Sustainability Statement

Mackay’s Durness has developed a sustainable responsible business model which encourages our visitors to explore our unique environment with respect and responsibility taken seriously.

There is a strong acknowledgement of the need to minimise our impact and the impact of our business on  our beautiful location.

Our operating practices & ethos reflect and respect the unique and beautiful environment and fragile community in which we are located. The North West Highlands  is a UNESCO Global Geopark.  A place of stunning mountain landscapes,  clean sandy beaches (although not clean enough) and unique cultural heritage which offer one of the best opportunities in Europe to explore the wild.

We have designed a sustainable business model, limiting guest numbers and encouraging longer stays and reduced travel. We have enlisted the help of our guests and are not scared to ask them to think about the bigger picture on how we consume, travel and enjoy the finest things life has to offer

Our specific commitments to our guests, employees and community are set out below. 

FOOD & WASTE

We focus on sustainable sourcing local, natural and seasonal goods and materials whenever possible. We are dedicated to preserving the environmental and ecological impact of the products we use, and the waste we produce.

We aim to reduce our landfill waste year on year through continuous reduction/elimination of all plastics& packaging a undergo a rigorous programme of recycling and up cycling

We compost as much as possible all of our green waste, including experimental techniques with used coffee grains in our garden

We use environmentally friendly organic guest amenities, cleaning, household and garden products. 

ENERGY

Our buildings vary in age and construction but are all fitted out and built to a high energy efficiency standard. All are extremely well insulated with double if not triple glazing. We use solar and wind energy most of our properties. 

We strive to continually reduce our energy usage through  new  efficiencies, controls and process improvements with the help of our guests

WATER

We efficiently manage the water output on our high demand areas and actively encourage guest thought and participation in the reduced  unnecessary use  energy & water

LOCALITY

Respect for our fragile community and the impact of tourism on the people, heritage and environment of our vast area of wild

Where possible we shop small an local - this is vital. We are particularly focussed on supporting small suppliers, trades people and artisans who contribute to the local community

We are members of Green Tourism Scheme currently with a Gold Award and continually update and enhance our practice as this becomes possible

We actively encourage cycling and are involved in Cyclist’sWelcome Scheme

Beach Cleaning is a way of life and done every single walk every single day

We are actively engaged in  local groups & initiatives. We support fair trade practices with all suppliers, guests and employees

GUEST HELP- We are not shy in asking our guests to help in our flight of responsible practices. We ask them to;

MANAGE WASTE EFFECTIVELY

Sort any recyclable waste into the Mixed or Glass recycling. If you have a dog, please use our dog poo composter onsite. If you don't want to take your unsafe food or good home then we will do our best to reduce, reuse and recycle - nothing goes to waste at Mackay’s

CONSERVE ENERGY

Switch off lights & TV's when you go out. Keep only essential lights on at night. Refresh sheets & towels only after a few days not after a single use. Think, think and think again

Use the dishwasher when full not half empty Use the energy efficient programmes when using the dishwasher & washing machine. 

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Buy local food and services whilst you are here to help the local community that you came to visit. We strongly encourage all our guests to shop and support local as much as possible. This is vital to fragile communities and the service levels and produce available are excellent 

LOWER YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Leave the car behind for a day, take a picnic and explore the nearby coastline, countryside There are miles of beautiful walks direct from all our gorgeous locations. Our area is made for cycling ( as long as you don’t mind hills and weather) We are bike fanatics and do our best to encourage guests to explore on wheels

BE KIND TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Whenever you visit the beach always take your rubbish away with you and perhaps pick up one piece of Ocean plastic already there - it is unfortunately everywhere- we just have to look. Help keep our beaches clean and marine life safe by doing '2 minute beach cleans' whenever you visit. Don't buy single use plastic bottles, use your own refillable drinks containers we supply with pleasure