Orroland is more than just a collection of holiday cottages, it’s our family home, and we are deeply committed to protecting and enhancing the environment here and beyond. Our mission is to share this wonderful, natural corner of Scotland with our guests whilst minimising our environmental impact. We recognise that by simply existing as a business we contribute to the planet’s environmental issues, including climate change.
We believe sustainability is a journey, and we are always looking for ways to improve and protect Orroland’s unique environment. We appreciate our guests joining us in this effort by respecting nature, reducing waste, and embracing a more sustainable way of holidaying.
Thank you for being part of Orroland’s commitment to a greener future!
Orroland is a sanctuary for wildlife, home to two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an abundance of native species. Over the last five decades, the Kennedy family has planted tens of thousands of trees, carefully managing the woodland to support both wildlife and traditional country pursuits.
- We are especially proud of our thriving red squirrel population, which can be seen throughout the estate.
- Guests may also spot roe deer, birds of prey (including Peregrine Falcons), newts, and diverse birdlife.
- Along the seashore, you might catch a glimpse of lizards, seals, or porpoises.
- Our two-acre wildflower meadow is a haven for summer pollinators, and a local beekeeper maintains hives on the estate.
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and using natural resources responsibly:
- Our electricity comes from 100% renewable sources.
- We generate over 50% of the power for the main farmhouse, laundry, linen store, and staff cottage with 20kW of solar panels and battery storage.
- Water for Cutlar’s Lodge and Auchengashell comes from a private spring on the farm, treated with UV light—free from chemicals and tested annually by Environmental Health.
- Our laundry supplier is committed to water and energy conservation, responsible sourcing, and uses heat recovery systems. They recycle waste water, plastic, and cardboard and optimise delivery routes to minimise fuel use.
- All toiletries and many cleaning products used across the estate are environmentally friendly.
- Dry mixed and glass waste are carefully recycled to reduce landfill. Food waste is composted in a dedicated “hot bin” and the resulting compost is used in the gardens.
- Where terrain allows, we use electric lawn mowers.
Our holiday cottages are designed to be as eco-friendly as possible while ensuring guest comfort:
- High insulation and double-glazed windows throughout.
- Energy efficient Nest Smart Thermostats control the heating at Abbotsway Cottage and Cutlar’s Lodge. Auchengashell features efficient underfloor heating with zoned temperature control.
- LED lighting is used across all properties.
- Low-energy appliances are prioritised when purchasing.
- Central heating is supplemented by open fires or wood-burning stoves using seasoned firewood from the estate’s windfall, dried for at least two years.
- While tumble dryers are available, guests are encouraged to use the washing lines provided in each cottage.
We take a thoughtful approach to sourcing products and reducing waste:
- Sustainable and local purchasing for many holiday cottage supplies.
- Avoiding single-use plastics—complimentary toiletries, free from SLS and parabens, are in 100% recycled plastic refillable dispensers. Most cleaning products are via a refill system.
- Guests are encouraged to recycle, conserve water, and minimize energy use.
- We recommend local farm shops and businesses to support the regional economy.
- Property maintenance is carried out using a group of highly skilled local trades
- We welcome dogs at Orroland and provide biodegradable bags for pet waste, helping to keep our natural surroundings pristine.
We welcome cyclists and eco-conscious travellers:
- Orroland is near the famous 7 Stanes forest cycling routes.
- Each cottage has a bike rack and a hose for washing bikes.
- Guests with electric vehicles can charge at our complimentary EV charging point at their cottage.