Sustainability at Elderburn Lodges

For hundreds of years, St Andrews has stunned visitors with its charming streets and gorgeous coastal views. Expansive beaches and wide open skies draw them back year after year, but this popularity comes with an environmental cost. With so many people coming to St Andrews each year, we need to minimise pollution and the impact so many people have on our valuable surroundings. With that in mind, we’ve got a few ideas on how eco-conscious guests to Elderburn Lodges in Fife can help keep St Andrews beautiful for the next generation with eco friendly breaks.

Choose eco-friendly accommodation

First and foremost when it comes to holidaying sustainably is to choose accommodation which matches your own ethics and environmental beliefs. At Elderburn Lodges, we take the environment seriously, and have many eco-friendly practices like solar panels and biomass boilers. You can read up on these on our sustainability blog and read our green policy statement. Get in touch today to book your stay with us, safe in the knowledge you will be leaving as small a carbon footprint at your accommodation as possible. 

If you are travelling to us with electric vehicles, you can also take advantage of our EV charging stations. We have two 22kw untethered Type 2 Smart Chargers.

Green travel

St Andrews is a compact town and if possible, try to avoid taking your car into the centre. We encourage people to cycle or walk to really make the most of their visit. Cycling in Fife can give you a new angle to admire this part of Scotland, and there are loads of gorgeous walks in and around the town too. 

St Andrews can get busy, especially in the peak of summer. So why not try visiting off-peak? Every season offers something different here, from wintery walks along sandy beaches to welcoming the first growths of spring. Some say the air feels cleaner at this time of year too – why not come for yourself to judge?

Sustainable eating

As a self-catering lodge, you are in charge of where, when and what you eat. If you are looking to cook up and enjoy the best of Scotland’s larder yourself, then there are so many wonderful shops to try. Of particular note is the South Street Market which sees farmers and independent producers sell their goods. The market has a focus on local sustainability. It’s monthly, but please do check the website in advance of the dates before you travel. 

If you are looking to eat out, the town also has plenty of restaurants that care about local and seasonal produce. The Seafood Ristorante specialises in seasonal seafood. The Niblick restaurant also celebrates local and seasonal ingredients. 

Be an eco-tourist

It’s lovely to explore St Andrews and Fife on your own, but by combining with a bigger group you may be able to reduce your overall carbon footprint. Bus tours can take large groups of people to see our amazing wildlife, reducing the number of cars on the roads. Not only this, you also get to hear from an expert about what you are seeing, and they will know the most likely places to spot wild animals. Try group tours such as from Rabbies. You could even try some boat tours! 

Green footprints

However you enjoy your holiday, we hope you will enjoy it sustainably. By staying at Elderburn Lodges, you will already be well on your way to doing so. If you need any more advice on eco friendly breaks in Scotland, then please do get in touch. Check out our special offers and book your green holiday in Scotland today.