Dominic Ryan
ONCE upon a time the future of eco-friendly tourism was held together rather precariously by the ropes of your ‘authentic’ hessian tepee – a lopsided holiday home in a muddy field. Spa facilities meant a death-defying dip in the burn and shivering yourself dry before an eye-wateringly smoky campfire.
An awful lot has changed. Research by Scottish Natural Heritage found visitor spending attributable to nature-based tourism per year is £1.4 billion, with 39,000 associated jobs.
This desire to be eco-friendly no longer means damp spirits, squidgy shoes and a dearth of life’s fundamentals: hot water, fluffy towels, dry clothes. Welcome to the new age of planet-friendly, homegrown hospitality.
This is a world where we can enjoy Scotland’s natural scenery and the revitalising essences of its outdoors, yet still rest our heads on soft pillows and sleep soundly.
One of the flagships for high-end tourism with a conscience is Torrisdale Castle Estate in Kintyre. The recipient of an array of accolades – European Holiday Home Finalist, Winner of the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, Best Holiday Accommodation and holder of Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence – it’s located in a forested glen, with views out over Kilbrannan Sound to Arran.
While it extends to 1200 acres and offers properties to let, a self-catering holiday business and, of course, a magnificent castle, at the heart of this enterprise is one founding principle: a focus on sustainability.
Diversifying into renewables, Torrisdale has installed a 99kw run-of-river hydro scheme and a 170kw biomass boiler. This means it’s using Scotland’s most abundant asset – rain – to produce electricity and burning local, sustainable wood to power the boiler. It’s also received a Gold award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme and invites every guest to plant a tree in the grounds.
Oh, and unless you have ambitions to be the new Bear Grylls, no more dips in the burn: Torrisdale has a wood-burning eco hot tub and sauna.
The hydro scheme will also soon help power a small batch gin distillery, with a visitor centre and weekend schools for anyone keen on learning more about Scotland’s water of life du jour.
Owner and manager Niall Macalister Hall, who is the fifth generation of the family to live at Torrisdale, says: “Many of the botanicals for the
Beinn an Tuirc labelled product – Torrisdale is located in the lee of Beinn an Tuirc, which translates as Hill of the Wild Boar and is Kintyre’s highest peak – will be sourced here. The resulting Kintyre Gin will be created from the same fast water in the Lephincorrach Burn that helps power its creation. An electric still will produce the gin, which will itself be entirely run from the hydro scheme.”
Two initial brands of gin are being made at Torrisdale: Kintyre Gin and a Navy Strength version called Viking Strength – a nod to the previous inhabitants of the peninsula. Further products are also planned, including flavoured spirits using the soft fruits and apples grown in the estate’s newly restored Victorian walled garden.
“A farmhouse is also being transformed into the hub for a for a fully guided visitor experience centre, with tours and a tasting room,” says Hall.
He insists that having strong green credentials is not only one of Torrisdale’s unique selling points, it’s a fundamental strength for Scottish tourism as a whole.
“At Torrisdale we’ve very deliberately followed a sustainable route,” he says. “Not only does the hydro scheme provide green energy, it also offers us the ability to generate income, allowing us to plan ahead and invest in new enterprises. Sustainable methods have long-term rewards for the local community, Scottish tourism and the entire planet.”
Travel Notes
Torrisdale Castle Estate offers a variety of accommodation, including the Servants’ Quarters in the castle itself. This apartment has luxury self-catering facilities and views over the castle lawn to the sea.
Outdoor pursuits on the estate include wildlife watching and walking, while golf, horse-riding and mountain biking are all available nearby.
The Servants’ Quarters sleeps six and costs from £550 a week.
For more information telephone 01583 431 233 or visit www.torrisdalecastle.com
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