Middle-Earth shattering win for Ben Rinnes Hobbit Hideaway
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A ONE-OFF Speyside holiday home has scooped a sought-after environmental prize at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Celebrating Small Business Scotland Awards 2020.
The enchanting Hobbit Hideaway, near Aberlour, treats its guests to a magical stay in the foothills of Ben Rinnes.
The award recognises the most ethical, socially responsible or green business in Scotland.
The business, run by Kim Fraser and her partner, Mark Thomson, welcomed its first guests in March last year. They pride themselves on creating a true eco-home, built predominantly using the local, renewable and replenishable materials of wood, straw, clay and mud.
Judges were looking for a business that was not only able to highlight its sustainability achievements but to demonstrate how it was helping drive wider progress in the green economy.
Kim said: "We are so very proud of this award as it evidences our strong commitment to environmental protection.
"Hobbit Hideaway is a labour of true love.
"It is so much more than just a business to us, and visitors can feel it. Our values of love, respect and beauty are reflected in everything that we do."
Kim seeks to promote natural building and living and has donated Hobbit Hideaway nights to a project researching the effect of natural building on mental health and wellbeing.
She plays an active role in encouraging "buy local" across Moray and regularly donates Hobbit Hideaway nights to help local fundraising causes.
The Hobbit Hideaway seeks to inspire through example. Visitors can help themselves to home-grown produce, visit the straw-bale chicken house and participate in an environmental pledge project, if they choose. They can also simply switch off, relax and enjoy a restful holiday.
David Groundwater, FSB development manager for Moray, said: "Right across Scotland there are thousands of small businesses that are providing innovative solutions in response to economic and environmental challenges.
"What Kim has managed to achieve with the Hobbit Hideaway not only provides a holiday home that is at the top of its game in terms of environmental credentials but she has also managed to offer a unique experience for her guests.
"Like many entrepreneurs, Kim had a dream to create something unique and with the Hobbit Hideaway that has certainly been achieved."
The annual FSB awards are the UK’s most prestigious awards for small businesses and self-employed workers. They celebrate a sector that makes up 99.3 per cent of all private sector businesses.
There are 12 area award categories. Twelve award ceremonies are held across the UK and the winners of each category of these then go through to the UK national final.
The 2020 UK final will be held on May 27 next year.
