ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
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 undertaking numerous activities to make Creag Na Mara as green as possible. We are continually exploring options to improve and strengthen our environmental policy. We have just been 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. 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.
- Light bulbs are being replaced with low energy bulbs.
- We sponsor the Caithness and Sutherland Walking Festival, held annually in May. We sponsor the Mey Highland Games, held annually in August.
- 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. Since taking ownership we have planted 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 in the grass and chipped areas. 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. Further plans include having our own chickens and bees.
