Photostory

When making the decision to build Lazybed and Batbox the cost was, as you would expect, an important consideration, but as is typical in this complicated life, there is more than one type of cost, a financial cost to ourselves and a hugely important cost to the environment.

In 2011 we contacted Bernard Planterose of North Woods Design. Bernard studied ecology at university and has since worked as an RSPB warden, tree planter, alternative life styler and is now a highly skilled building designer with a diverse team of ecologically minded builders all based in Ullapool. He knew exactly what we required, how to build it on a tricky site and guided us through the whole environmental stamp of the building.

There were numerous cheaper cabins, pods, micro-houses etc. constructed by many and various companies, either bespoke or, more usually, off the peg. Most (though not all) have doubtful origins, many use timber ripped out of ancient Siberian boreal forests and shipped (often illegally) to Europe by the back door.

It was vitally important to us to have buildings constructed with timber from local, sustainable sources, for it to have maximum sheeps wool insulation (no nasty chemicals) and no wood treatments that would be toxic to us, our guests and to plant and animal life.

To offset the building projects we are following North Woods policy of planting a tree for every square metre and we continue to do so.

Wood trail

Main beams and window frames Douglas fir from North Woods, Ullapool. Windows from Treecraft Woodwork, Dornoch. Ceiling Douglas fir from Abbey Timber, Scottish Borders. Bedroom floor Sycamore again from Abbey Timber, Scottish Borders. Bed side tables, Spruce from North Woods, Ullapool. Decking European Larch sourced near Dingwall. Cladding European Larch from Russwood, Newtonmore. Batbox has oak flooring from France.

Other thing to note

Electric vehicle charge point on site.

The complimentary welcome pack is vegan and predominantly organic.

We have a good range of books to borrow with subjects such as wildlife, croft life, local poetry and outdoor activities plus plenty of fiction.

The firewood provided for the stove is sourced sustainably from British woodland.

You will find eco friendly cleaning products and soap in the cabins plus bamboo toilet paper.

On arrival please take a minute or two to read the information folder which (amongst other important points about the cabin and local area) explains our sensitive septic tank.

We offer an eco friendly laundry service, please limit to one load and allow two days for drying naturally.

We will gladly take your 'veggie' waste for our hungry compost bins. There is a blue re-cycling bin for cans, paper, milk bottles etc. please read the sticker on the bin for details. No glass in the bins please! The nearest bottle/glass bank is located next to the church in the middle of Lochinver. Alternatively our nearest recycling centre is Torbreck on the way to Achmelvich/Drumbeg.

FOR THE LOVE OF TREES