Scottish Highlands luxury self catering cottage
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
We have been awarded a Green Tourism Business Scheme Bronze award. The house is heated by a geothermal ground source heat pump with underfloor heating downstairs and radiators on the upper floor. We save energy by using low e light bulbs, and use A rated appliances where possible. The property has a very high level of insulation. All the houses on the farm use water from a borehole, and we have reduced flush and ensured there are no dripping taps. We take paper, tins and glass to the local recycle centre and use eco-friendly products where possible. We also recycle old clothing etc by taking into a charity shop in Inverness.
Cycle storage is available and there is a daily bus service to and from Inverness from the junction with the A831 which is approx 1.5 miles.
We are members of FFWAG. On the farm over the years we have planted areas of the farm with trees encouraging wildlife. We grow the majority of our fruit and veg in our garden and freeze for winter use. There is always a plentiful supply of fallen wood for use in wood burning stoves in all the houses and a supply is given for every let.
Community
Myself, husband and son are in partnership on the farm and when necessary we employ locally. I have a local woman who helps with change over cleaning. All the alterations to the property were completed by local contractors, including the architect. These contractors carry out any other works which we require from time to time. Local means in Drumnadrochit and Glenurquhart a distance of no more than 10 miles.
We support several local charities and initiatives including:
- My husband is on the local Hall Committee (small Hall owned and run by Community)
- I am Secretary of the local Glenurquhart Highland Gathering and Games (all profits go to Community).
- I am also Director of Glenurquhart Care Project – A day centre built and run by the Community for local residents. There were no facilities for the elderly in the area and 10 years ago we got together raised the money and built this facility which goes from strength to strength. At the moment we are raising funds to increase the number of clients we can have daily from 24 to 30 because of the needs in the area.
- I am a member of Glenurquhart Rural Community Association a charity which helps local groups, it also organises an annual Bonfire Night, and I help each year with two of the children’s Christmas parties (the group organise 4).
- I am a member of WRVS and do shop in Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, once a month, selling sweets, gifts, drinks etc.
- We collect for Marie Curie and help organise a local coffee morning for MacMillan Nurses.
- We collect annually for Christian Aid.
