Tuesday 30 September 2008

Envirowise Event October 2008

Increase Profit in a Low Carbon Economy - Inverness

Start Date:
29/10/2008 09:00:00
End Date:
29/10/2008 13:30:00
Venue:
Kingsmills Hotel Culcabock Road
Nearest Town:
Inverness
Venue Location:
IV2 3LP (link to viamichelin.com)

Can you improve your resource efficiency?

Envirowise in partnership with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is running a FREE half day event will give you the information and tools you need to secure long term profitability.This is part of HIE's commitment to helping improve the sustainability of our activities and of the economy of the Highlands and Islands.

Rising raw material and energy costs, customer expectations and environmental legislation creates both opportunities as well as challenges. These topics will be addressed at this event giving practical advice on how to use key resources more efficiently.

Practical workshops will focus on sector specific issues and offer one to one assistance in creating an action plan and signposting you to relevant resources and support.

Presentations on the day will cover:

  • Current environmental issues
  • Practical tips on water minimisation and energy savings
  • Benefits to your business of measurement & benchmarking
  • Updates on legislation
  • Packaging and product design optimisation
  • Signposting to local support

Representatives from EST (Energy Savings Trust) and NISP (National Industrial Symbaiosis Programme) will also be on hand to assist with any questions.


Organising Company:
Envirowise
Contact Name:
Kate Lynch - Blosse
Contact Phone:
01635 280 383
Contact Email:
kate.lynch-blosse@envirowise.gov.uk
Website:

Saturday 27 September 2008

Glendoe Outing














On Thursday we were given the privilege to tour the Glendoe Site - the first Hydro Scheme in Scotland for almost 50 Years.

We were all met at the Base Camp by Richard Appleby & after an Health & Safety Briefing, Richard outlined the project, followed by a site tour.

Overview
The construction of Glendoe Hydro Scheme, near Loch Ness, is the biggest civil engineering project currently underway in Scotland. Like most projects of this nature & scale, which are few & far between, it is utilising an experienced international team, with expertise from four continents involved.


Glendoe’s prime purpose will be the generation of electricity, with its turbine able to produce up to 100MW of energy, enough to power every home in a city the size of Glasgow. It will have the highest head – the drop from the reservoir to the turbine – of any hydro station in the UK, allowing it to generate more energy from every cubic metre of water than any other facility in the country. Furthermore, it will be the UK’s most efficient hydro electric scheme, using water as its fuel to avoid the production of carbon dioxide, a gas associated with global warming.

Reservoir and Dam
Glendoe is an ideal location for hydro electric power as it allows water to be collected in a reservoir very high in the hills above the power station. The more rain there is, the more power a hydro electric station can generate, so it’s a good thing that the average annual rainfall in the hills around Glendoe is about 2000mm, compared to under 700mm in Edinburgh. Water from an area of 15 square kilometres will drain naturally into the reservoir, and a system of underground pipes and tunnels will gather water from an additional area of 60 square kilometres in the surrounding hills.

The reservoir will be formed by the construction of a 905 metre-long dam on the River Tarff. The dam will be long and low, with a maximum height of 35 metres for a short stretch in the river valley. It will be constructed from a combination of rock produced by the construction of the Aqueduct Tunnel, and from a quarry opened up adjacent to the dam, which will be flooded by the eventual impoundment of the reservoir. The reservoir side of the dam will be coated with concrete, with the exposed face being natural rock. As a further sign of the project’s environmental sensitivity, the reservoir and dam will not be visible from any home or public road.

Tunnels
Glendoe’s network of tunnels is extensive - the system will be served by over 16 kilometres of these passageways. An 8.6 kilometre tunnel 4.6 metres in diameter will collect water and bring it to the reservoir while 8 kilometres of tunnels 5 metres in diameter will channel water from the reservoir to the underground power station, and out into Loch Ness. In addition, a 1250m long Access Tunnel, 7 metres in diameter, will lead to the power station cavern.
Perhaps the most impressive piece of machinery used in constructing Glendoe is the enormous tunnel boring machine (TBM). The 200 metre-long machine, named Eliza Jane by local schoolchildren, entered the hillside in summer 2006 and is set to emerge around two years later having created eight kilometres of tunnels.

