About Explore Highland
Explore Highland, the outdoor activities arm of Highland Leisure Training was created by Donald Macpherson in March 2010 to develop and expand on the freelance work he undertook across Scotland for various other outdoor activity providers.
Our aims are simple and clear:
- Support responsible paddling and access around the Scottish Highlands;
- Assist paddlers to improve and develop their personal skills;
- Educate our customers in the great outdoors;
- Help protect our landscape and wildlife;
- Ensure that every adventure is a positive and unique experience;
- Be ambassadors for both the Paddling Community and the Scottish Highlands;
- Create a sustainable and environmentally friendly business.
Donald actively helps promote responsible access in the local area by supporting the work of the Scottish Canoe Association. He is both the Great Glen and River Ness and Oich Advisor in Highland region, sits on the touring committee and now represents the paddling community within the Moray region (which includes the River Spey and River Findhorn) by joining the Moray Local Outdoor Access Forum in August 2011.
How are we sustainable?
Our aim is to encourage more people into the great outdoors. By teaching about wildlife, nature and imparting our experience and knowledge will in itself help the environment.
We are always looking to further improve our business, to not only ensure we are carbon neutral, but where possible reduce, recycle and reuse to save the planet and reduce costs to our clients.
Below we have listed ten random points from our extensive green policy:
- Use of internet/email to book and confirm activities reduces paper;
- Payments accepted via BACS reduces paper and costs;
- Car sharing when travelling to paddling locations reduces carbon emissions and fuel;
- By looking after our crafts and kit we can extend their working life;
- Using a variety of local locations reduces impact and fuel;
- Plan paddle locations effectively in relation to location of paddlers reduces impact and fuel;
- 'Leave no Trace' including evidence left by others reduces impact and improves landowner relations;
- Follow the guidance of SOAC in relation to responsible access reduces impact;
- Using Flickr to share any photos from our trips to minimise wasted CD discs and packaging;
- By using a home office reduces cost and makes green sense.
Some of our clients have also helped create our green policy when on activities and adventures. If you have any ideas, we would love to hear them.
Everyone must believe in something. I believe I'll go canoeing.
- Henry David Thoreau