Latest news with #ComrieCroftJourneys
The Herald Scotland
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish eco-lodge and campsite collective to grow offering
The site from above. (Image: Comrie Croft) Here, Andrew Donaldson of Comrie Croft tells how the collective "had a strong vision, a business plan rooted in social and environmental purpose, and an amazing community behind us" and they "crowd-funded part of the purchase, invested what we had, and borrowed the rest ... " Read more in our Q&A. Name: Andrew Donaldson What is your business called? Comrie Croft – and our latest venture, Journeys. Where is it based? We're based on an old farm just outside the picturesque village of Comrie in Perthshire. It's a stunning part of Scotland, nestled between the Highlands and Lowlands, and the land itself plays a huge part in what we do. What does it produce/do? Comrie Croft is a nature-based destination focused on regeneration – of the land, the community, and the local economy. We operate as a collective of collaborating enterprises, so there is a lot going on under one shared roof, or rather, across the farm – we run an eco-lodge, a camping and a glamping site. We have a community-supported market garden, a flower farm, a forest school, a wedding venue in the old barn, a farm shop, and a café that serves up seasonal food grown just metres away. Our sauna and trail network also make it a bit of a wellbeing retreat. READ MORE: On top of all that, we're also home to Comrie Croft Journeys – a new initiative to make the joy of bikepacking – a form of cycling adventure that combines multi-day cycling with lightweight backpacking – more accessible. By organising the whole trip for our customers – ebikes, lightweight equipment, route gps/ guides, accommodation – we make it easy to try bikepacking with a minimal outlay. Ebikes and comfy accommodation open up this incredible Scottish outdoor experience to folk who might have considered it beyond their comfort zone. At the heart of everything is collaboration. We work with independent, values-aligned micro-enterprises to create a place where nature and people thrive together. To whom does it sell? A real mix. Families, mission-aligned businesses, schools, couples in love, solo travellers, people from all over the world, and of course, our local community. The diversity of people coming through Comrie Croft is one of its joys – it's become a community in its own right. What is its turnover? Combined turnover across all elements is now over £2 million – and growing steadily. How many employees? We've got a core team of around 70 people. That includes staff across hospitality, farming, trail building, guiding, education, admin – you name it. It takes a village, and we're lucky to have one. Why did you take the plunge? I've always believed rural Scotland has enormous untapped potential – as a place to visit, and as a place to live well, build livelihoods, and restore nature. Back in 2008, my wife, my brother, and I were already running the backpacker hostel that the previous owners had established in the old farm buildings. They gave us the chance to buy the whole farm. We had a strong vision, a business plan rooted in social and environmental purpose, and an amazing community behind us. We crowd-funded part of the purchase, invested what we had, and borrowed the rest from Triodos, a brilliant sustainable bank that really understood what we were trying to do. What were you doing before? I was working in East Africa with a good friend and entrepreneur, helping to set up the Conservation Development Centre. We managed wildlife conservation and community development projects around national parks. That experience gave me a real insight into how land, livelihoods and conservation can – and should – work together. What do you least enjoy? Repetition. I'm energised by people, variety and by bringing new ideas to life. I'm definitely more of a 'start-up mode' person – I love getting things off the ground. Once things are ticking over, I'd rather hand over to someone who thrives on consistency and systems. What are your ambitions for the firm? To distil everything we've learned here into something that can inspire and support others. I'd love to see more land-based, community-rooted enterprises that want to make the world a better place flourish across rural Scotland. There's so much possibility out there – if we can help others unlock that, that's a win. What single thing would most help? A real shift in mindset from local authority planners. We need planning policies that genuinely support locally led rural enterprise, sustainable housing, and community development. Right now, the system can be a real blocker to progress – it's not navigable by the rural communities and local entrepreneurs with limited budgets we see on the ground. What is the most valuable lesson you have learned? Build the right team. With the right people – positive, motivated, aligned with your values – almost anything is possible. It's about skills, culture, collaboration, and shared purpose. What was your best moment? It's hard to top this one – walking out of the maternity unit at Perth Royal Infirmary with my wife and our first son, while taking a phone call from the bank telling me that our loan to buy the farm had been approved. New life in every sense. What was your worst moment? The death from lung cancer of two of our team. That was really tough – they were more than colleagues, they were part of the Comrie Croft community. It was a painful reminder of what's important when times get tough. How do you relax? Anything outdoors with family or friends – hill-walking, river swimming, biking, skiing, travel. The mountains are my happy place. I find peace and energy in wild places. Even connection with God – which helps put everything in perspective.
The Herald Scotland
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Comrie Croft cycling retreat for women launches in the Highlands
Based in Perthshire, the course combines gentle guided rides with time in the award-winning Nowhere Sauna, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation in one of Scotland's top cycling destinations. The launch comes amid ongoing concerns about gender inequality in cycling. Research by Cycling UK found that 58 per cent of women cite safety concerns as a major barrier to riding, with many put off by aggressive drivers and a lack of dedicated infrastructure. With Cycling UK's research highlighting the challenges women face on the roads, the Comrie Croft team were driven to offer something that directly tackles those barriers. Emily Greaves - Comrie Croft (Image: Douglas Simpson) Greaves, who served in the Royal Engineers for four years and was the first female to serve in her squadron, before retraining as a cycling coach, said: 'We're creating a space where women can ride without pressure – it's not about fitness. 'It's about confidence, community and joy, getting outdoors and realising you don't need to be a hardcore cyclist to belong on a bike. 'Too many women feel cycling isn't safe or isn't for them. This is a chance to change that, starting in a safe, supportive, and beautiful place.' Inspired by the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) Trail Therapy programme - delivered at Comrie Croft and designed to support mental wellbeing through mindfulness, emotional regulation, and social connection - the retreat invites women to discover the power of focus and flow in a safe, uplifting environment. The programme is designed to be accessible to all abilities, with a 'party pace' approach that welcomes nervous or returning riders. READ MORE: Participants can hire bikes and gear on-site, making it possible to join the course without owning any cycling equipment. Each session includes a two-hour off-road ride through local trails, followed by an hour in the wood-fired sauna, with optional cold plunges and homemade baking to complete the experience. Greaves was named one of Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling for 2024. Through Comrie Croft Journeys, she also offers multi-day bikepacking trips and coaching, all focused on making cycling more inclusive and accessible. Comrie Croft, located near Crieff, is a hub for mountain biking and outdoor adventure. With gear hire, expert guides, and a growing focus on nature-based wellbeing, the site continues to attract visitors from across the UK.