Power Station
The actual power station will be housed in an underground cavern 250 metres below ground level, and located roughly 2 kilometres from the banks of Loch Ness. The cavern is 38 metres long, 18 metres wide and 32 metres high. Contained within it will be the turbine, which is turned by the force of the water flowing through it, and the generator, which converts that force into electrical energy. A separate, smaller cavern will also be located adjacent to the power station cavern. It will house the main station transformer.

One of the important benefits of hydro power is that it can be switched on very quickly to meet sudden increases in the demand for electricity. Under the right conditions, Glendoe will be able to reach full output in just 30 seconds.
Breakthrough!
Breaking into daylight again after 15 months of tunnelling through the heart of the mountain, the massive TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) arrived at its final destination ahead of schedule. Drilling of the main tunnel commenced in September 2006 and in the almost non-stop drilling the TBM has travelled from the banks of Loch Ness upwards through the mountain, drilling a 5m diameter tunnel through solid rock for over 5 miles, climbing over 600m in height.
Massive congratulations to everyone in SSE and our contractors on this great achievment. Job done!

Timeline
January 2006
Start of Site Works
Planning for the Glendoe project began as far back as October 2001. The first formal construction work at the site occurred over four years later, in January 2006.
September 2006
Start of Power Tunnel TBM
The main Power Tunnel connects the reservoir to the Power Station, before eventually carrying on to Loch Ness. Preparation for the construction of this giant passageway, including blasting and drilling, began in Autumn 2006.
January 2007
Completion of Main Access Tunnel
The Main Access Tunnel, which provides admission to the Power Station, is due to be finished within the first month of 2007.
January 2008
Completion of Power Tunnel
Having taken its first tentative cuts at the first rock face in late September 2006, the tunnel boring machine (TBM) is scheduled to complete its endeavours in the Power Tunnel many months later, with the entire tunnel planned to be finished well over one year later, at the beginning of 2008.
June 2008
Completion of Tailrace Outfall
By early summer of the same year, the outfall from the 2km tailrace tunnel (which manoeuvred the TBM towards the creation of the main Power Tunnel, beyond the Power Station) will be accomplished.

August 2008
Completion of Dam
The long and low 905 metre-long dam on the River Tarff is scheduled to be finished in late summer 2008.
November 2008
Completion of Cavern & Plant Installation
The underground cavern, complete with the Power Station turbine and generator, will be concluded and ready for action by the time winter draws in at the tail end of 2008.
March 2009
Start Generating
In early spring of the following year, the Glendoe project is expected to start creating its first power.
November 2009
Completion of Landscaping and Reinstatement
By the end of 2009, the project will be complete, including landscaping and final reinstatement work.

Tuesday 23 September 2008

3 girls...1 aim...

At the recent awards ceremony - the Lovat girls showed that you can be young, hip & trendy whilst still being resourceful & energy efficient!
Lesley, the Lovat's Head Housekeeper (left) & Ailsa, the Lovat's Front of House Supervisor (right) joined CG (middle) to celebrate at the SCDI award ceremony.
Lesley is heavily involved in the environmental success of the hotel with micro-fibre cloths being used in the bedrooms & bathrooms, 100% recycled Nouvelle toilet paper, 100% recycled Cottonsoft facial tissues, 100% recycled Elliepoo notepad paper, Ecover Professional toilet & bathroom cleaner, energy lamps are in use as well as recycled video cassette pencils & rubber tyre coasters. TVs are now switched off on a guest's departure to reduce the use of electricity when on standby. Other creative practices & procedures are also on the go - so thanks go to Lesley for her proactive & resourceful efforts.
Ailsa assists in the recycling & composting procedures as well as keeping waste to a minimum.
CG is actively looking at ways of reducing the staff, hotel & guest's environmental footprint - whether through an acute policy &/or bio-diversity plan. More is to come but the process if on-going & a challenge in itself.
3 girls...1 environmental aim!

Shell Shocked!


Caroline picked up her recent award that was presented by James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK.
She even had a photo in the Inverness Courier, Tuesday, 23rd September 2008.

Never been better...


A recent photo taken by a guest made me realise that the hotel is looking better than ever. Thanks should go to John, our Maintenance Manager, who has finally got the hotel to stand out, with it's new look white walls & black surround. The garden is also looking tip top with continual strimming, planting & cropping.

