Environment

Ross and Janet are committed to a more sustainable environment and lifestyle.  In 2001 the business was graded Gold Level under the Green Tourism Business Scheme (http://www.greenbusiness.co.uk/).  and has won other environmental accolades.

The small-holding amounts to some 25 acres and is the subject of a Rural Stewardship Scheme.  New hedges have been planted, a pond has been dug, tree belts planted, and areas of land managed for birdlife and biodiversity.  The nearby RSPB and Regional Park Centres are both sources of expert advice on birds and ecology and run programmes of walks and events for adults and children.

In restoring the property stone, slates and slabs from barn floors have been re-used as well as natural materials employed wherever possible.  All tradesmen working on the refurbishment were locally based, as well as many of the suppliers.

Facilities are provided for guests to re-cycle glass, plastic, aluminium/steel cans, paper, cardboard, and vegetable waste.

Ross and Janet have always been keen supporters of locally produced food and are members of Slow Food (http://www.slowfood.com/)  There are farm shops and local suppliers close by, the nearest being Auchengree (http://www.auchengree.co.uk/) and the Ayrshire Food Network (http://www.ayrshirefoodnetwork.co.uk/) is a source of useful information.  Lochwinnoch (http://www.lochwinnoch.info.co.uk/) is a Fair Trade village, and as many Fair Trade products as possible are used in the business.

To encourage guests to walk or cycle either to the village or train station a link to the National Cycle Route 7 has been built in association with Sustrans (http://www.sustrans.org.uk/).  Both Ross and Janet are voluntary rangers and help to keep the track litter free.  A small selection of bikes is available for hire.

Regular bus and train services run from the village linking Glasgow, Edinburgh, Ayr,
Arran, Largs, Paisley etc.

There are a significant network of minor roads and paths for walking.  Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park provides leaflets and information on these.