Wigwam® Holidays Moffat

With the lofty Moffat Hills as a backdrop, John and Laura Hume knew they had to share their glorious location with visitors to the area … and not just with the Golden Eagles and Ospreys that fly above this beautiful location!

The site opened in April 2017 and includes six Running Water Deluxe Wigwam® Cabins made just up the road in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland.

The construction of their cabins also coincided with the felling and distribution of their own timber at their location, which is just moments from the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve.

Close to the South Upland Way and in the middle of the spectacular scenery, this working farm diversified into glamping and also painstakingly transformed the natural landscape into a haven for wildlife.

From snow-capped mountains in winter to lush fells in the spring and summer, the couple were keen to share the unique selling points of Wigwam® Holidays Moffat, which include fully restored ancient water courses, known as dykes; the planting of native hedgerows, attracting a wide variety of wildlife; a Scots Pine tree ‘pocket’ providing a safe haven for the rare and timid red squirrel, and the planting of rare tree species which border the work done by the Borders Forest Trust.

The couple also have livestock to care for and recent conservation projects include the release of Golden Eagles and Ospreys in the area.

Former professional skier John said: “For us, diversification meant sharing this spectacular part of the world with guests who could stay on site, bring binoculars, their camera or an easel and capture the jaw-dropping beauty of Moffat.”

Other factors played in important role in the couple’s decision to diversify, such as a reputable brand they could trust: Wigwam® Holidays, which has over 30 sites in Scotland, came to mind after they viewed a cabin at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh.

John continued: “The cabins are expertly made and formed a seamless continuation of our natural surroundings.

“When a farm or smallholding decides to diversify, this is usually the final step in a long process of decision making and preparation.

“If a farmer is reading this, then there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration, aside from the obvious one which is the cost: how would diversifying support your existing business? Would it cause friction or fit in? Have you got the experience required to make your diversification project a success? The weather also takes on a whole new meaning and while as farmers we keep our eye on it at all times, for guests booked in at your site, bad weather can limit travel to your location.

“Welcoming guests to your farm or onto your land is a big step as you leave yourself open to a number of scenarios you perhaps didn’t anticipate.

“As with all success stories, a great deal goes on behind the scenes, rather like a graceful swan with its webbed feet paddling hard below the surface of the water!”

Wigwam® Holidays Moffat, which is part of the Wigwam® Holidays Franchise, is wonderful during daylight hours, and has a something else to offer as the sun sets: Moffat was the first market town in Scotland to be awarded the coveted Dark Sky Status, meaning stargazing and planet spotting form the main attraction in nocturnal entertainment at their site.

Laura said: “It doesn’t matter if you don’t know the difference between the Plough or the Pleiades: bring your binoculars in anticipation of clear skies and become a stellar explorer!”

Wigwam® Holidays Moffat is open 12 months a year.

https://www.wigwamholidays.com/moffat