Monday 22 September 2008

Lovat Girls Soak Up Success



Friday, 19th September 2008, saw the Lovat Girls enjoy their environmental success at the SCDI event held at the Newton Hotel in Nairn.
The occasion was a chance to dress up, relax & enjoy each others company whilst also being recognised by the industry for all our efforts in trying to reduce our environmental impact.
The award was warmly presented by James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK & his insighful speech captured all of our attention. To follow the meal & bottles of wine, we were entertained by the Dead Ringers comedian actor, Jon Culshaw - what a laugh!
Thankfully there was no acceptance speech required but it was made known to our hosting table, Envirowse, the extent of our gratitude at being offered such prestigious recognition.

Go Go...Lovat Arms



GREENER FOOTPRINT WINS BUSINESS PRIZE FOR LOVAT ARMS

19 September 2008

The commitment and imagination shown by an iconic Loch Ness Hotel to becoming more environmentally friendly as part of a major recent refurbishment has been recognised with an award at a prestigious event celebrating Business Excellence in the Highlands and Islands.

The Lovat Arms Hotel was presented with the Envirowise Award for Excellence in Resource Efficiency at the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) Highlands and Islands Annual Dinner and Business Excellence Awards 2008 by one of the UK’s leading businessmen, James Smith, Chairman of Shell UK. The awards ceremony was held on Friday night at The Highland Conference Centre and Newton Hotel in Nairn with over 250 guests.

The Lovat Arms Hotel Loch Ness is a landmark Victorian hotel overlooking Fort Augustus. Its total refurbishment was completed in April 2007. Among the environmental innovative measures introduced were e-cloths with micro fibres for cleaning instead of chemicals, a revolutionary biomass wood chip burner to control the central heating and hot water system along with actively promoting sustainability measures through supporting numerous events and schemes locally.

The award was collected by its Managing Partner, Caroline Gregory. She said:

“It is a real honour & achievement for us all to be spontaneously offered such an award in recognition of what we actually do quite naturally. We are always looking for new ways to improve so being more energy efficient & eco-conscious is just another method of showing our customers, it is possible to still offer comfort & quality whilst trying to reducing our environmental impact. Thank you to Envirowise for their acknowledgement of our efforts – it is much appreciated.”

Congratulating the Lovat Arms Hotel, Davina Wyper, Marketing Manager of Envirowise in Scotland, said:

“We are delighted to award the Lovat Arms Hotel for their steps to improve their environmental performance. What they have achieved, demonstrates that most companies can now implement no or low cost solutions which will not only have a positive impact on the environment but will also increase company profits.”

Gareth Williams, SCDI Highlands and Islands Manager, added:

“Congratulations to Caroline and everyone at the Lovat Arms Hotel. Tourism in the Highlands and Islands has always benefited from the region’s reputation as clean and green, and the Envirowise Award demonstrates the competitive advantage for businesses from improving and marketing their environmental performance.”

• Caledonian MacBrayne Award for Excellence in Tourism – Duart Castle Partnership, Isle of Mull, Argyll.
• The Crown Estate Award for Excellence in a Marine Business – Buckie Shipyard Limited, Buckie, Banffshire.
• Envirowise for Excellence in Resource Efficiency – Lovat Arms, Loch Ness, Fort Augustus.
• Gleaner Oil and Gas Award for Entrepreneurship – The Ice Factor, Kinlochleven, Lochaber.
• Highlands and Islands Enterprise for Excellence in Research and Innovation – DanMedical Ltd, Inverness.
• Royal Bank of Scotland for Excellence in International Business – Walkers Shortbread Ltd, Aberlour on Spey, Moray.
• Scottish Water Award for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability – Skye & Lochalsh Food Link, Dunvegan, Isle of Skye.
• SCDI Award for Highlands and Islands Young Engineers Club of the Year – Westray Junior High School, Orkney.
• SCDI Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Business Achievement – Gordon & MacPhail, Elgin, Moray.

Associate Partners were Diageo, Flybe, Global Energy Group, Highland Spring, LifeScan Scotland Ltd, Majestic Wine and the Port Services Group.

The evening was hosted by new Channel 5 News anchor and reporter Isla Traquair and after dinner entertainment was provided by Dead Ringers star Jon Culshaw.

