SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Operating Policies
The Environment
We are passionate about wilderness and wild places and the range of adventures that are available throughout the Highlands Islands. We have a genuine enthusiasm to share the landscapes, flora and fauna of Scotland with our clients. We greatly value these assets and are absolutely committed to operating in a manner which conserves and enhances our natural environment.
Through the provision of engaging experiences from wilderness to wildlife, we are firmly of the view that positive tourism experiences have the capacity to foster a strong connection with the natural world and promote more sustainable living in these challenging times we currently face. We know that first and foremost our adventures are about great holiday experiences so, don't worry, we won't be holding evening lectures and workshops on carbon cycles and alternative energy. However, you can expect our experienced and knowledgeable guides to develop your understanding of the amazing environment in which we live.
Our business activities and trip operations are purposefully designed to minimise environmental impact and operate on a low carbon basis. For example, all of our group holidays start and mainline train stations and we keep the use of motorised vehicles to a minimum. We are all about experiencing the wilderness using human power, be that on foot or by bike, kayak, canoe and sail boat. Like any business, we cannot eliminate our consumption of energy altogether and therefore we have taken the decision to offset all remaining carbon emissions by 110%. This is done through the ground-breaking Climate Change Initative for Scotland which we are very proud to have been part of establishing.
Local Communities and Economies
A Wilderness Scotland experience is defined not only by its environmental qualities. Integral to the experience is an involvement and interaction with local communities.
We consistently receive feedback from clients that the encounters and relationships with the local population are one of the most enjoyable and memorable elements of a trip to the Highlands and Islands. We strongly support this view and recognise the wonderful contribution and added value that communities, culture and customs make to the tourism experience.
We are absolutely committed to engaging local businesses throughout our entire operation and ensuring that the economic benefits are distributed in this equitable way. As well as providing a great service to our clients, by working with local partners it also means that our groups always receive a warm welcome from the locals wherever we go.
Supporting Grass Roots Intiatives & Campaigns
We work in close association with the Wilderness Foundation UK. Please see their website for further details of their work. who are a dynamic wilderness conservation organization. The Wilderness Foundation is dedicated to preserving the planet’s last remaining wilderness. Central to the work of the Wilderness Foundation is the belief that only by experiencing wild places at first hand, will individuals truly understand and appreciate the continued value of wild places in our modern society; this is a philosophy we share at Wilderness.
In partnership with the Wilderness Foundation, Wilderness Scotland has set-up a Community and Environment Fund which provides direct financial support and consultancy advice to several conservation and tourism development projects in Scotland and around the globe.
If you would like to see a full copy of our Sustainable Tourism & Environment Statement, please request a copy from our office and we will be pleased to email it to you.
You may be interested to note that we also offer specialist consultancy services relating to Sustainable Tourism and Ecotourism Development. For details of our services, click here.
