An unexpected day in Bruges planted the seed of an idea for a second career that has now seen Stuart and Marion Robertson welcome people from across the world into their home.

The couple, who took the day trip after their flight home from Brussels was cancelled due to volcanic ash in 2010, decided to open a B&B on their return after seeing how the historic city encapsulated the best of Belgium.

After a year-long search for a property, which saw them travel along the west coast and across the Highlands, they stumbled upon the perfect place in Muckhart, which took over two years to renovate and officially opened to the public last June.

After taking advice from Business Gateway Clackmannanshire to add an online reservation function to their website earlier this year, the couple are preparing for Baldiesburn B&Bs busiest summer to date.

Marion, who works in the environmental sector, said: “We had been looking for a business idea that would combine our enthusiasm for sumptuous food and our interest in people with our love of the environment and all things Scottish. We also wanted something that we could pursue as a second ‘career’ into retirement.

“When we got stuck in Brussels and hopped on the train to Bruges I was struck by how well the Flemish city projected its past and present culture. It was while looking into the window of a lovely historic restaurant that the strands of longing to create something essentially ours came together; why not showcase Scotland from a beautiful B&B in the same way as Bruges promotes the best of Belgium?

“Once we found Baldiesburn, which was built c1750, we spent more time and money than we had originally planned turning it into a home as well as a B&B, and used our friends as ‘guinea pigs’ in 2013.

“Their feedback on their stay with us was very positive. Because Stuart, who is a teacher, and I still work full-time we took the decision to only open at weekends and during school holidays until one of us retires, and we welcomed our first paying guests, the Ducati Superbike team who were racing at Knockhill, last June.” She added: “Right from the start Business Gateway’s guidance and encouragement has been invaluable to us. When we first went to them our adviser recommended we write a business plan and helped us develop a marketing strategy.

“Earlier this year their ITC specialist provided us with a raft of low and no cost actions to drive more visitors to our website. This included adding the online room reservation function which has ultimately helped us increase our bookings.” Sarah Fishwick, Business Gateway, said: “Already Marion and Stuart have welcomed guests from as far away as Seattle and Melbourne, France, Germany and the UK as well as those who are virtually neighbours in Fife. All of whom have enjoyed the combination of home comforts and privacy on offer.

“As a small business, operating only at peak times of the year, the couple needed start up support to focus their minds and prioritise, and latterly they needed help tweaking their website to increase engagement which is now helping them generate more interest.” Offering two en-suite guest bedrooms and a breakfast room, Baldiesburn provides visitors with a memorable stay and unspoilt views of the Ochil Hills which they can enjoy in the garden after a day visiting the many attractions based in the surrounding area.

Marion said: “Our aim as hosts is to offer a unique hospitality experience, providing outstanding accommodation and tantalising food with a personal touch.

“We are delighted to accommodate guests escaping for a weekend, local folk visiting family and friends, global travellers and business visitors alike, and we enjoy sharing our home and Scotland with them as it offers a unique opportunity to hear about their lives and promote our fabulous country.

“We also relish the constant field research involved in sourcing local Scottish food products and breakfast recipes to wow guests with!” For more information visit www.muckhartbandb.com