Good Vibes for Green Business as Glenuig Inn is Shortlisted for Top Award

Oct. 25, 2011 - PRLog -- An historic 18th century inn which has been transformed into one of the most environmentally friendly hotels in the UK has been shortlisted for a prestigious business award.

Glenuig Inn in Lochaber, just 35 miles from Fort William, has been shortlisted for the Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards 2011.
The awards, which are now in their 12th year, aim to recognise the commitment, actions and achievements of Scottish companies which go the extra distance to reduce their impact on the environment.

Glenuig is among 29 other businesses which have been shortlisted this year as prime examples of companies which have introduced environmental best practice in their daily activities and generated significant financial savings in the process.

“To be shortlisted for the VIBES Awards is an honour in itself,” said Steve Macfarlane, owner of the Glenuig Inn, which already holds a coveted Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

“Since taking over the business I have managed to turn it around by increasing the number of rooms and amenities while at the same time reducing energy use and costs by 75 per cent. That's a considerable saving which we have been able to pass on to our customers.”

Glenuig Inn has been shortlisted for the Energy Award, which is sponsored by the Scottish Government, for its use of 100 per cent renewable energy, including solar thermal heating and green electricity. Heat generated from cooling equipment is also recycled throughout the hotel, which has been insulated from the outside to create a blanket effect to ensure there are no cold spots in the roof spaces or external walls while at the same time retaining the historic character of the 18th century building.

“There is no need to throw away money and pump CO2 into the atmosphere. We have done everything we can to reduce the impact of the business on the environment,” added Steve Macfarlane. “Our food is locally sourced and even the beer is environmentally friendly. It makes good business and commercial sense.

“If I can achieve all this in a remote, rural location then anyone can do it. One of the biggest expense for any hotel, inn or bed and breakfast is the cost of energy. But, by introducing sensible measures it is possible to reduce that burden and make any business competitive, profitable and environmentally friendly.”

Winners of the VIBES Awards will be announced at a special ceremony on 29 November 2011 at The Hub in Castlehill, Edinburgh.

ENDS

For further details on the measures carried out by The Glenuig Inn or to arrange an interview with Steve Macfarlane please contact Peppercorn PR on 0845 217 8757.