In a transition from nomadic life to entrepreneurship, a family has embarked on a new adventure in Scotland’s Dumfries and Galloway region. Lottie Reeves, her partner Kevin, mother, and two young children are creating an off-grid escape on the banks of Loch Ken.
The site is adjacent to the Galloway Forest Park, an International Dark Sky Park. This designation offers visitors a chance to experience the night sky free from light pollution.
The Reeves family’s journey to Scotland is rooted in their previous experiences. For nearly a decade, they led a nomadic lifestyle in South Africa, working on community development projects while supporting themselves through web development services.
To support their venture, the Reeves received a £25,000 loan from the British Business Bank’s Start Up Loans programme. Barry McCulloch, senior manager at the British Business Bank, notes, “Tourism is a critical sector of the Scottish economy and, particularly since the Covid years, the staycations market is booming.”
Galloway Glamping, the family’s new venture, will feature four wooden cabins on their seven-acre property. Each cabin will be equipped with modern amenities such as hot tubs and fire pits, providing a cozy retreat in nature.
The Scottish adventure began during the lockdown when the Reeves decided to relocate from Surrey. Choosing Castle Douglas as their new home was a leap of faith for Lottie Reeves, who moved to a town she had never visited before. However, the land that came with their new property proved to be the perfect canvas for their glamping business vision.
The nearby Loch Ken offers opportunities for water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, while the Galloway Forest Park provides extensive hiking and mountain biking trails.
The intentional absence of WiFi also encourages guests to disconnect from technology and fully immerse themselves in nature.
“We’ve come across a couple of hurdles along the way, such as rising build costs, but the support from the Start Up Loans programme has been an invaluable boost. We are welcoming our first guests soon and finding our feet as a new family business,” Lottie explained, as reported by The Herald on September 24.