Sustainability

Here at Argyll Holidays we are keen to be green.

Our parks are set amongst the backdrop of the bonniest surroundings Argyll can offer – a landscape we strive to keep looking its best! Protecting local wildlife and ecosystems on our parks is a top priority for us and, as a result of our efforts; we are fair chuffed to say that all parks in the Argyll Holidays Group hold the highest accolade of a Gold David Bellamy Award for Conservation.

Our Environmental Mission Statement

‘Long-term, green and sustainable practice is essential if we are to rebuild our economy, improve our quality of life and protect our natural environment. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do - from the day to day running of our holiday parks to purchasing local goods and services - we aim to lead by example’

Keith Campbell - Director

David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme

16 years of participation

Argyll Holidays have had the honour of protecting and enhancing the natural environment within our parks for nearly two decades. As a result of our efforts, all eight of our parks hold the Gold David Bellamy Award for conservation. We look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy the wildflowers, woodlands, and creatures we work to conserve and protect.

“Britain’s parks are bursting with bio-diversity," said Bellamy. "They are the nation’s favourite get-away-from-it-all locations, and also a major point of contact between people and the countryside. They are therefore very important centres of relaxation and education and a wonderful place to go and immerse yourself in nature. That’s why these awards play an important role in helping parks to keep the green flag flying.” - Professor David Bellamy

‘Our caring and responsible policies are good news for both conservation and for holidaymakers, and have led to the achievement of Gold David Bellamy awards at all eight of our parks’ – Keith Campbell - Director.

Championing Renewable Energy

Hydro power (1986) and Biomass (2011)

Since the early days of Argyll Holidays, the Directors have had sustainable solutions on their mind. In 1986, we welcomed the installation of a small scale hydro scheme at Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village. The scheme has successfully serviced Drimsynie Estate with electricity since, and today, it continues to produce ‘green energy’ with excess production being fed back into the national grid!

Biomass was also chosen by the company as an alternative to fossil fuel heating and in 2011 high specification Froeling 320kw biomass boilers were installed at both Hunters Quay and Drimsynie Estate Holiday Villages. Keeping you warm, without risking the polar bears!

The boilers have a fuel demand of approximately 250 tonnes per annum of seasoned wood fuel for each site, which is sourced locally.

We are aware that decreasing CO2 emissions is a priority today and we are happy to be playing our part in the reduction of emissions in Scotland. CO2 reduction has been driven primarily by the changes from using fossil fuel towards a number of renewable generation methods – methods we at Argyll Holidays have been embracing since 1986.

Energy Saving Lighting

One of the first things discussed in the aim of reducing the company’s CO2 emissions was reducing energy consumption by relighting the parks with energy saving lighting.

All of our parks have been kitted out with energy saving lighting – and the project has been a huge success. We now benefit from an 80% reduction in energy costs for lighting, bulbs lasted longer therefore there was no need for maintaining a large stock and it also meant our housekeeping team did not have to spend as much time faffing about changing bulbs!

Pool Covers

2013 saw the installation of 5mm Maxi-therm pool and hot tub covers at both Hunters Quay Holiday Village and Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village. This change has allowed us to substantially reduce our heat-loss and dehumidification needs.

Installing pool covers enabled us to reduce our night-time energy usage giving us an overall cost saving of about 25% which in turn reduced our CO2 emissions!

Wildflower Habitats

2017 saw the wildflower set aside project on all of the Argyll Holidays parks.

We set aside more areas for pollinating insects and extend wildlife corridors.

322083 m2 of wildflower area to be exact! It is safe to say that the parks have been buzzing with activity since. And on the plus side, savings in fuel use for lawn mowers adds to our reduction in CO2 emissions.

Wildlife

Our parks are home not just to us and our owners, but countless Scottish species. We are passionate about the diverse flora and fauna that exists around us and, as the custodians of the natural environment on our parks, we see it as our duty to maintain and enhance the habitats of the local wildlife.

We inspire our guests to engage with the natural environment by promoting the fantastic array of walks and nature trails on our parks and throughout the surrounding countryside, whilst endorsing a ‘leave no trace’ policy.

Green Transport

We often use golf buggies to scoot around our parks as a green alternative to diesel or petrol vehicles and have always worked to reduce transport emissions through providing our employees with a minibus between Dunoon and Drimsynie

Moving to a long-term, green and sustainable practice is essential if we are to rebuild our economy, improve our quality of life and protect our natural environment. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do - from the day to day running of our holiday parks to purchasing local goods and services - we aim to lead by example’

Keith Campbell – Director

‘Whether you choose our parks for the tranquillity, the stunning scenery or simply for a much-needed getaway, you can rest assured that we love and protect our environment. We hope you do too!’

Jackie McBurney, Environmental Coordinator