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Our aims are to contribute to sustainable tourism in Scotland, and to improve the experience for visitors by reducing as far as possible our environmental impact in terms of energy consumption, waste production and visual impact, and to encourage and protect local biodiversity.
The accommodation has been constructed using environmentally benign materials where possible, and promoting materials which can be re-used and re-cycled. We have used hemp insulation, and the house is clad with European Larch, which does not need to be chemically treated. The walls are built using unfired earth bricks for thermal mass and moisture control, covered with earth plaster to give a very natural textured surface. This gives a sense of intimacy and cosiness in contrast to the openness of the space in the living area. The design of the house minimises energy usage and loss, maximises passive solar gain potential and makes the most of the natural daylight. Low energy light bulbs are fitted wherever possible, inside and out, and appliances are all A-rated.
The water supply to the house is natural spring water, treated to the necessary standards. We avoid chlorine bleaches and use only eco-friendly products, provided for guests' use. We have installed low-flush toilets and water efficient appliances and waste water is treated via septic tank and reed beds. Guests are encouraged to recycle and compost using the bins provided.
Guests will find environmentally friendly cleaning products and recycled toilet paper. The business uses recycled stationery wherever possible and advertising is done electronically to save on paper. Our purchases are sourced locally if possible. The electricity supply to the house is RSPB Energy, one of the most environmentally-friendly energy schemes in the UK.
We buy local produce from the nearby farmshop for the guests and our meals. We produce our own organic beef and lamb and in the future would like to make that available to our guests, as well as organic veg from the garden. If there are surplus eggs from our chickens we pass them on to guests.
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same holiday can have different views!
