Fort Augustus hotel, Loch Ness

We have the Silver Green Tourism Business Scheme Award. We have a biomass wood chip burner to supply the hotel's hot water and central heating. We have a computerised central heating and hot water system to regulate use, temperature control & times of operation. We recycle glass, cardboard, paper and aluminium cans; bread, cake and potatoes go to bird table. We use eco friendly cleaning products such as ecover professional, including washing up liquid and washing powder, bleach etc. We use micro fibre cloths for cleaning. We use recycled products like for example video cassettes for pencils and tyres for coasters.

Guests are included in reducing their footprint; towels are changed every 3 days or on request by guest, they are encouraged to turn off lights/TVs, turn off water and keep their bathroom door closed to retain heat. We have dusk/dawn lighting and energy saving lamps, timeclocks and SAVAwatt on fridges & freezers. We have also installed insulation and lagging of pipes.

Shellfish, fish, vegetables & meat are bought from the local butcher & various other local suppliers, and ales are bought from Orkney. Local staff are employed wherever possible and they are encouraged to live out of the hotel. Local tradesmen were used in the refurbishment wherever possible and continue to assist the hotel.

We hold Community Council Meetings / Business Initiative Meetings free of charge with complimentary buffet and beverages. We also participate in the 'Wear it Pink' event every October to raise money for Breast Cancer. We encourage guests to take 2 foot holidays - walking the Great Glen Way or Corriyairaik Pass. We encourage guests to leave their vehicle at home and take public transport to and from the hotel. We have leaflets and an hotel activity book to encourage guests to visit local attractions and reduced prices and discounts for local custom.