Heating with Renewable Energy

Keeping guests comfortable is important, especially during Scotland's cooler months.

Rather than relying on traditional fossil-fuel heating systems, Nest Holiday Home is heated using an air source heat pump.

​

Air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air and using it to maintain a consistent indoor temperature throughout the property.

The result is a comfortable environment for guests, reduced carbon emissions and a more sustainable approach to heating.

 

Guests stay warm and cosy no matter the weather.

​

Solar-Heated Hot Water

With a seasonal tourism business, our busiest period coincides with Scotland's sunnier months in spring and summer.  To take advantage of this, we use solar technology to help heat the property's hot water supply. A dedicated solar conversion system captures energy from the sun and uses it to heat water for showers and washing facilities.

 

It's a simple but effective way of reducing energy consumption while ensuring guests continue to enjoy plenty of hot water after a day exploring the Trossachs.

 

Creating Space for Nature

Sustainability isn't only about energy. It's also about supporting biodiversity and creating habitats where wildlife can thrive. Since moving to the property, we've planted a growing collection of trees, shrubs and fruit-bearing plants throughout the garden. Some provide fruit for the table. Others provide food and shelter for local wildlife.

​

Many of the berries, seeds and fruits produced throughout the year become an important food source for birds and other garden visitors.

 

Supporting Pollinators

Pollinators play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. That's why we've deliberately introduced a variety of flowering plants designed to attract:

• Bees

• Butterflies

• Hoverflies

• Other beneficial insects

​

During spring and summer, the garden becomes a busy place with pollinators moving between flowers and helping support local biodiversity.

 

It's a small contribution, but every garden can play a role.

 

Water for Wildlife

Scotland occasionally surprises us with periods of unusually warm and dry weather.

When that happens, access to water becomes increasingly important for wildlife.

To help, we've created water sources within the garden that provide drinking and bathing opportunities for birds while also supporting frogs and other amphibians.

​

​

Bird Feeding Station

We also maintain a bird feeding station to support local bird populations throughout the year.

Unfortunately, our resident cats have occasionally viewed this arrangement rather differently.

As a result, the feeding station is likely to be relocated to provide our feathered visitors with a slightly less adventurous dining experience. The birds will appreciate it. The cats will be less enthusiastic.

​

Reducing Single-Use Plastics

Holiday accommodation can generate surprising amounts of waste, particularly through single-use toiletries. 

​

At Nest Holiday Home we actively avoid disposable miniature bottles, instead opting to refill dispensers for:

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Body wash

• Hand soap

• Dish washing liquid

​

It takes (a little) more effort behind the scenes, but dramatically reduces plastic waste and that makes us happy. 

​

Guests still enjoy the same convenience, with less packaging heading to landfill.

​

Encouraging Sustainable Travel

Callander is one of Scotland's most popular destinations for cyclists.

Nest Holiday Home welcomes cyclists and provides facilities to support guests travelling by bike.

The area offers outstanding cycling opportunities, from quiet country roads to more challenging Highland routes. There is bike "parkign" on site. 

​

We also welcome motorcyclists, many of whom use Callander as a stopover while exploring Scotland's famous touring routes. The spectacular west coast touring route through Glencoe, Fort William, Skye and beyond has become increasingly popular with bikers travelling across Scotland, and Callander provides a convenient and scenic overnight stop.

​

Recycling Matters

If you've stayed with us, you'll probably have noticed that we're keen recyclers.

That's not accidental. As your hostess, I've spent much of my professional life working in environmental policy and had a role in introducing Scotland's Waste Regulations. Old habits die hard. We therefore make every effort to recycle as much as possible and encourage guests to do the same.

Separate facilities are provided for:

• Paper and card

• Plastics

• Glass

• General waste

 

Every bottle, newspaper and cardboard box diverted from landfill genuinely helps.

​

Exploring the Trossachs Sustainably

 

One of the great joys of staying in Callander is that many activities can be enjoyed without extensive travel. Guests can:

• Walk to restaurants and cafés

• Explore local riverside paths

• Visit independent shops

• Access walking routes directly from the property

• Enjoy local attractions without long car journeys

 

There are also buses on the doorstep for the Trossachs and further afield with FlixBus and Ember offering day trips to Fort William, Oban, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling.

​

Spend less time driving, and more time relaxing on your holiday.

​

Responsible Tourism in the Trossachs

The landscapes that attract visitors to Callander and the Trossachs are special. The lochs, forests, rivers, mountains and wildlife are part of what makes this area such a wonderful place to visit.

By making thoughtful choices about energy, waste, biodiversity and sustainable travel, we hope to play a small part in protecting these places for future generations.

​

Our aim is simple.

 

To provide comfortable, welcoming accommodation while caring for the environment that makes this corner of Scotland so special.

 

We hope you'll enjoy it as much as we do.

​

​