We are a Scottish family hotel business committed to sustainable tourism and are committed to improving our methods of working to operate a sustainable business and promote sustainable choices for our guests. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. As a key member of the Highlands community, we strive to minimise our environmental footprint while making meaningful contributions to our local community and economy. Our sustainability efforts are built on four pillars: Responsibility, Ethical Practices, Sustainability and Partnership with our Guests.

Responsibility

Community Involvement

We actively promote local events and businesses through our social media channels and blogs, fostering community engagement and guest participation.
Our team contributes to environmental initiatives, such as participating in the Loch and Land Festival by conducting litter-picking activities at Dores Beach.
Local contractors are prioritized in hotel refurbishments, with recent renovations carried out by an independent tiler and local professionals.
By 2025, we aim to replace beds in all 110 rooms, donating the old ones to New Start Highland to support community welfare.

Charity Contributions

We support numerous charitable organizations, including Down’s Syndrome Scotland, Highland Disability Golfers, Inverness Botanic Gardens, Fortrose and Rosemarkie Golf Club and Connecting Carers, through donations, events, and designated facilities.
Contributions include annual donations, participating in local charity events, and selective raffle prize donations to support local organizations.

Ethical Practices

Procurement

Local suppliers are a cornerstone of our procurement strategy. We work with Highland-based companies for food, beverages, interior design, and maintenance.
We emphasize sustainable packaging, such as recyclable cans for room water and bulk purchases to reduce delivery miles.
Partnerships include Ness Drinks, Black Isle Brewery, Great Glen Gin and local bakeries, ensuring fresh, quality products for our guests.

Employment and Inclusivity

We prioritize staff well-being, offering leisure club memberships, discounted stays, and open communication channels to foster a welcoming workplace.
Inclusivity is a core value, with accessible facilities such as wet rooms, vibrating fire alarms, and large-print materials for guests with specific needs.
Staff diversity is celebrated, and ongoing training ensures compliance with The Equality Act 2010.

Cybersecurity

Robust digital protections are in place to ensure guest and staff data security, including encrypted systems, password-protected Wi-Fi, and compliance with GDPR.

Communication

We enhance guest experiences by showcasing local attractions through emails, blogs, concierge services, and collaborations with Visit Inverness Loch Ness for promotional media.
We have extensive local Explore section for activities and events to be enjoyed around Inverness area.

Sustainability

Energy and Water Efficiency

Our energy is sourced through Engie, a supplier with a fuel mix significantly more renewable than the UK average.
Measures such as LED lighting, voltage optimizers, and modern boilers reduce energy consumption.
Water-saving measures include timed shower buttons, efficient pumps, and a heat exchanger system for hot water.

Waste Management

Recycling is integral, with dedicated bins for mixed materials, food waste, and glass. We collaborate with Northern Recycling Solutions, which ensures zero waste to landfill.
Single-use items are minimized, with shampoo dispensers replacing individual bottles and efforts underway to reduce single-use plastics.

Travel and Transport

We provide six electric vehicle chargers and bike storage to encourage eco-friendly travel among guests and staff.
Guests are guided to use public transport and walking routes, supported by local maps and schedules.

Wildlife and Ecology

Our Trees for Life grove plants a tree for every four rooms enrolled in our no-housekeeping initiative, promoting reforestation in the Highlands.
On-site gardens are chemical-free, supporting local wildlife with bird perches and natural habitats.

Our Partnership with our Guests

We are working with our guests to use their Green Door Hanger outside their bedroom door to save their room being serviced. This helps us to reduce chemical, laundry and energy use and help with our local environment.

Our Grove with Trees for Life

As part of our commitment to our local environment we are donating we have set up a Trees from Life grove to support a local organisation committed to revitalising the wild forests in the Highlands, providing space for wildlife to flourish and communities to thrive. You can find details on our Trees For Life Grove where we have 306 trees already to be planted. Full details for Trees for Life.

Future Commitments

We continually seek to enhance our sustainability efforts in the following 18 months:

Upgrading to double-glazed windows in all bedrooms starting January 2025.
Developing guest recycling guidelines and incorporating them into our hotel directory.
Hosting local students for hospitality training to inspire future generations.