Cairngorm Bothies are deeply committed to responsible tourism and strive to minimise the environmental impact of the business.
At the same time, it fosters a positive social and cultural connection with the area and the local community.
Each bothy utilises electricity from the solar panels for operating the LED lighting, fridge and power sockets.
In addition, the wood-burning stove creates the bothies heating, hot water and cooking facilities, reducing the reliance on conventional utilities.
The wood-burning stoves are supplied with logs from the estate, reducing both timber miles and fuel input miles and thereby eliminating Scope 3 emissions.
In terms of minimising transport emissions, target market are guests from nearby Aberdeen and surrounding areas, moving out to Scotland wide audiences and the offering is promoted as providing the benefit of reduced emissions from transport.
The business also works to reduce the use of single use plastics and hosts use eco-friendly products sourced locally and come with refillable bottles.
The ‘welcome pack’ also encourages guests to use the facilities in a conscientious and environmentally aware manner.
The firm supports the local economy by sourcing from local producers and businesses whenever possible, which also minimises the firm’s carbon footprint. In addition, Cairngorm Bothies actively promotes local businesses and attractions to guests and employs local staff.
Cairngorm Bothies also takes part in local projects and networking opportunities that enhances their understanding – and thereby the understanding of guests – of sustainable tourism and the role of the business in sustainable tourism.
The firm also actively encourages guests to consider leaving the car for day out and is collaborating with local organisation to promote new walking and mountain bike routes from the bothies. Details of local nature walks and talks led by local experts and guides are also provided to guests. This is part of the businesses’ new initiative, Cairngorm Excursions which supplements the accommodation offer with ‘human powered’ leisure activities aligned to their green values.
Guests also receive a responsible “Visitor Charter” and our “Environmental Social Responsibility” with its suggestions of how to conserve energy, give the car a rest, shop local, reduce reuse recycle, be water-wise, respect nature and support green tourism businesses.
The business partners with local conservation organisations to raise the awareness of environmental research projects. This allows guests to gain a deeper understanding of the local environment and feel a sense of ownership in its preservation. E.g. Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels count. Consideration is being given to the merits of inclusion into Wild Estates Scotland accreditation scheme.
Cairngorm Bothies isn't just about eco-friendly getaways; they have woven sustainability into the very DNA of the business.
In terms of reducing CO2 emissions, the company has a Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified sustainable woodland, which means the forestry practices operated are sustainable. There is an active planting tree regime. This also provides home to the wildlife and encourages the native flora and fauna that are very much part of the company’s values, place. The different activities of tourism, preservation of the natural environment and forestry are all positively interlinked.