Scotland painting holiday, around the blooming heather

Planet

I am passionate about the environment and particularly the area around which I live. I would never allow any guest to contribute to polluting or disfiguring the landscape in any way or do so myself either as a result of these trips or otherwise. All litter is taken home and disposed of responsibly.

Sketching and painting tends to be a peaceful activity with minimal impact on the environment but nevertheless I always encourage responsible behaviour with consideration to wildlife and native plants.

Although this is a 'journey', taken by road, Inverness can be reached by public transport from other parts of the UK so a holiday here need not involve a flight.

As this holiday allows you to choose and book your own accommodation, you will also have the chance to stay in a hostel, allowing you to bring your own bedding (sleeping bag) if this is your preference.

We visit the RSPB Osprey Centre near Boat of Garten which works hard to protect endangered birds (including the breeding osprey) and is positively managing the surrounding woodlands. Pockets of original Calendonian forest with its native Scots pines continue to thrive and offer a home to red squirrels among other species.

Entry to historic monuments such as Cawdor Castle also helps with the upkeep of these beautiful buildings, and is included as part of the itinerary.

People

I have lived in the north of Scotland for many years (most of my adult life) and am very much part of a small, close-knit community which I call home. Inverness, where this trip is based, is our nearest big city, and although a two hour drive from West Coast villages, it's very much 'our' city, and has not grown out of its small-town feel.

While I can not provide or reserve accommodation on this trip, there are many locally-owned, traditional bed & breakfasts, hotels and guest houses in the city, and you should be able to avoid the big chains, as well as the 'owner-not-present', lock-box type of accommodation, if you wish.

We sample local cafes and restaurants during the trip and there are usually opportunities to visit galleries, craft shops, National Trust properties and a whisky distillery en route which enhance the local areas and provide employment.

The Highlands have accepted a steady flow of tourists for years, although a fair proportion of inhabitants still live by other means, while remaining warm, friendly and welcoming to respectful and genuinely interested visitors .especially those who appreciate the gentle pace of life and are not just galloping through.

For tourism to work for both local and visitor there must be mutual respect and a recognition that no matter how 'wild' and uninhabited a landscape may seem, it is in fact someone's home and wherever we drive, park, walk and sit we take this into consideration. I would never allow or condone any form of pollution, littering or other dessecration which might be detrimental to either a member of the community or the environment.

The Cairngorm funicular railway was a bit controversial when first proposed, though they work with environmental organisations and take care to limit impact. They do not allow walkers to access the mountaintop outwith a guided walk with a mountain ranger, thus protecting the unique and fragile flora and fauna. In this way what at first appeared a purely tourist venture helps to keep the wild places wild, whilst allowing visitors a glimpse of what is precious, in a controlled and less damaging way.