WHY not reduce your carbon footprint by holidaying in Scotland instead of flying abroad?
1 PRIVATE YACHT CHARTER, Inner Hebrides, 0131-625 6635,
www.wildernessscotland.comCombin
e the power of the wind with a bit of legwork and explore the Inner Hebrides. Wilderness Scotland organises yacht charters with skippers and guides to lead you to islands, such as Mull, Iona, Jura and Gigha. You can even travel to Oban by train to minimise your carbon footprint. Wilderness Scotland was the first adventure-tour operator in Scotland to gain the gold award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme and recently won the investing in the environment category of the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards.
2 VISIT THE VERY NORTH OF SCOTLAND, Shetland Isles, Herrislea House Hotel, 01595 840208, www.herrisleahouse.co.uk, Almara B&B, 01806 503261,
www.almara.shetland.co.ukYou can travel by ferry from Aberdeen, having travelled to Aberdeen by train. Once there, base yourself at Herrislea House Hotel or the Almara B&B. Shetland is a superb place for a walking holiday and also boasts superb wildlife. Visit the Noss National Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre www.nnr-scotland.org to see the bird colonies and don't miss the Jarlshof Historic site www.historic-scotland.gov.uk for a look at Shetland's fascinating history. All of these businesses and attractions have won gold or silver Green Tourism Business Scheme Awards.
3 LEARN TO SEA-KAYAK, Torridon, 0131-625 6635,
www.wildernessscotland.comSea-Kayaking is a wonderful and low-impact way to experience Scotland's great outdoors. Wilderness Scotland runs trips based at a private bunkhouse in Torridon. The trip starts at Inverness station and a short journey by minibus takes us to Torridon, with a quick stop in Lochcarron to collect the locally-sourced food for the break. As well as enjoying some wonderful sea-kayaking and learning the basic skills, our expert guides will explain "leave no trace" techniques, helping you reduce your impact while visiting fragile environments.
4 TOUR SCOTLAND WITH RABBIE'S TRAIL BURNERS, 0131-226 3133,
www.rabbies.comTravelling in low emission Mercedes mini-coaches, Rabbie's offers a range of small group tours of the Highlands and Islands, exploring the back roads with their knowledgeable guides. Rabbie's works with accommodation providers to support local communities and holds the gold award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme. By travelling in a small group, rather than in your car, you can reduce your carbon emissions by up to 75 per cent.
5 EXPLORE THE CENTRAL BELT, New Lanark Mill, 01555 667200, www.newlanark.org and
www.newlanarkhotel.co.uk Basing yourself in one of the self-catering cottages at the New Lanark Mill, a World Heritage Site, you can step back in time in just a short journey from Edinburgh or Glasgow. Bothwell Castle www.historic-scotland.gov.uk is fairly close by if you want to keep the historical theme going. You can even explore the David Livingstone Centre www.nts.org.uk at Blantyre for a taste of his incredible journeys. For wildlife lovers or to stretch your legs, the Falls of Clyde www.swt.org.uk is now part of a National Nature Reserve and well worth a visit. These attractions can also be visited in a day from home: but make sure you fill your car with friends to reduce emissions, or cycle there!
• Stevie Christie is director of Wilderness Scotland.
The full article contains 582 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
