East Lochhead Country House
|
The Green Tourism Business Scheme
Proprietors Ross and Janet Anderson’s commitment to the environment is the cornerstone of almost everything they have done. ‘Whilst we did not join the Green Tourism Business Scheme for marketing reasons, there is no doubt that it has been useful. We got a great deal of local press coverage on receiving our awards.’ Ross Anderson believes that ‘food, tourism and the environment are inextricably linked as an important aspect of visitor experience’. At East Lochhead, the sourcing, growing and cooking of food is regarded as an integral element in their commitment to a more sustainable environment. Food is sourced locally, home grown (and cooked with pot lids on, saving 25% of normal energy use). Waste reduction is a key issue at East Lochhead. Currently they recycle glass, paper, cardboard, aluminium cans, clothing, soaps and buy in bulk to reduce the amount of small containers. In terms of energy measures they use low energy lighting, sava plugs and eco-flow magnets in their boilers – again straightforward solutions that save energy and lower costs. Recognising that water is becoming an ever more expensive resource, the Andersons began monitoring their use of water via a new water meter and were astonished at the amount they used, and the escalating costs. Since this discovery, East Lochhead has saved a lot of money by having a water pressure-reducing valve fitted to their supply and flow regulators installed – you certainly won’t find a water-wasting dripping tap at East Lochhead! ‘There is no doubt that we have seen a significant increase in visitors booking with us as a direct result of marketing our business as environmentally responsible’ |
East Lochhead country house and cottages operates as a B&B serviced and self-catering accommodation and a function, conference and training facility. Located between Largs and Paisley, East Lochhead is set in an idyllic country backdrop with beautiful views over the Barr Loch.