Award-winning resort adds to eco-credentials with its luxury lodges

The family behind the UK’s small business of the year has invested a six-figure funding package in environmentally-focused developments at its self-catering tourist resort on an Argyll estate.

Nine luxury eco-lodges and a fleet of 31 electric vehicles, including Segways and e-bikes for guests, have been among the additions to the offering at Woodlands Glencoe in the past year.

It has also doubled its workforce and offers year-round employment to its 22 staff.

Run by Laurence Young, his two sons Callum and James and daughter Katie, the firm took the top honour at the Federation of Small Businesses’ annual awards in May.

Funding to back developments at the estate at Ballachulish – which has 17 self-catering lodges with hot tubs, a golf course, activity centre and cafe – came from Santander UK.

They include the creation of new access roads, built using scrapings recycled from roadworks in the area and the installation of charging points for electric vehicles.

Mr Young previously led the Freedom of the Glen family of hotels and has lived in Ballachulish for 35 years.

He said: “Santander UK’s support has not only enabled us to significantly increase the size of our staff, employing more people locally, but to invest in developing our eco-tourism offering.

“Our next phase is to encourage locals and visitors to enjoy the resource we have here including the stunning cycle tracks and walks.”