At Creag Na Mara we are committed to minimising the environmental impact
of our activities and to do as much as we can to protect the environment
for future generations. We are continually exploring options to improve
and strengthen our environmental policy. In 2010 we were awarded
Gold by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. This scheme provides national
accreditation for tourism businesses.
So that you can have a flavour of what we are doing, we have listed some of our green activities.
- Toiletries in the guest ensuites are provided in dispensers thereby removing
individually packaged items.
- Hospitality trays in the bedrooms contain Fairtrade teas, coffee, hot chocolate
and sugars. Milk is provided in jugs thereby removing individual UHT cartons.
Kettles have been updated with ECO Kettles which use less electricity and water.
- EAGA Shower Smart devices have been fitted to showers to save water.
- Wherever possible we use environmentally friendly products for cleaning purposes.
For our laundry we use Eco-balls, no soaps or detergents are used in this process.
For general cleaning of the rooms various E-cloths are used meaning no chemical
cleaning products are required.
- All plastics, glass, paper, cardboard, tetra packs and batteries are recycled.
Ink Cartridges are sent for recycling to the charity RNLI.
- All suitable waste is composted. Rainwater is collected in a water butt and used to water the garden.
- We grow our own fruit, vegetables, salads and herbs. We make our own jams and marmalades.
- Free range eggs are supplied by a local family run small holding. Fish is from a local
supplier who operates from Scrabster fish harbour. Meat is supplied by the local butcher from Caithness livestock.
Wherever possible we purchase food and drink which is made in Scotland.
- Electricity is supplied on a green tariff that has been certified by the Green Energy Scheme.
Our website is hosted by a company which uses certified green renewable energy.
- We have a collecting box for the charity RNLI. We promote the work of the
Marine Conservation Trust and have for several years been part of the
'adopt a turtle' scheme.
When we purchased Creag Na Mara, in 2008, apart from a small private garden area,
the ground at Creag Na Mara was either grass or chipped for vehicles. Plans have been
drawn up to landscape the ground with all the work being done by us, making the project as
carbon neutral as possible. We have 2 large vegetable plots,
2 smaller produce plots and 1 large fruit plot. A section of the parking area has been turfed
over and shrubs and bulbs planted. Beds of shrubs and perennials are being planted. Where
possible plants are selected for being Scottish Natives or
insect friendly. We are also undertaking a tree planting exercise – with some 30 saplings
having been planted. In keeping with our green policy the majority of the plants have been
grown from seed or from cuttings. Bird boxes have been installed at 3 locations.
Two compost bins are currently in use. We now have hens and a cockerel which freely roam round the garden.
