Category: Awards

Scottish self-catering businesses have won big at the European Holiday Home Awards 2021.

Operators from Scotland took home prizes in the Best Green Holiday Home and Best Accessible Holiday Home categories at the awards ceremony in Malaga.

Scots were also among the finalists in seven other categories including Best Family Friendly Holiday Home, Best Holiday Home Beach House, and Best Unique Spot Holiday Home.

Drummochy Lodge Fife, one of four purpose-built lodges owned and operated by the Homelands Trust, took home the accessibility prize and Reivers Hideaway in Melrose scooped the green award.

ASSC members made up 3 out of four of the finalists for the environmental prize, demonstrating that the association, and the self-catering sector in Scotland, takes its commitment and obligation to going green very seriously.

Launched in 2015 by the European Holiday Home Association, the EHHA Holiday Home Awards highlight and celebrate the very best of short-term rentals from across the world.

The Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, whose Chief Executive Fiona Campbell represented Scotland at the awards ceremony, is incredibly proud of all the Scottish businesses who were nominated and sends its special congratulations to the winners.

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“Self-caterers are diligent, conscientious, legitimate, and considerate businesspeople.

“We lead the way in providing holiday accommodation that balances the creation of memory-making vacations for our guests while also being a key part of our communities.

“We’re proud of our businesses, of those we employ, and our record of not only being a fundamental part of our worldwide wonderful tourism offering but also of the communities that we live and work in.

“I am immensely proud of all these winners and finalists on a global stage – they are a credit to themselves, our association, and our country.”

VisitScotland’s Chief Executive Malcolm Roughead said:

“Congratulations to the award winners and finalists for their hard work and efforts, particularly during such a difficult 18 months.

It is especially pleasing to be recognised for sustainability and accessibility – commitments at the heart of responsible tourism.

Tourism is a force for good and makes Scotland richer, economically and socially, and without it Scotland would be a much poorer place.”  

“We’re delighted to have been selected as a Finalist for such a prestigious international award. It is a great honour for the Lighthouse in Gairloch, and we are very grateful to the ASSC for their support.

The success of the Scottish entrants in a number of categories demonstrates the global recognition of Scotland’s enduring attraction as a holiday destination and the high standard of self-catering accommodation available for visitors.”

Reivers Hideaway, Melrose

ASSC members were winners/finalists in the following categories:

Best Accessible Holiday Home

Won by Drummochy Lodge, Fife https://www.homelands-fife.co.uk/accommodation/drummochy/overview/: Drummochy Lodge is one of four purpose built lodges owned and operated by the Homelands Trust. It features as standard, full wet room, h frame tracking hoists, profiling beds and closomat toilet. Guests can reserve, free of charge, a wide range of portable disability aids to suit their needs.

Finalists included:

Craigengar Lodge, West Lothian https://crosswoodhill.co.uk/self_catering.php?id=20:Years of welcoming guests with varying disabilities has honed our skills in anticipating not just individual needs but also those of their companions, even pets. Close co-operation with VisitScotland’ s disability criteria ensure we exceed expectations with a memorable experience.

Best Green Holiday Home

Won by Reivers Hideaway, Melrose https://www.eildonmelrose.co.uk/log-cabin/:Cabin constructed from locally sourced, sustainable trees, using local log builders and tradesmen. It’s highly insulated with low temperature underfloor heating provided by an air source heat pump. All electricity comes from renewables. Green roof increases biodiversity and blends in with landscape.

Other Finalists included:

Croft 103 in Durness Sutherland https://www.croft103.com:Croft 103 is carbon negative – effectively creating more energy that these use.

Craigengar Lodge, West Lothian, https://crosswoodhill.co.uk/self_catering.php?id=20:This stylish lodge attracts not just discerning guests but curious sheep and wildlife .Nesting house-martins swoop up to its eaves. Panoramic rural views from huge picture windows . Read all about Craigengar’s green, innovative credentials on the detailed Eco-friendly Statement on our website.

Best Health and Wellness Holiday Home Finalist:  

Arden Holiday Cottage, Dumfries & Galloway, South West Scotland https://www.ardenholidaycottage.co.uk: We have a Relax and Chill package, guided meditation sessions and I am a Mental Health First Aider Trainer and Positive Intelligence coach so I run short breaks focussing on this. I am also a qualified Reiki Master and Indian head masseur.

Best Family Friendly Holiday Home Finalist:  

Moray Lodge, Cairngorms National Park https://www.moraylodge.co.uk: Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, we provide everything you could want for the perfect family holiday, including the outstanding beauty of the surroundings matched by a luxurious indoor pool/jacuzzi and hi-tec cinema. On site bistro and spa.

Best Holiday Home Beach House Finalist:  

The Lighthouse, Gairloch in the Highlands, https://www.thelighthouse.scot: The Lighthouse is a secluded contemporary home in one of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Highlands. Set in a superb natural landscape it is luxurious and sits easily in its surroundings. Views over the sea to the mountains are spectacular. Guests have been unanimous in their praise.

Best Unique Spot Holiday Home Finalist:  

Croft 103 in Durness Sutherland https://www.croft103.com: Nestled into the landscape on Loch Eribol at the foot of Ben Hope the dramatic location has to be felt to be understood