Rising Star on the Union Canal
NATALIE McLachlan, director of the Four Sisters Boatel, was an awardwinner at the Scottish Thistle Awards Regional Finals held in November 2019. The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate individuals and businesses that champion the best of the Scottish tourism industry. Almost 600 entries were submitted in 2019, with Natalie winning the Regional Rising Star award for Lothian & Borders. The regional winners go through to the national final in March this year. Natalie was delighted to win and is looking forward to reaping the benefits: a scholarship with HIT (Hospitality Industry Trust) Scotland which will give her the opportunity of working with and learning from other businesses.
The Four Sisters Boatel was started in 2011 by Natalie’s mother Camilia – luxury, four-star self-catering accommodation on a static widebeam based in Lochrin Basin on the Union Canal in Edinburgh, within walking distance of the city centre, Princes Street and Edinburgh Castle. Sleeping accommodation comprises two double cabins, two small bunk beds and a sofa bed, meaning that the Four Sisters can accommodate lots of family or friends; pets are also welcome. With all the comforts of home, there’s a spacious interior and canopy-covered outside seating area on the rear deck. You don’t have to take a week’s holiday to enjoy a stay on the boat as she can be booked by the day, night and even hourly for a lunchtime or evening event.
Pamper packages, private events and dinners can be arranged and a new venture, Knot Another Supper Club, demonstrates the delicious food on offer. Natalie’s sister Victoria McLachlan and colleague Sam Rampillion worked together at Fonab Castle in Perthshire and, having moved back to Edinburgh, are collaborating on the monthly supper club, focusing on food that is organic, local and sustainable. The next supper club date is Monday, February 24.
The Four Sisters gets booked well in advance for Edinburgh’s big events and many guests take advantage of the city-centre location for short stays. If you’re visiting Edinburgh and looking for a comfortable base, within easy reach of the city centre, you’ll find more information on the website www. thefoursisters.co.uk