How to be more sustainable whilst travelling in Scotland
Did you know that the travel and tourism industry makes up 8% of the world’s carbon emissions? Making travel and tourism a significant contributor to climate change, which can affect the future of tourism, people, wildlife, and the planet? It doesn’t have to sound so daunting, as there are many things we can do as tourists that can help reduce our carbon footprint.
Use more efficient Transport.
We all know that transport is one of the biggest carbon polluters in the world. Therefore, it is important to think consciously about the way we travel. Many forms of travelling, such as air travel and driving, constitute the largest part of tourism’s carbon footprint. However, some modes of transport can be much more efficient and cleaner, making it important to replace less efficient and clean methods with cleaner and more efficient options.
Why not try swapping driving to your destination for coach travel? West Coast Motors provides a range of different routes around Argyll & the Isles from Glasgow, or why not travel by train with Scotrail to your destination? This allows any keen traveller to take their eye off the road and absorb the stunning scenery along their travels.
Cross the Bridge over the Atlantic by bus!
In Destination: Where two-wheeled heels are often better than four!
When in the destination, don’t forget you can still take local buses and trains, or opt for the good old-fashioned way of walking. For slightly longer journeys, a range of local providers offer cycling bikes and E-bikes for those looking to explore viewpoints uphill without getting restless.
Don’t forget to bring your bike, as it is most welcome in most accommodations around Argyll & the Isles (Just be sure to ask beforehand!). Scotrail’s Highland Explorer Carriage, CalMac and Western Ferries are also happy to accommodate bikes whilst travelling!
The Isle of Bute is better explored with two wheels instead of four!
Slow your trip down, stay longer & see more!
We all know that in today's world, things are much faster-paced than they used to be, and we have more responsibilities to manage. However, it is important to take time away from stressful environments to enjoy yourself and the world around you. Try not to overload your trip by trying to see everything you want before you leave. There are always opportunities to come back and revisit the places you never managed to see. Enjoy the location you are in without the stress of moving on to the next, without missing the hidden gems each destination in Argyll & the Isles has to offer.
Instead, find an ideal location in the centre of your destination to stay, whilst commuting via bus, walking or cycling to get to these locations to explore- this allows any traveller to immerse themselves in the culture, meeting the locals, and iconic attractions which surround your location, making for a more fulfilled trip. It has great benefits for the environment too, as it reduces the carbon footprint generated by travelling between destinations while supporting local businesses by spending more time in the area.
Red Squirrel spotted in Cormonachan Community Woodlands by Loch Goil, Credit: @seelochlomond
Accommodation and operators
It is important to realise that, as a tourist, you are helping to support local businesses and operators within the area. Many accommodation, food, and tour providers have become more sustainable over the years to reduce their carbon footprint. They have discovered a new market of sustainably conscious travellers who seek providers that are eco-friendly and sustainable in their business practices. It is important to look for information that supports sustainability within a business. Do they have alternative and more sustainable uses for plastic? Use local produce in meals? Do they promote sustainable travel? And so forth…
Luxury Nature Cabins on the tranquil Isle of Luing, Credit: WildLuing
Sustainable Accommodations
There are many ways in which businesses promote sustainability, such as the type of accommodation they provide. For example, Loch Riddon Bothy offers a beautifully isolated eco-cabin overlooking Loch Riddon. The likes of Knipoch Hotel near Oban provide delicious vegan and sustainably sourced breakfasts, helping to decrease the carbon footprint created by farming. Food providers within Argyll & the Isles tend to offer sustainably sourced meals from local suppliers to eliminate transport fuel emissions. Many tour providers ensure they offer eco-friendly tours while promoting responsible interactions with nature and wildlife.
A few niche businesses, such as Heathery Heights, are perfect for exploring wildlife and nature on foot, ideal for those seeking slow adventure. Whereas, Basking Shark Scotland and Sealife Adventures are both activity tour providers who are passionate about running activities which have little impact on the marine environment. So be sure to get the most out of your holiday, using sustainable providers!
Be respectful of communities.
When visiting different destinations, it is sometimes forgotten that we are visiting the locals’ homes. It is important to be respectful of those who live within these locations and of those who operate here. Small, remote locations are sometimes not used to the overwhelming number of tourists, which has since occurred due to stay-cations during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to be mindful of this when visiting the area. Especially when visiting little hidden gems nearby.
Be sure to check the best route of transport and available parking options ahead of your trip. Better still, take public transport, cycle, or walk to these locations, making it a full day out. There can often be debate around wild camping in such areas, but if tourists are respectful, keep the surroundings clean, and leave it as they found it, there is usually no issue. Be sure to check out the safety outdoors and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to find out more about the leave-no-trace policy. Wild camping can be one of the best experiences you can have in Scotland, but only if we work together to ensure the environment is cared for!
Wild Camping in Argyll, Credit: Wild about Argyll
Go off the beaten track.
Nobody likes over-crowding or squeezing through too many tourists to see an iconic attraction or location; this is typically known as ‘over-tourism’. Travellers are becoming more aware of visiting tourist-packed locations and are seeking hidden gems and experiences within these attractions. Luckily, Argyll & the Isles is a remote part of Scotland with much to discover. Steer away from the hustle and bustle of Glasgow and Edinburgh and move toward the West Coast of Scotland, where you will find an array of hidden gems on Scotland’s Adventure Coast.
Don’t worry, there are still iconic attractions here, such as Hill House in Helensburgh, the breathtaking Loch Awe, along with many castles, beaches, undiscovered woodland walks, and dark skies where you can capture a clear view of stars and northern lights. Visiting remote areas will reduce the burden of over-visiting, footpath erosion and littering. It also provides for a more authentic and relaxed trip, where you can enjoy the sights around.
Check out the Coastal Adventures on the Above and Below Trail by Kathi at Watchmesee, who gives you insight into the amazing trails found off the beaten track!
Mystical Pucks Glen is a hidden gem in Cowal, Credit: Wild about Argyll
Visit parks and protected areas.
Argyll & the Isles is no stranger to protected wildlife parks, woodlands, marine areas, and historic environments. These areas are often donation-funded, run by volunteers, and maintained to keep the local surroundings litter-free, safeguarding wildlife, nature, and marine habitats for their survival. Forestry and Land Scotland take pride in preserving the local woodlands and developing biking trails and walks for everyone to explore, whilst ensuring the wildlife is protected. These forest walks offer some of the best photo opportunities Scotland has to offer for spotting Red Squirrels, red deer, and various birds. Perfect for eager birdwatchers, as many of the locations offer birdwatching sheds where visitors can take shelter and spot a few unique birds gliding through the air.
Forest Cycling in Cowal.
Discover the History & Heritage of Argyll
Historic Environment Scotland’s focus is to protect the historic environment within Scotland. This is achieved through donations from visitors to ensure castles and heritage centres are restored and protected to the best of their ability. With climate change causing a range of adverse weathers, Historic Environment Scotland is helping to limit the impact of climate change by continuing to monitor and research the effects of climate change on the historic environment, work towards zero waste operations, and provide visitors with the right facilities and infrastructure to lessen the environmental impact of visits, therefore helping to preserve Scotland’s history along the way. You can help by visiting these locations, donating to the cause, or purchasing a membership from Historic Environment Scotland, which grants you access to a range of locations around Scotland.
