A beautiful Scottish country residence has received Dumfries and Galloway’s first ever GOLD Award from Green Tourism for a B&B.
Nithbank Country Estate in Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway has been graded Gold by Green Tourism in recognition of its exceptional eco-friendly standards. The Green Tourism Gold, Silver and Bronze award certification programme acknowledges those businesses which are actively working to become more sustainable.
Secluded in ancient woodland with river frontage and breath-taking views, Nithbank provides a unique experience, combining the personal service of a luxury hotel, with the freedom and privacy of home. The impressive estate can be found in the home of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, a UNESCO designated area where residents value and protect the world class environment they live in. Owner Melanie Allen and the team have been applauded for their conscious choices in sustainability.
Melanie Allen, owner of Nithbank Country Estate, said: “It has been fantastic to have Green Tourism’s expert advice to guide us through the process. Being a Gold Award holder is very important to us, it sits right at the core of everything we do, how we operate and the unique service we provide for our guests.
“Travellers are more discerning now than ever and there is a huge proportion of people who are keen to minimise the impact of consumerism on the environment by making more conscious decisions and supporting local independent businesses and initiatives.
“Any business operating in such a beautiful location has a responsibility to nurture its environment. We are really excited and looking forward to sharing the timeless luxury of Nithbank with our guests whilst championing Green Tourism and everything our Gold Award stands for.”
Paula Ward, VisitScotland Regional Partnerships Director said, “A huge congratulations to Nithbank Country Estate. They are a fantastic example of an enterprise showing their commitment to becoming a more sustainable business and as a result, they are the first Gold Green Tourism Award for a B&B in Dumfries & Galloway.
“We want Scotland to become a world-leader in sustainable tourism development. Through working together, Scotland’s tourism industry can reduce the environmental impact of its operations, and maximise the economic and social benefits, by building a better, more sustainable future for Scotland.”
Stuart Park, Lead Sustainability Assessor, Green Tourism said, “Nithbank Country Estate is certainly deserving of the prestigious Green Tourism GOLD level of award.
“It takes great commitment to achieve the award and this guesthouse has demonstrated numerous examples of best practice. As a result, it is the only guest house or serviced accommodation provider in Dumfries and Galloway to currently hold the award, and the first to do so going through the Green Tourism GreenCheck assessment.”
Nithbank provides guests with home grown, organic fruit as well as homemade jam, muesli and scones. When advising visitors, Melanie chooses to promote sustainable travel – walks and cycling straight from the estate doors. The team are advocates for the Dark-Sky Association and promote artificial light reduction whilst educating the effect of light pollution on wildlife. Nithbank are passionate about red squirrel conservation and work in partnership with Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels, operating a local red squirrel network with volunteers. Melanie also chooses to work with local businesses, organisations and suppliers in order to build relationships and share all that is good about South West Scotland.
Nithbank Country Estate also holds the Certification Mark for the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere and owner Melanie sits on the Partnership Board.
For more details on the Green Tourism awards, take a look at their website here: https://www.green-tourism.com/about-us
