Known for its success in promoting sustainable tourism, as well as creating an innovative luxury glamping experience deep in the Cairngorms National Park, Cairngorm Bothies has launched six new Bothies named after local trees.
As it gears up for October school break next month, the business is also celebrating having reached the regional finals of the prestigious Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards for the third time in a row.
The business, run by Dr Gordon Drummond, has reached the finals in not only the Climate Action Category, but in the Innovation in Tourism category too.
“Last year, we were fortunate enough to win the ACSTA Award “Climate Action” Award, coming back from real adversity, having suffered major storm damage in 2022 which significantly delayed the launch of the six new Bothies until Spring 2023,” said Dr Drummond.
“In 2024, we are delighted to also be a finalist in the Innovation in Tourism category.”
He continued by saying: “We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed again for success in at least one of the categories. Our team is really looking forward to the awards night on the 20th of September at The Chester Hotel. I’d like to thank them for their hard work and dedication – they’ve played a huge part in the multiple successes we have had since establishing both Cairngorm Lodges and Cairngorm Bothies, which are two distinct brands in the self-catering marketplace.”
Celebrating outstanding achievements and remarkable contributions of the region’s local businesses and individuals who exemplify excellence and innovation in the Tourism industry, the Aberdeen City & Shire Thistle Awards recognise businesses that have demonstrated outstanding customer service, innovation, and dedication to making a positive impact on their communities.
Now with 12 pet friendly Bothies, Cairngorm Bothies has enjoyed a solid summer season, welcoming guests from all over the country to its off-grid holiday enclave in the Blelack Forest.
Offering a unique and peaceful setting, surrounded by ancient Scots Pine and other native flora and fauna, staying at Cairngorm Bothies is an ideal location for forest bathing, for well-being, and for completely switching off from the everyday concerns and distractions of the 21st Century.
Set even deeper into the woods, the cosy Bothies are kitted out with electricity generated from the shared large solar array, this electricity is also used for driving a water pump to purify water. Meanwhile at each bothy, wood burning stoves, supplied with logs from the estate, perform a multitude of tasks, from heating the main living areas, to heating a water circuit for towel rails, providing hot water for washing, and powering a cooking range, complete with oven.
The Bothies, deliberately sited as far from tie in points to existing infrastructure, such as phone, water and electric, provide an extremely comfortable, lower carbon footprint experience for guests. They can relax and explore the stunning National Park, whilst knowing that they’re doing their bit to supporting sustainable tourism.
Amongst Cairngorm Bothies impressive collection of awards, further demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, are Gold Green Tourism Award status, together with the 2022 “Working together in Tourism” ACTA Award.
The business is a member of VisitAberdeenshire, VisitCairngorms, CoolPaces UK and Scottish Land & Estates.
