Orroland is more than just a collection of eco-conscious holiday cottages, it’s our family home. We are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the environment both here and beyond. Our mission is to share this beautiful corner of Scotland with our guests while minimising our environmental impact. We know that by simply existing as a business, we play a role in the planet’s environmental issues, such as climate change.
We see sustainability as a journey. We continuously seek ways to improve and protect Orroland’s unique environment. We encourage our guests to join us in this mission by respecting nature, reducing waste, and choosing a more sustainable way to holiday.
Thank you for being part of Orroland’s commitment to a greener future!
Orroland is a sanctuary for wildlife, featuring two Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and many native species. For over fifty years, the Kennedy family has embraced sustainable practices by planting tens of thousands of trees and actively managing the woodland to support wildlife and traditional country activities.
- We are especially proud of our flourishing red squirrel population, which guests can see throughout the estate.
- You may also spot roe deer, birds of prey (including Peregrine Falcons), newts, and a variety of other birds.
- Along the seashore, you may catch a glimpse of lizards, seals, or porpoises.
- Our two-acre wildflower meadow showcases our commitment to nature conservation, providing a perfect home for summer pollinators, while a local beekeeper maintains hives on the estate.
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint while practicing responsible resource management:
- Our electricity comes from 100% renewable sources.
- We generate over 50% of the power for our main farmhouse, laundry, linen store, and staff cottage using a 20kW solar panel system with battery storage.
- Cutlar’s Lodge and Auchengashell receive water from a private spring on the farm. This water is treated with UV light, avoiding chemicals and tested annually by Environmental Health.
- Our laundry supplier follows sustainable practices by conserving water and energy, sourcing responsibly, and using heat recovery systems. They recycle wastewater, plastic, and cardboard, and optimise delivery routes to minimise fuel use.
- All toiletries and many cleaning products used across the estate are eco-friendly.
- We carefully recycle dry mixed and glass waste to reduce landfill use. Food waste is composted in a dedicated “hot bin” and the resulting compost benefits our gardens.
- Where the terrain allows, we use electric lawn mowers to further support sustainable practices.
Our holiday cottages are evolving with sustainable practices in mind, ensuring both eco-friendliness and guest comfort:
- Each cottage features high insulation and double-glazed windows.
- We use energy efficient Nest Smart Thermostats to control heating at Abbotsway Cottage and Cutlar’s Lodge. Auchengashell has efficient underfloor heating with zoned temperature control.
- LED lighting illuminates all properties.
- When purchasing appliances, we prioritise low-energy options.
- Central heating is enhanced by open fires or wood-burning stoves that use seasoned firewood sourced from the estate’s windfall, dried for at least two years.
- While tumble dryers are available, we encourage guests to use the washing lines provided in each cottage.
At Orroland, we embrace sustainable practices to source products wisely and minimise waste:
- We prioritise sustainable and local purchasing for many holiday cottage supplies.
- To avoid single-use plastics, we provide complimentary toiletries in 100% recycled plastic refillable dispensers, free from SLS and parabens. Most of our cleaning products use a refill system.
- We encourage guests to recycle, conserve water, and minimize energy use during their stay.
- We recommend local farm shops and businesses to support the regional economy.
- Property maintenance is handled by a team of highly skilled local tradespeople.
- We welcome dogs at Orroland and provide biodegradable bags for pet waste, helping keep our natural surroundings pristine.
We warmly welcome cyclists and eco-conscious travellers:
- Orroland is located near the famous 7 Stanes forest cycling routes, making it an ideal spot for biking enthusiasts.
- Each cottage features a bike stand and a hose for washing bikes, supporting sustainable practices.
- Guests with electric vehicles can conveniently charge at our complimentary EV charging point at their cottage.
We are proud that all of our cottages have achieved the Sustonica Sustainability Certification.
