ECOLNET Case Studies

Ecolnet Case Study :: Wilderness Scotland

Country
SCOTLAND, UK
Contact Details
Address:Inverdruie House, Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park
Tel: +44 (0)131 625 6635
Email: info@wildernessscotland.com
Web: http://www.wildernessscotland.com
Keywords
tour operator, ecotourism, adventure
Case Description
Wilderness Scotland is an adventure tour operator founded in 2000 to provide activity holidays throughout Scotland. Since its foundation it has received 26 awards for business achievements related to ethics, quality of service, investing in the environment and environmental sustainability.

Best Practices

1
Criterion 1     A.1. Management System
Description
In their mission statement Wilderness Scotland states their strong commitment to sustainability and Responsible business management by creating a model business with strong principles of sustainable and responsible tourism. The also endeavour to make a positive and lasting contribution to local communities and wilderness environments. These practices are verified by the various environmental and business awards they have received
2
Criterion 1     A.3. Employee training
Description
The company ensure all staff are trained in appropriate skills and health and safetly. Most of the office staff are themselves qualified activity guides. In addition they have been involved in developing specific guide training related to general ecotourism, mountain and activity guiding. The training involved tuition along with accompanying experienced guides and a session where the student is required to guide for real which is observed by the tutors.
3
Criterion 1     A.8. Compliance of activities with special regulations in protected areas
Description
The environmental policy of the company includes stressing their activities have minimal impact on the environment and their clients are informed about how and why they do this. This is verified by their various environmental awards.
4
Criterion 1     B.1. Community Development
Description
The business has strong links with the community including supporting various local initiatives. Customer feedback often includes comments on how much they enjoyed meeting and dealing with local people.
5
Criterion 1     D.3.4. Biodiversity - Conservation
Description
The company has received various awards for its environmental commitment including taking part in local environmental initiatives.
6
Criterion 1     D.2.1. Wastewater
Description
The company prides itself in the fact that all of its employees either walk or cycle to work and that it encourages its clients to use public transport whenever possible