We proud of our “eco-credentials”, having worked for several years to plan out how best to reduce our and our guests’ carbon footprint and make the most of the energy that can be generated through investing in low-carbon technology.
“5-Star” Visit Scotland rating annually since 2009.
Green Tourism “Silver” award achieved annually since 2010.
Finalist, “Best Rural Hospitality Provider”, 2016 Scottish Rural Awards, 2017.
Winner, “Best Low-Carbon Business” 2016, Highland Business Awards.
Green light for the Eco-Café!
In early 2017, we were granted planning permission to build an Eco-Café on our farm, located on National Cycle Route 1. In the spring, work commenced on the foundations with further work continuing over winter of 2017/2018.
Our goal for the Eco-Café will be to promote low carbon and outdoor/healthy living in the Highlands. As part of our ethos, we will be using “green energy” from our existing systems, and educating our guests about how it is used.
Planned opening: summer 2018.
August: As fact finding for local tourism we cycled NC500 in 4 days. Zero carbon used.
September: We were delighted to win the Highland Business Awards’ “Best Low Carbon Business” Award presented by Royal Dutch airline KLM in September 2016.
February: We installed our 150KW Biomass Boiler installed.
December: Our 44KW array of Solar panels installed in late-December.
April: We installed a Dual Electric Car-Charging point.
To reduce carbon emissions, we installed either a wood-burning stove or solar heat panels in 5 of our cottages.
During the period 2009 through 2012, we renovated and rebuilt our existing stone buildings. Local stonemasons, artisans stripped the concrete from ancient stone buildings to reveal their former glory. For maximum comfort as well as energy savings, high-spec insulation was added along with energy-efficient underfloor heating, keeping emissions to a minimum.
A labour of love: the restoration of Mount Gerald and the development of Highland Farm Cottages [chronicle the history of the site from the 1800s, to your involvement; detail your decision process to develop the site; photos and details about the restoration works, touch on the eco-credentials, and list the awards]
