer at the safari's cafe, and topped their visit off at the Red Deer Centre, where they were the ones doing the feeding.

The visitor attraction, near Aberfeldy, has already been given a five-star rating by VisitScotland’s quality experts, and managed to pass the tough standards of the honorary teenage judges.

Imogen McLeod, one of the pupils who took part, said: “It was a really great day and Highland Safaris is definitely five stars.

"The staff were all very welcoming and knowledgeable and it was exciting to be out in the wilderness and then feeding the red deer.

“We got to experience what it is like working in the tourism industry and being a VisitScotland quality and tourism advisor in particular which was fun and helps us for our future.”

VisitScotland's QTAs play a key role in the tourism industry, usually carrying out assessments incognito, like a mystery shopper, but giving instant feedback and advice at the end of their visit.

Donald Riddell, managing director of Highland Safaris, added: “It was a pleasure to welcome the pupils of Lornshill Academy and we were honoured to have been chosen from the huge variety of excellent attractions across Scotland.

"Of course, we are also delighted that we retained with our five-star status from the promising group of youngsters.”