Hot summer makes the north a cool choice
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SCOTLAND’S staycation boom over 2018’s long hot summer has brought a boost to Inverness-shire property owners.
Cottages & Castles, which offers holidaymakers a choice of over 500 self-catering holiday properties in Scotland, reported a 42 per cent increase in bookings compared to the same period in 2015 and an 18 per cent rise on 2016 figures.
Inverness-shire was one of Cottages & Castles’ top three holiday destinations this summer, after the Isle of Arran and Perthshire. Skye and the west coast were also in high demand.
Cottages & Castles manager Sue Bourne said: "Scotland has always been a fantastic place to holiday, but the outstanding weather we experienced this summer truly put Scotland on the map as one of the best holiday destinations in Europe.
"Of notable interest was the number of last-minute bookings we took this year, significantly up on last year, which is almost certainly in direct correlation with the hot weather. On the back of this we have had a number of repeat bookings for next year.
"Some of the areas remain in popular demand for obvious reasons including Inverness, with visitors still seeking the elusive Loch Ness Monster. The NC500 route has had a direct impact on the number of visitors to the west coast and most properties in this region have been fully booked all season."
Some of the popular Cottages & Castles’ properties in Inverness-shire include Tangle Tower in South Kessock, River Lodge on the banks of the River Ness, and Evelix, a former schoolhouse near Muir of Ord.
Ms Bourne continued: "After Brexit, academics are warning that foreign holidays could become significantly more expensive. The fall in the value of Sterling will also lead to higher costs. This has perhaps already begun to contribute to the demand for holidays at home."
