How We Make Your Stay Greener At Avielochan Cottages
Living in a national park makes it even more important for us to support and promote green tourism. We’ve been members of the Green Tourism Business Scheme since 2005, and we’re always looking to improve based on their latest guidance. Here are some of the ways we make your stay at Avielochan a little greener:
Heating
All our cottages have wood-burning stoves, and we provide a starter pack of sustainably-sourced local wood. Our heating is a mix of electric and oil, all thermostat-controlled and regularly serviced. Hill View Cottage also has solar panels and recently added exterior wall insulation to improve efficiency.
Hot Water
Our hot water systems vary across cottages. The Croft Cottage uses an oil-fueled system, while Lochside and Hill View have electric heating. Hill View also benefits from PV panels and a wood-burning stove for additional hot water.
Energy
We work hard to reduce energy use, monitoring all fuel and energy consumption carefully. Although we don’t yet have electric vehicle (EV) charging points, you’ll find public charge points nearby at Boat of Garten Community Hall or Aviemore Village Car Park, with more locations available through ChargePlace Scotland.
Furniture
In our cottages, you’ll find one-of-a-kind, handmade furniture rather than “fast fashion” décor. Ronald takes pride in crafting new shelves, stools, and tables, and he’s always on hand to repair or upcycle what’s needed.
Cleaning Products
We use eco-friendly cleaning products from Dew and the Scottish Fine Soap Company, buying in bulk and refilling containers to cut down on waste.
Lighting
All our cottages are fitted with low-energy or LED bulbs, helping reduce energy use. You can save even more by switching off lights when not needed.
Supporting Local
We feel so lucky to live in this part of Scotland and encourage our guests to shop locally too. Check out our blog for recommendations on local food, drink, and activities – there’s so much to enjoy nearby.
Waste
We aim to reduce packaging waste by buying in bulk for essentials like loo roll and hand soap. Please help us by reading the recycling guide provided in your cottage and using the correct bins to separate waste.
Travel
Why not enjoy a car-free day? We’re surrounded by amazing bike and walking trails, and we provide bike storage for guests. There’s even a bus service that stops near our road – a great option for a greener holiday.
Respect the Land
Please help us protect our beautiful surroundings by leaving no trace. If you can’t find a bin while out, please take your litter back with you. Keeping the park clean ensures everyone can enjoy it.
Feed the Birds
We love sharing this beautiful land with local wildlife, and we hope you’ll enjoy watching it too. We’ve planted hedges and shrubs to encourage wildlife and have bird feeders at each cottage, which often attract small birds and, if you’re lucky, red squirrels!
Thank you for helping us keep Avielochan and the Cairngorms as pristine as possible. We look forward to welcoming you for a stay that’s kind to both you and the planet!