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Monthly Archives

November 2024

Environment, Travel

My Favourite Tipple Just Got Sustainable!

A major draw for visitors to the Isle of Islay is to visit one or two of the top distilleries. There are more distilleries on this island, per square meter, than any other Scottish island. As a peaty whisky lover, Islay is a paradise for me, with Lagavulin my favourite brand. But there was a surprise in store for me.

Having taken many a whisky distillery in my time, this time I noticed something very different with our Lagavulin tour – they talked about the SUSTAINABLE aspects of their production, in particular with reference to water. I am a passionate supporter of organisations that take sustainability very seriously.

Until I got home and contacted them for more information, I didn’t understand the significance of what Diageo, the business behind Lagavulin, are working on in this regards. Discover this incredible story with me.

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November 29, 2024
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Environment, Travel

Another Place

Just the name itself attracts me!

Set on the tranquil shores of Ullswater in the Lake District, this somewhat contemporary hotel, ‘Another Place, The Lake‘, is nestled amongst the trees with breathtaking views of the fells and the lake. It’s quite a mystical spot in one respect, in that we arrive there and seem to relax instantly! For me this perfect holiday scenario is backed up by the hotel’s extensive ‘sustainability’ programme, of which I am learning much more this trip.

Imagine my joy when I found out that The Machrie, where we had booked to stay on the Isle of Islay, had been acquired by ‘Another Place’.

I had to find out what their plans were…..

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November 22, 2024
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Environment, Travel

Weren’t We Supposed to be Taking a Boat Trip Around Jura?

There’s only one way to really see the islands in the Inner Hebrides and that’s to get in a boat. Being on the Isle of Islay for a few days, seemed a perfect excuse to book a boat trip. When I booked Venture West and chatted to Sandy a boat trip around Jura fitted the bill. Picking up at Port Askaig on Islay, dropping in at the distillery of course, exploring remote shores and historic spots – being the home of George Orwell, where he wrote 1984. The Corryvreckan Whirlpool was also on the list, one of the largest permanent whirlpools in the world … in one of the most dangerous stretches of water around the British Isles! Gulp.

For me, I wanted to get close up to nature. With the hope of seeing dolphins, seals and birds of prey, a boat trip is one of the best ways to do this. Why? Being amongst nature inspires us to protect it.

But of course, the itinerary could change…

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November 10, 2024
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Environment, Travel

Meet Delta, the Caracara – the intelligent, and somewhat OCD Bird of Prey!

At The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre

Come and meet the characters at the Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre – and I don’t mean Stewart and Kevin, the very hands on owners and falconry experts at the centre. But the many rescued and restored to health hawks, owls, raptors and eagles and then some unexpected visitors like Delta, the Caracara.

But first, let me tell you why this centre is so important, why we actively support them and why you might consider doing the same.

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November 2, 2024
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