Located in the heart of both the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park and the Argyll Forest Park we care that both our activities and those of our guests have a positive impact on this amazing landscape and that of the wider global environment.   We also recognise that this beautiful and unique house requires continuous gentle conservation and care as it is a stunning addition to the local landscape.

To this end we have taken steps to manage our business in an environmentally sustainable way.

To conserve energy we:

• installed double glazed, energy efficient windows throughout the house that replicated the original single glazed windows where appropriate
• draft-proofed the main entrance into house
• increased loft insulation in the family room and in other loft space areas
• installed a modern programmable thermostat to maintain comfortable heating levels together with individual radiator controls so guests can adjust heating in individual rooms when required
• initiated a programme of replacing our low energy bulbs with ultra low energy LED bulbs.  Ensured all our Christmas lights (4 sets) are LED and provide timers for guests to control them.
• provide blankets and warm duvets so people don’t have to necessarily put the heating up if they don’t wish to
• turn down the thermostat or switched off as appropriate, when the house is unoccupied
• installed a modern pre-lagged hot water tank
• we buy in bulk to minimise journeys
• renewed kitchen appliances with A rated or A rated plus kitchen appliances
• installed an induction hob that uses less energy that a conventional electric hob

To conserve water we:

• fitted toilets with dual flush systems to conserve water
• provided a dishwasher that has half load and economy programmes
• maintain water systems to avoid leaks and dripping taps
• outsourced our linen & towels to a linen services company as they can wash and iron linen in the most cost effective manner using economies of scale

To manage the impact of waste and support recycling we:

• make sure that waste under our control is always disposed of safely and correctly
• use recycling websites and charity donations to dispose of usable unwanted items
• provide containers for glass recycling and details of where recycling facilities can be found in the local village
• we recycled items from the local Loch Fyne brewery into stunning Christmas decorations (see our beautiful large Christmas baubles in the half landing and family room).
• provide instructions for recycling of paper / cardboard /plastic / tin
• provide dishwasher tablets, hand soap, small quantities of salt, pepper and salt. so that guests don’t need to buy whole new packs for their week
• manage two large compost bins

We balance sustainability and energy impact by in our supplies by:

• using Woodland Trust environmentally friendly paint on our new front fencing and using simple low fencing to reduce visual impact on the local environment
• buying locally where possible
• encouraging our guests to use local suppliers – the local post office, Loch Fyne Ales, Loch Fyne Delicatessen
• encourage green tourism at our property by advertising Rhumhor as walker, cyclist and dog friendly.
• encouraging guests with dogs to understand the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and minimise the impact of their activity on local flora and fauna
• encouraging local wildlife in to the garden and shoreside area and making guests aware of the opportunities to see them..
• ensuring that we have an element of wild flower planting in our garden design to encourage pollinators
• leave cut wood piles in the garden for wild life habitat
• Adding new picnic benches to the decking that are made from recycled plastic
• Using washable, rather than disposable cleaning clothes for changeover cleaning

 

Sustainability Improvements 2015.  This year we will be adding to the under floor insulation underneath the suspended wooden flooring and continuing with our LED light bulb replacement programme.  We will also be adding bird and squirrel boxes to trees.

 

Sustainability – How you can help

During your stay at Rhumhor there are a number of ways you can help to look after our environment:

• Towels: We return all linen and towels to our linen hire company unless it is absolutely clear they have not been touched – you can help us by leaving us a note that items have been unused, but please only do this if they are completely unused.
• Recycling: Please read the recycling information in the kitchen and manage all your waste in a sustainable manner as detailed.
• Water: Consider water saving by using the half wash on the dishwasher when you do not have a full load, or the economy setting if appropriate.
• Energy use: When not needed please turn off lights, electrical devices etc and if you are too warm turn down the room heating controls instead of opening windows.
• Use local transport: Public transport is limited in this area, however we do provide details of the local bus service and you can hire bikes locally.  Why not book a ferry journey to explore part of the West Highland Way on the other side of LochLomond?
• Read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to minimise any impact on local flora and fauna whilst enjoying this wonderful location with your pet.
• Sustainable tourism: Our guest information folder contains details of walks and in the immediate area. There are also books, maps and leaflets describing plenty of walking and cycling options in Argyll. We also advise you of local wildlife and the best places to view wildlife.