The Stable B&B nr Loch Lomond NP, Scotland
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
My career has been in countryside management and conservation and I have contributed to the conservation, restoration and management of many habitats in the local area through my work as local Advisor with the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and past organiser and volunteer with local conservation volunteers.
Our fruit and vegetable growing in the garden is carried out without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilisers. We encourage bird and insect life through feeding and providing suitable habitats. This year we have had 3 blackbirds' nests, one dunnock's nest, one house martin's nest (3 broods - on The Stable), one swallow's nest (2 broods) at least 2 house sparrow's nests (more than 1 brood) and a wren's nest. We have been feeding goldfinches, chaffinches, greenfinches, robins, blue tits, great tits and coal tits. Thrushes visit our garden and the jackdaws have eaten all of our apples!
All of the old slates, timber and bricks from the stable repairs are being recycled within the grounds of the Smiddy. We recycle all paper, cardboard, glass, tins, drinks cartons and plastic bottles and provide facilities for our guests to do the same. All vegetable waste is composted. Toiletries supplied to guests are organic and produced within Scotland. Toilet paper is from recycled sources. Cleaning materials are all environmentally friendly.
We have installed a low flush cistern in The Stable. Our electricity supply is from partially renewable sources. All of the lighting in The Stable (and our own house) uses low energy bulbs. The heating in the Stable is underfloor electric and is of the most efficient available. The inner shell of The Stable is constructed from Structural Insulated Panels with a very high insulation value. We also have a heat recovery air management system, which strips waste heat and returns it to the building, thereby reducing the energy requirement for heating.
The Stable has been rebuilt in the local vernacular style. We have used recycled materials wherever possible and low carbon alternatives where it wasn't. We are located in an area that is popular with cyclists and walkers and are actively targeting these groups.
We are sourcing local suppliers who can provide free range (and rare breed) bacon and sausages, free range eggs, organic flour, butter, milk, and cereals. Preserves are local. This has been a very exciting part of establishing the B&B, knowing that we are encouraging and supporting local producers who have the same values. Our toiletries are produced in Scotland and are organic and free of harmful chemicals.
Community
As a volunteer in the local Information Centre, I have access to very good local sources for activities, events and places to visit. Our own website contains a number of links to local places of interest, restaurants and things to do. We also supply an information pack for guests. Promoting local businesses is essential for the sustainability of a small community like Doune. We also have a link to the community website and a News page, where we can highlight up and coming events.
Our village is currently under threat from major housing development proposals. The community has been successful in rebutting one of these threats, by a major show of disapproval at a recent public meeting. Efforts are continuing, by means of petitions and written communications, to the local authority to ensure that the village's status as a 'rural village' is retained in the new local plan.
I provide support for the local community by acting as a volunteer in the local Information and Heritage Centre one afternoon per week. We provide assistance to locals as well as visitors, whether it be directions, heritage and/or family history information, photocopying, sales of literature or dissemination of news. The Information Centre is providing a focus for village life and has made a significant contribution to the community spirit of Doune over the last 10 years. My husband has been the originator and editor of the community newspaper for the past 10 years. This has become a much sought after publication and has given the village a voice and exposure that it lacked. Locals and visitors alike are able to see what a vibrant and active community Doune has.
At present I do not employ anyone in my business. Local crafts are available throughout the area. Information is available at the Information Centre on specific crafts and an 'Open Studios' event is held every year. I have purchased items for The Stable from local artisans and have made information available about them for guests. The Scots are renowned for their hospitality and Doune is no exception!
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