Edinbane Self-Catering comprises two cottages, providing 3 star self-catering services in Upper Edinbane and three chalets in Skinidin near Loch Dunvegan, providing 2 star accommodation. All the properties are situated in the north west of the Isle of Skye. The company is a family business owned and run by Alistair and Helen Danter.

Alistair and Helen had always intended that Edinbane would be established as a green business. Over the years, they have renovated both of the cottages on the croft and have been able to integrate green aspects and measures into the cottages as they were refitted. The business was awarded gold by the Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS) and has been nominated for a Thistle award as a result of the environmental efforts put into the business.

The two properties have an innovative filter sewage system which has as its only output clean fresh water that feeds back into the burn on the property. Recycling and energy-efficiency are standard practices at the cottages.

Renovation of the two existing stone buildings on the property allowed for environmental  aspects and materials to be incorporated. Recycled materials were used where ever possible. In one of the cottages the timber lining of the walls has come entirely from the roof of a demolished church. The hearth is made from stone recycled from an old Jacobean mansion on Skye and the timber flooring in both cottages is all recycled wood.

The cottages have been decorated using art and crafts fromlocal artists such as pottery lamps, photographs, paintings and batiks.

Choice of windows and insulation were a very important factor when the cottages were being renovated. To ensure the highest energy efficiency possible, Alistair chose the highest possible ‘R’ valued insulation and the lowest possible ‘U’ valued windows. ‘R’ and ‘U’ values relate to the insulation properties of insulation and windows respectively. The higher the ‘R’ value for insulation and the lower the ‘U’ value for windows the better they are in keeping the house draft-free and more energy efficient. Night storage heaters have been installed in all of the chalets and cottages to improve the energy efficiency of the cottages even more.

Energy-efficient appliances were chosen for the cottages and chalets when they were fitted out and low energy long-life light bulbs are used wherever possible.

A filter sewage system has been installed to minimise sewage waste output from the cottages. The outflow from the septic tank is transferred to a filtering system. Using a cyclical process the waste is separated from the water and the water is cleaned through sets of filters until the end product is pure clean water. The water then empties into a nearby burn.

Edinbane Self-catering recycles as much of its waste as possible although the lack of recycling facilities on the island causes some difficulties. Alastair, largely through his own efforts, does manage to recycle aluminium and bottles. Composting facilities are also provided for both of the cottages on the croft in Edinbane.

 The use of public transport is encouraged, by providing information on how to access the island without the use of a car. Alistair and Helen will provide lifts to visitors when ever possible to help them get to the cottages.

Edinbane Self-catering has gone to considerable effort to provide a sense of place during guests’ visit to the Isle of Skye. They have provided in the chalets and the cottages’ information folders on several aspects of Skye and activities that visitors may enjoy, such as walking, fishing, bird-watching, boating and live music.

Edinbane Self-catering networks with other businesses to help provide a more diverse product to visitors to the cottages. Discount vouchers such as a ‘free bottle of wine’ or two for the price of one is offered to guests visiting one of the businesses featured in the business pack. Edinbane Self-catering produces these vouchers themselves with the permission of the other businesses. Although there is no direct benefit to the business, Alistair and Helen believe it enhances the visitors’ experience of the island, gives a feeling of added value, as well as building up links and networks with other businesses.

Alistair and Helen believe that there is a growing market in green products and market the business according to the increased environmental awareness amongst consumers. Ethical business considerations also play a part in the businesses marketing strategy with a proportion of profits being donated to The Medical Foundation for Survivors of Torture. Information can be found on the Edinbane website on green aspects of the business, although they are careful not to push the green aspects too strongly.

Information is provided in the cottages on the renovation process and a photo album includes captions giving details of the use of recycled materials to raise visitors’ awareness of the green aspects of the cottages they are staying in. A botanical survey of the croft is included in the cottage information pack. Seasonal fresh vegetables are available to guests. All of these efforts leave guests with a ‘green’ impression without it feeling as if it were the sole purpose of their holiday.

For further information please contact:

Alistair Danter
Nuig House
Upper Edinbane
Isle of Skye, IV51 9PR
Tel: 01470 582221
Email: enquiries@edinbane-self-catering.co.uk

Or visit Edinbane Self-Catering at: www.edinbane-self-catering.co.uk

Photos courtesy of Edinbane Self-Catering
Case study added on 23rd April 2004

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