We are Steve and Anna and we moved up to this wonderful corner of the Highlands in 2021, where we left a life in rural East Anglia to follow our dream of living in a more community based way and to live a more sustainable and self-sufficient existence in Scotland.
We have always felt it important to be conscious of our impact on the planet we share and to live in a way that is as environmentally friendly as we can be and this has included making what we can, supporting other local makers, buying from small businesses, eating seasonally and growing our own food. With a keen interest in permaculture and sustainable crafts, especially wood and woolly related, it is important to us to explore these interests more and put them into serious practice. This we have done with gusto and now have our beautiful hut, a wonderful, ever evolving growing space including the fondly named ‘Working Man’s Club’ walled garden, our evolving food forest, and an ever increasing number of spinning wheels and looms, with Anna now selling her makings via commissions and markets! We have also begun running woolly experiences on premises and locally, (do see our Courses page) and we are both involved with local Sustainable ideas groups and the Polytunnel help task force along with other community groups.
Birkenshaw was commissioned from Highland Shepherd Huts in Nethy Bridge and built using locally sourced and eco-friendly materials wherever possible and heated by a cosy Hobbit Stove. It is fully insulated using British sheep’s wool and the interior consists of long collected vintage furniture and bespoke, handmade fixtures and fittings. The mattress, duvet and pillows are organic sheep’s wool and cotton and the bedding is organic cotton or vintage. Notice our wonderful parquet floor, which was rescued from a skip outside a house renovation in Suffolk. (I did ask permission from the owner before raiding her skip!)
5 years on and we have been embraced by the local community and never tire of the beauty of Scotland. We look forward to sharing it with you.
Please read our Visitor’s Charter below.
FIDDLER’S GREEN HIGHLANDS VISITOR CHARTER
Sustainability and ethical choices are fundamental to all we are, here at Fiddler’s Green Highlands. We ask that you do your very best to make positive choices and help minimise your impact, helping safeguard the environment for future generations.
REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
We try to recycle as much as possible, or even better, try not to have the waste in the first place! You can help too by reusing your bags and disposing of what you can’t reuse by using the compost or recycling facilities on site responsibly.
GET OUT OF THE CAR!
There are loads of ways of seeing the local area without getting in your car. There are some fantastic walks and activities right on our doorstep. There is even local bicycle hire! Please ask for more information.
STAY LOCAL, EAT LOCAL, BUY LOCAL, SEE LOCAL
Our gorgeous corner of The Highlands is an amazing source of local producers and makers. Most of our restaurants obtain local meat and veg, some even grow their own! Gift shops contain beautiful crafts made by talented locals too. There are local markets throughout the spring and summer, where you can sample and buy this produce.
ASK US
We can help you get to know all the nooks and crannies here, it’s a wonderful area, with so much to see and do. We are more than happy to stop and chat and give ideas of where to go and what to do to make the most of your stay.
CHILL OUT, SWITCH OFF!
Being off grid and tucked away, away from towns and light pollution, you have the best chance of beautiful star gazing and maybe even being treated to a show of the Aurora Borealis! We do ask that you are careful to switch off all appliances and lights when not in use and use water sparingly especially in the summer months.
