A warm welcome to the 14th edition of The Good Hotel & Food Book for year 2009. A difficult year with the downturn in the world economy and the hike on fuel, food and utility costs. However, most country house hotels have managed to ‘buck the trend’ and, although erratic at times, have enjoyed a fairly successful season. The weather has not helped – atrocious conditions at times. There has been a reduction of visitors from North America but visitors from Europe are slightly on the increase. My personal selection once again includes old favourites with a few additions this year – only one real casualty (deleted) – others have changed from hotel to private residence or are in a state of ‘limbo’. James Chassels, retired AA Hotel & Food Inspector of 31 years was again enlisted as consultant. However, time was against us and The Good Food Book at the rear of the book is restricted but not compromised in any way. Grateful to my sponsors for their support of which a list appears on the contents page 4. Also refer you to my editorial overview on pages 10-13 for a more personal and ‘in depth’ review, not only of myself as publisher, but the book itself and how I arrive at my personal selection. My motto is, “the care and comfort of the guest are paramount”. Already I look forward to the 15th edition of STEVENSONS for 2010.

"Alan Stevenson's Good Food Book is vitally important, as it highlights the very best of what Scotland has to offer in terms of cuisine and hospitality." - Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles