HOME FARM COTTAGES

Top 5 things to do with kids this summer at Home Farms.

HOME FARM COTTAGES

Spring Newsletter

Lockdown and the long awaited phased release

As you will be aware we at Ness Castle Lodges in Inverness and Home Farm Cottages in Glendaruel have been in lockdown since the second week in March.

Our time has been filled in recent weeks with bookings management and we are so grateful to customers who have rebooked for next year and who are looking forward to their break when the green light is given to visit.
 
On the pandemic itself, whilst supporting the efforts of the UK and Scottish Governments in terms of carefully monitoring the science and health data, we also have an eye to economic recovery and when our lodges might be available for occupation.  But, I emphasize that we will only do this when it is deemed by our Governments to be safe to do so.
 
We also appreciate the forbearance of our teams, the back-up supply chain and our suppliers as they have all been equally impacted by this event that we’ve not seen in terms of health and safety since the 1918 Irish flu outbreak.
 
On Home Farm Cottages, in Glendaruel, which still looks glorious no matter the weather, our team are helping to keep the grounds in pristine condition, as you would expect.   Repairs and maintenance is being carried out around the Estate thus retaining its ambiance and in as perfect a condition as possible to present when visitors re-join us in Argyll.  There are one or two elements we need to address in terms of social distancing and these will be obvious in that we can’t allow the games room to be multi-family users, but we will be introducing a scheme to try and address that as we move through the spectrum.

We are also looking at social distancing controls but our layouts give a degree of security in that nobody is immediately adjacent to others with plenty space available to meet the criteria planned.
 
Our turnaround teams will also be tasked with going the extra mile in terms of using recommended products to ensure that every  changeover has new procedures to keep pace with the various recommendations which are coming out and targeted at our industry.  So we need our Governments, Scottish and UK to release travel restrictions to enable guests to book and visit.

All attractions in Scotland, akin to England, Northern Ireland and Wales, will also have restrictions, but the operators are well skilled on how to do this so I would anticipate this being undertaken as we emerge from lockdown as well.
 
All of the good food destinations around Argyll’s secret coast are raring to go and the message from them collectively is ‘haste ye back’.
 
At Ness Castle Lodges in Inverness, we have obviously adopted the same positioning as Home Farm Cottages in Glendaruel, with our caretaker not furloughed thus able to concentrate on Estate maintenance, lodges maintenance and generally keeping Ness Castle Lodges up to its expected standards.
 
The Capital of the Highlands is missing greatly the early spring tourism visits and it is important that they would like to welcome you back to the area also for a relaxing fun filled holiday, staying with us on the banks of the River Ness not far from the centre of Inverness itself, and indeed the iconic Loch Ness.
 
As with Home Farm Cottages in Glendaruel, in terms of its games room, we have to address the social distancing challenges  at Ness Castle Lodges on the gym, steam room and hot tub and I suspect we will have difficulties with these aspects as the rules unravel.
 
Nevertheless, we will keep the visits to Inverness as memorable as they have been in the past and to many visitors, an experience where they go away saying they enjoyed themselves and book again to return.
 
Over the piece, we have been in business for over 20 years in Home Farm Cottages in Glendaruel and 15 years at Ness Castle Lodges and I think we offer a product which is first class in terms of its target markets, its ambiance, the standard and the service from the teams on site.

As a family and team,  we really enjoy reading the comment cards and visitor books to see what people  are saying about our products and I have to say its most encouraging as we analyse what a visitor thinks of their stay.
 
Lets hope all four Governments in the UK have a collegiate approach and eventually move towards the stepping stones to recovery to enable normality to return to our society and in the leisure industry to help us have a balance of work and leisure and, this year, largely on our doorsteps whether it be Wales, Northern Ireland, England or Scotland.
 
Thank you for reading this and we look forward to welcoming you to Home Farm Cottages in Glendaruel or at Ness Castle Lodges in Inverness.

Kind regards, 

The Sutherland / Campbell Family 

HOME FARM COTTAGES

COVID-19

At the time of writing, we are open for business. 

The wellbeing of our guests and staff is of paramount importance and we are closely monitoring the Government and World Health Organisation’s statements regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and following guidelines.

Our Cancellation Policy:
In response to changing marketplace conditions we are committed to ensuring our customers experience flexibility during these challenging times and as such are implementing the following policy:

For guests with existing bookings for any future arrival date we will allow full changes as long as the change is made 7 days prior to arrival. Please note that any changes to existing Bookings will be subject to availability and any rate differences.

• For guests making new bookings for any future arrival date between today and April 30, 2020, we will allow the booking to be changed at no charge up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival date.  Please note that changes to the booking will be subject to availability and any rate differences.

Guests who booked via online travel agents or other third-party travel professionals are advised to contact their booking provider for information on their policies.

*Important Information:

• Some exclusions may apply. May exclude periods with special event restrictions or peak demand weeks.
• For individual bookings booked into a pre-existing group block, please refer to cancellation terms quoted at the time of booking.