SCDI is an independent membership network which strengthens Scotland’s competitiveness by influencing Government policies to encourage sustainable economic prosperity, with offices in Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Our membership is drawn from Scottish business, trade unions, public agencies, educational institutions, local authorities, voluntary sector and inter faith groups.

Wednesday 17 September 2008

No Monkey-ing Around - This is True


What our 10 most recent responses say from our guests when asked:

"What was the best element about your stay at Lovat Arms?"

1.

The Location
Mon, 9/15/08 7:38 AM

2.
I stayed in one of the chalet rooms which was very quiet and had a fantastic shower. Very modern and of a good standard.
Sat, 9/13/08 5:26 AM

3.
The whole thing was lovely, service, massage, dinner breakfast, whole eco ethos
Sat, 9/6/08 5:19 AM

4.
Difficult to select just one. The location is good in the village. The hotel itself is very well managed with friendly staff who take an interest in their guests.
Fri, 9/5/08 11:02 AM

5.
Dinner
Mon, 9/1/08 12:53 AM

6.
The friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. I have never experienced such good service. In this day and age where service seems to be going to the dogs, it is extremely refreshing and welcome to come to a hotel like The Lovat.
Fri, 8/29/08 10:45 AM

7.
Nice bathroom.
Tue, 8/26/08 1:54 AM

8.
the modern rooms and bath
Tue, 8/19/08 3:33 PM

9.
Cleanliness, service, family atmosphere
Tue, 8/19/08 4:55 AM

10.
Very friendly staff, good menu & wine list, beautiful location
Sat, 8/16/08 2:25 AM

Take our survey & tell us what you think.

Customer improvement recommendations & observations to be uploaded on the blog soon, as well as our response to these requests.


Tuesday 16 September 2008

Don't bet on the bank...bank on us!





With the recent collapse of the fourth largest US investment bank Lehman Brothers - be brave, be sensible & be safe by banking on Lovat Arms, Loch Ness!

We offer:

  • Stability, Security, Consistency, Comfort, Friendliness, Service
  • & above all a Return on Investment.

Return on Investment?...you ask

Well...

"Stop in Fort Augustus for at least 2 nights at Lovat Arms, Loch Ness & take a CHANCE or COMMUNITY CHEST on arrival"

Cards entitle you to numerous added value options:

"Complimentary drink before dinner"

"Bedroom Upgrade"

"1/2 price therapeutic Massage"

"2 ticket boat trip on Loch Ness"

PAST GO!

As an added extra return on your investment in us, if you stay for 3 nights or more then the next time you pass Go! & you return to the hotel, you will benefit from a £45.00 money back guarantee on your total accommodation rate.

Monopoly Offer applies to all bookings made on/or after Tuesday, 16th September 2008 & is valid until 1st January 2009. Repeat bookings to be made before the end of 2009. Offer only available on the Internet.

(This offer is not to be used in conjunction with any other offer & excludes speciality weekends & bank holidays)

Thursday 11 September 2008

Chill out at Christmas



Don't hide away at home...
come home to the Lovat for Christmas!


Spend 3 days chilling where you know you will be looked after with friendly yet attentive service.

Prices are per room, based on 2 people sharing for 3 nights & include:
Breakfast, Christmas Dinner (1:00pm - 5:00pm), Boxing Day Quiz & Live Entertainment.

Studio bedrooms are at £450.00
Deluxe bedrooms are at £550.00
Super Deluxe bedroom is at £640.00
Master bedrooms are at £700.00 &
Grand Master bedroom is at £850.00

Wednesday 10 September 2008

Loving a bit of Activity


What with personal perceptions at a potential low - why not contact us with a view to brighten up those economic blues. Come Home to the Lovat & blast away those cobwebs with some exhilirating fun with family &/ friends.


Rates are reflective of your restrictions:

October - stay for 2 nights & get the 3rd night 1/2 price (BB)
November & December - stay for 2 nights & get the 3rd night free (DBB)
Last minute deals are also proving popular with 20% reductions off the rack rate.

Book online now!


Come on...have some fun!

Wednesday 3 September 2008

News Just Inn!


The Torridon Inn has just been crowned AA Pub of the Year 2008! The awards ceremony was held last night, Tuesday, 2nd September 2008, at Grosvenor House , London.

Congratulations for all your hard work & effort in getting such a fantastic accolade of achievement