Cairngorms glamping experience drives tourism north

About the business

Aberdeenshire-based Howe of Torbeg provides high-quality glamping accommodation in the heart of the Cairngorms. This family-run business offers national and international visitors the chance to ‘unwind in the glen’ with a stay in one of its luxurious wooden pods.

The glamping pods cater for up to two adults and two children, with environmentally conscious facilities available on-site.

How Business Gateway has helped

Nicole Gildea, owner of Howe of Torbeg said: “We’re extremely fortunate with our natural surroundings, but none of this would have been possible without the focus provided by getting advice and support from Business Gateway. Its free workshops – such as HR support, marketing and bookkeeping – were invaluable and a fantastic way to network with other small businesses.

“Howe of Torbeg offers a truly unique experience and is the perfect combination of isolation, serenity and beauty without being too far off the beaten track. Our own experience with Business Gateway, from the very early stages, has made this journey all the richer.”

Kirstie McLaughlin, business adviser, Business Gateway Aberdeenshire said: “Since we first met Nicole and Iain in 2017 they have consistently engaged with a lot of great ideas about how they want to grow their business.

“They came to us with a very clear vision and we were able to provide the missing piece by creating a bespoke action plan that combined one-to-one support, advice on all stages of starting a business and support from DigitalBoost – our digital business skills training programme. We identified digital marketing as a focus area for growth, so our in-house website and social media experts worked with Nicole and Iain to develop their skills in these key areas.”