Gold Green Tourism Award at Glencoldon Cottage – Your Sustainable Highland Retreat
🌿 Our Green Tourism Gold Award
At Glencoldon Cottage, we believe that staying in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park should mean immersing in nature, not impacting it. That’s why we are proud to hold a Gold Award for Green Tourism — the UK’s leading sustainable tourism certification.
This recognition reflects not just a moment in time, but a deep, evolving commitment to environmental responsibility, community benefit, and continual improvement.
Read our full story below. Or jump to:
The Renovation | Before & After | Daily Sustainability | Climate Action | Wildlife & Community
🏡 Sustainability is Built In — Not Bolted On
When we renovated Glencoldon Cottage in 2016–17, we saw it as a rare opportunity to embed sustainability into every layer — from the materials and energy systems to the guest experience. See before and after photos below!
Instead of demolishing the original structure, we chose a high-spec renovation to reduce environmental impact while preserving Highland character.
And we started from scratch — our initial EPC rating was a very poor F, highlighting just how much work there was to do.
But, we are delighted that our initial efforts were recognised with a Gold Award, and even more so that we met the tougher updated standards during our 2022 re-assessment.
👉 See our full Green Tourism Scorecard here.
🛠️ How We Made It Happen
Structurally sound after 50+ Highland winters, the cottage offered the perfect foundation for transformation. Instead of demolishing, we embraced a high-spec renovation — minimising waste, preserving character, and creating a low-impact retreat for the future.
Low Carbon Renovation & Local Craftsmanship
- Local, sustainable materials
- Scotlarch cladding from Russwood
- FSC-certified larch flooring from Cromartie Sawmill
- Caithness stone hearths instead of imported Brazilian slate
- Thoughtful craftsmanship
Our local builders, A W Laing, embraced our vision and used surplus materials where possible eg. cladding offcuts to help build balcony. They also took extra care to protect the resident bat colony — who now seem to thrive in the warmer eaves! - Energy transformation
We started with an EPC rating of F and upgraded every system — including enhanced insulation, quality glazing, solar thermal panels, and a wood-burning stove. LED lighting is used throughout, when needed, as sunpipes brighten spaces naturally. - Furnishings with a story
All furnishings (sofas, beds, tables, chairs) are either reclaimed or chosen for durability and FSC certification. - For example, following an unfortunate café closure, we saved the dining chairs and upcycled these along with our old table. Our outdoor benches were handcrafted from local larch by nearby artisans.
Much of this would be considered “circular economy” these days, and, in May 2025, we were very chuffed that a Zero Waste Scotland / Cairngorms Business Partnership project selected the cottage to be a best practice Case Study of Circular Economy in Action, to encourage others to follow.
Before and After: The Eco Renovation of Glencoldon Cottage
See the full gallery of how Glencoldon looks today – here!
🌍 Responsible Living, Everyday Products & Operations
Our sustainability ethos extends beyond renovation into daily operations:
- Cleaning products are phosphate- and chlorine-free
- Refillable dispensers minimise plastic waste
- Waste & recycling systems make low-impact living easy for guests
- Circular thinking is everywhere, from porch tiles to balcony cladding
- Our energy and finance providers share our values:
- Octopus Energy – 100% renewable electricity
- Triodos Bank – ethical banking
We’ve also made it easy to give the car a holiday too and embrace active travel:
- 10% discounts for Car-Free-Travel to Glencoldon Cottage
- Secure bike shelter with weather protection
- Direct forest access via private gate for walkers and cyclists
See more on the cycling haven on your doorstep and Glencoldon Cottage.
🐿️ Wildlife, Wilderness & Community
Wildlife is part of life here — from red squirrels on the balcony to deer in the meadow and birds (Golden Eagles, Ospreys all possible) overhead. We’ve designed the property to coexist with nature and give guests a front-row seat.
We’re also active supporters of nature and community initiatives:
- Fundraisers for the Cairngorms Trust
→ We match every guest donation - See our Wildlife page for insight into all the beautiful creatures that visit Glencoldon Cottage.
We hope guests not only take home beautiful memories, but also leave a positive impact behind.
📈 Climate Action: Our Path to Net Zero
In 2022, we completed Phase 2 energy upgrades:
- Solar PV installation
- Battery storage
- Final removal of fossil fuels
We’ve already reduced emissions by 68% from our 2017 baseline — and are on track to exceed 75% emissions reduction by 2025, five years ahead of Scotland’s national target.
For full transparency on energy, water, waste and our pathway to Net Zero by 2030 dig into our:
🔗 Want to Know More?
Our Sustainability Policy & Net Zero Targets share our full commitments and milestones.
For stories on:
- Wildlife sightings
- Community action
- Eco tips
- Adventures around the Cairngorms
Head over to our BoG Blog.
💚 Thank You for Choosing Glencoldon Cottage
When you stay at Glencoldon, you’re not only supporting a small local business — you’re helping protect the wild beauty, biodiversity, and communities of the Cairngorms for generations to come.