Funders

This project was part financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Orkney LEADER 2014 – 2020 Programme.

More information about the Agriculture and Rural Development programme.

Project details

Lower Cottiscarth Farm Diversification

Lower Cottiscarth, an organic beef and sheep farm in Rendall, wishes to diversify by establishing self-catering accommodation on site to augment the income on the farm.

The accommodation was targeted at birders, nature lovers and (in winter) those interested in enjoying the area’s ‘dark skies’. The Cottiscarth and Rendall Moss RSPB reserve is situated on the hill land farmed by the owner and is renowned for Hen Harrier and Merlin.

LEADER funding enabled the building of one three-bedroomed unit and two two-bedroomed fully wheelchair accessible units.

A summary of the project aims is:

• To provide high quality accommodation targeted at birders, nature lovers and those wishing to have unique high-quality accommodation whilst providing an authentic Orkney experience.
• To develop a marketing strategy to attract birders for the migratory season, nature lovers and those interested in stargazing and the dark skies once the clocks change for winter, through a strong on-line presence.
• To offer weekend and short stays in addition to the marketing as detailed above in order to try and get visitors to the area in the ‘off season’.

LEADER has provided £75,000.00 funding towards total approved project costs of £286,000.00.