Our Commitment to Cleanliness:
We take standards for hygiene and cleanliness very seriously and are taking additional steps to ensure the safety of our guests and staff. On a daily basis, we are working to ensure that our standards meet the latest guidance on hygiene and cleaning. Our health and safety measures are designed to address a broad spectrum of viruses, including COVID-19, and include everything from handwashing hygiene and cleaning product specifications to guest room and common area cleaning procedures. Specific steps include:

Staff Health, Safety and Knowledge:  Staff – and their own health, safety and knowledge – are essential to an effective cleaning program. Here are some ways we’re supporting them:

• Hand Hygiene: Proper and frequent handwashing is vital to help combat the spread of viruses. Our staff are reminded that cleanliness starts with hand washing and this is to be implemented and carried out at regular intervals in line with current guidelines.
• Ongoing Training: In addition to training on housekeeping and hygiene protocols, staff are also completing enhanced COVID-19 awareness training.
• Cleaning Products and Protocols: We use cleaning products and procedures which are effective against viruses, including:

• Lodges / Cottages: We use cleaning and disinfecting procedures to clean after guests depart and before the next guest arrives, with particular attention paid to high-touch items.
• Public Spaces: We have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting in public spaces.
• Back of House: In the spaces where staff work “behind the scenes,” we are increasing the frequency of cleaning and focusing on high-touch areas.

For the most updated information, please refer to https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response or your local health authority.

HOME FARM COTTAGES

Top 10 Things To Do For Visitors to Argyll

Just on the doorstep of Glendaruel

1. The Cowal Way 
Since it was opened in 2000, the 57-mile long Cowal Way has already become one of Scotland’s must-do great walking trails. Starting from Portavadie in the south of the Cowal Peninsula, the route winds north to finish at Inveruglas on Loch Lomond, via Tighnabruaich, Glendaruel, Strachur, Lochgoilhead and Arrochar.

http://www.cowalway.co.uk/

2. Kilmodan Church
This church in Glendaruel has stunning carved stones, as well as being a typical church of a rural nature.

http://www.kilmodan-colintraive.org.uk/history/kilmodan-church/

3. Kilfinan Parish Church
This fascinating church dates from the 13th century and is the ancient burial place of the chiefs of Clan Lamont, amongst the oldest of the Scottish clans. An 11th century cross based on the Iona Cross plus many fine pieces of early Christian stonework, make this an unmissable destination for lovers of early Christian and clan history.

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/kilfinan-parish-church-p248171

The Hidden Gallery, Loch Fyne, and the Gallery at Tighnabruaich are just two destinations for art lovers in an area packed with creative talent.

A wider view

4. Benmore Botanic Gardens, Dunoon
The entrance to these amazing gardens is through an avenue of Giant Redwoods. Set in a breathtaking mountainside location covering 120 acres, Benmore offers 300 species of rhododendron, over 1/3 of the world’s hardy conifer species – plus fine collections from North and South America, the Orient and Himalaya.

http://www.rbge.org.uk/the-gardens/benmore

5. Inveraray Jail 
This unique living museum gives visitors the opportunity to meet prisoners, discover the horrors of the torture chamber, see an early 19th century court in action, and tour the cells built for men, women and children, some as young as seven. As one of the best surviving examples of the 19th century prison system, it makes for a vivid and educational visitor experience.

http://www.inverarayjail.co.uk

6. Inveraray Castle
Seat of the Dukes of Argyll, this imposing castle is a great destination for history buffs, walkers and Downton Abbey fans, as it was the location for a Christmas special of the series. There are several walks in the extensive grounds, including a 5-mile trail to the Falls of Array and the ruins of Rob Roy’s home.

http://www.inveraray-castle.com

7. Best of the West Festival
Held in September and set in the grounds of Inveraray Castle, this is a great end of summer season, family-friendly, two-day event of the best music, food and drink of Argyll. Loch Fyne Oysters, a whisky bar, activities for kids including bungee trampolining, archery and climbing wall; and it attracts great musicians and bands! 

http://www.bowfest.co.uk/

8. Machrihanish Golf Course and The Dunes, near Campbeltown 
If golf’s your passion, the two courses at Macrihanish are well worth the effort for the opportunity to tee off on two of the most spectacular links courses in the British Isles. The original course was designed by the legendary Old Tom Morris in 1879, and the new one, opened in 2009, is by David McLay Kidd. Stunning coastal settings, rugged dunes, blind approaches and magnificent fairways add up to an unforgettable golfing challenge!  Early ferry from Portavadie to Tarbert, and you’re on the first tee at 10.30am!

http://www.machgolf.com/

9. Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary, Oban 
A great display of marine life including turtles, octopus, rays, otters and seals. Every year, the sanctuary rescues 12-15 abandoned seal pups, then rears and releases them back into the wild. There are also forest grounds for walks and an adventure playground.  This trip is 2 hours from Glendaruel.  You can drive through Inveraray, or you can use the ferry crossing from Portavadie to Tarbert then head North up the beautiful west coast line.

If you miss the ferry on the way home, it’s grub at Inveraray; Loch Fyne Oysters; Cairndow Inn; and Creggans Inn, Strachur, are some of your choices. 

http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/oban1.html

10. Oban Distillery
Home of the 14-year old Oban Classic Malt Whisky, the distillery is set, unusually, in the heart of the town, a stone’s throw from the sea, and offers tours and sample drams to visitors who come to learn about its history stretching back to 1794, and the process of making Scotland’s national tipple.

And if you’re a whisky enthusiast, remember that Argyll is rich in distilleries famous for some of Scotland’s most iconic single malts – as well as Oban, the region offers whiskies from the Isles of Jura and Islay such as Lagavulin, Bruichladdich, Bowmore and Laphroaig.

https://www.discovering-distilleries.com/oban/