John Richard

A toddler who sued one of the country's top family hotels for £4,000 has won a payout in an out-of-court settlement.

Sheonaidh Nisbet's parents took legal action against the owners of Crieff Hydro after she was left scarred during a break at the Perthshire hotel.

The three-year-old fell and cut open her chin while walking with her family in the grounds of the four-star hotel.

The girl's father, William Nisbet, said the settlement would be placed in trust for his daughter.

The family's legal claim stated that the hotel - which advertises itself as Scotland's most child-friendly - failed in its duty of care to residents.

According to court papers filed at Perth Sheriff Court, the Nisbets were walking with their children past seating outside the Brasserie Restaurant when Sheonaidh fell in May last year.

The court writ stated: "As Sheonaidh was walking she tripped, lost her footing and fell onto a protruding metal water service cover located on the grass. There was nothing to warn persons it was protruding from the grass.

"As a result of falling, Sheonaidh suffered loss, injury and damage."

Striking red hair

As a result of the fall, the three-year-old, who was described as "distressed, crying and in pain" and "bleeding profusely", was taken to casualty at Crieff Hospital.

There her wound was cleaned and paper stitches were applied.

Medical evidence submitted to the court said the child would be left scarred as a result of her accident, and that scarring would take longer to fade because of her striking red hair.

Mr Nisbet, from Kennoway in Fife, said: "We did what we felt was right and fair for our daughter. We have spent many happy times at Crieff Hydro and were saddened by their lack of concern following her injury.

"They never once enquired as to her well being. Our child is precious to us and should not be subjected to pain and injury from organisational neglect.

"Sheonaidh may opt to have cosmetic surgery in adulthood and this will be her choice. Her settlement in respect of her injury is safely placed in a trust for her until then."

The payout is believed to be in the region of about £2,500.