Green Tourism at Loch Ness

Here at The Old Stables we are committed to providing good quality and environmentally friendly self catering accommodation. We take all reasonable measures to reduce the environmental impact of our activities.

A symbol of this commitment is our membership of the Green Tourism Business Scheme. The scheme provides accreditation and encouragement for tourism businesses to reduce the environmental impact of their activities. By encouraging sustainable practices the scheme ensures the continued enjoyment of the environment around us for future generations.

Some of the environmentally friendly measures we have taken to reduce the environmental footprint of the Old Stables are:

• Generating our own energy for heating from a renewable source, through a Ground Source Heat Pump. The pump is powered by electricity but for every unit of electricity used three to four units of heat are produced. The heating system provides all the hot water and heating for the house. A ground loop is buried in a trench in the ground to the north of the building. The pipe is filled with a mixture of water and antifreeze which is pumped round the ground loop to absorb heat from the ground. The pump's evaporator takes in the heat absorbed by the ground loop and a compressor gets it to the right temperature for the heating system. A condenser then transfers heat from the pump to a hot water tank which then feeds the house's heating system.
• Saving energy through use of low energy light bulbs, 'A' rated appliances and good insulation in lofts, walls and under lower flooring.
• Use of green cleaning products.
• Fair Trade products in welcome pack.
• Encourage our visitors to walk and cycle in the local area.
• Wood burning stove fuel sourced on farm.

You can help us in our endeavours by:

• Recycling as much of your waste as possible in the bins provided
• Turning lights and TV's off when not in use
• Purchasing food from local producers
• Giving your car a day off
• Buy products with less packaging