About Turadh
Turadh is a Scottish Gaelic word, pronounced 'too-rag’. It describes a dry spell between showers, a break in the clouds when the sun can come through. It also describes the experience we want to create for our guests: a pause between sometimes relentless rainstorms of challenge and an opportunity to see things in a different light.
Although it abounds in wild beauty and human kindness, Scotland faces immense challenges. Increasing numbers of Scots are struggling with health and financial injustice, and the rising cost of living is pushing more and more people into chronic states of stress. Glasgow has the lowest life expectancy of any part of the UK, and a quarter of a million children across the country are living in poverty. Even the breathtaking Scottish landscape is under threat as climate change alters the intricate ecological balances between plants and animals, and development threatens the sanctity of many wild habitats.
Across the country, good people are toiling away to support the most vulnerable, improve young people’s life chances and help regenerate the natural world. This work is rewarding but also exhausting and often poorly paid or recognised. We set up Turadh to support those who do the most to bring about justice, equality and environmental security in Scotland, to take care of themselves too.
We offer stays in two of the most beautiful villages in the West Highlands: Glenelg and Shieldaig. Each of our three buildings has unique qualities, but all have been designed to support deep rest and nature connection. We invite you to browse details of our accommodation and to discover more about the experience of staying with us here.
Our Beliefs
Three beliefs underpin the work of Turadh…
Everyone needs rest
The challenges that Scotland faces are enormous and the to do lists can seem endless. Too often it is those who care the most that also rest the least. We believe that everyone committed to deep and systemic change needs times to pause and recharge. Rest is an essential way of recognising our humanity in a culture that too often wants to work us into the ground.
Everyone needs wildness
Although it boasts the most spectacular scenery anywhere in the UK, many people in Scotland find themselves unable to access its wild places. We believe that everyone has a right to enjoy the benefits of time in nature, and that restoring our connection with the natural world to which we belong is fundamental to ensuring we protect it.
Everyone needs kindness
Across Scotland, more and more people are struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression and despair. Although these are complex issues requiring systemic solutions, we believe that moments of beauty and acts of kindness can help to illuminate paths of hope and possibility.
Who We Are
Taigh Whin is run by partners Sarah MacLaren and Sophie Howarth, and was born of our shared love of wild places and commitment to social justice.
Following the Covid pandemic, and in the light of the rising cost of living and soaring cost of holiday accommodation in Scotland, we wanted to create a place where the people who do most for others can come to look after themselves.
Sarah’s family originate from nearby Glen Affric, and she brings a love of wild places as well as a professional background in nature connection and conservation to the project. Sophie is an artist and writer who brings many years experience leading social and community ventures.
