Sustainability Statement
Operating Practices & Ethos
Mackay’s Sustainable Responsible Business Model
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.
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 and 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 ask guests 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 & TVs 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.
Calculate your travel carbon
footprint using Sustainable Travel
International’s Carbon Footprint
Calculator.
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.
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.
Offset your Travel
We know we are off the beaten track and we are doing what we can to minimise our impact. If you feel drawn, please consider off setting your journey.
Donate to Trees for Life or an environmental charity you hold dear.