Overview
The funds will help the business, situated near Forfar, to make further site improvements, support staffing and develop facilities. The site has seen significant growth in bookings. These first full-season 2017 figures show a steady increase in numbers and occupancy rates, peaking in August close to the Scottish campsite occupancy averages as reported by Visit Scotland, with exclusively 5-star reviews on social media and inclusion in The Guardian Top Ten New UK Campsites list and four other UK top-ten recommendation tables (including the Met Office best campsites for star-gazing). The site specialises in adding value to the basic pitch rent through activities for Nature, Art and crafts, Food and drink, Special needs and Education and training.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
We have met and exceeded our occupancy and turnover targets, starting from a zero base. We have achieved exclusively five-star customer reviews and been featured in at least six national best-of-brand listings. In addition, we have created local employment opportunities, supported Angus food producers and tourist attractions and offered bespoke leisure facilities to a number of special-needs groups. Post lockdown 1, demand for COVID-safe home camping holidays proved exceptionally high and this may be the case in 2021.
How has your project benefited your local area?
Supported the development and sustainability of a micro enterprise offering low-impact and environmentally aware camping.
What has been your biggest challenge?
In line with every other leisure and hospitality business, obviously COVID-19. Apart from that we have had to overcome a considerable number of bureaucratic and administrative barriers resulting from the relatively novel and innovative nature of the business. Our commitment to environmentally sound and sustainable practices has proved quite difficult to communicate in some arenas. Balancing necessary capital investment with the small turnover of a start-up business has been tricky but we have achieved this without resort to bank borrowings, making the business financially very resilient.
Website: https://greenglamping.co.uk/
Gallery
Project name
Greenhillock Glamping improvement work and educational development
Applicant name
Greenhillock Glamping
Approved grant
£19,512.59
