A BARONIAL house on the Solway coastline has been given a new lease of life as a coastal holiday home offering a unique range of specialist retreats.
Craigbittern House at Sandyhills, near Dalbeattie, is the first accommodation offering for local entrepreneur and owner of Galloway Escapes, Ruth Osman. The self-catering house and separate cottage which sleep 13 in total occupy a private position with stunning views over the Solway Firth, lending itself as a base for large gatherings of friends and families.
In her first collaboration with local businesses, the mother-of-two has teamed up with local designer and crafter Leah Halliday to offer a unique sewing weekend retreat which promises relaxation, inspiration, friendship, fresh air as well as gentle stitch.
The first Sewing Retreat will take place in September with plans to follow this up with a pregnancy retreat later in the year.
VisitScotland has hailed the launch of this innovative new business which will encourage visitors to the area to enjoy the very best of what the region has to offer.
Ruth, who set up the business last year after several years of running a kennels and cattery in the region, has recently purchased a new self-catering property in New Abbey. She plans to build up the portfolio of properties within Galloway Escapes and showcase a different aspect of the region at each, from the coastline to the wildlife and woodlands.
Owner of Galloway Escapes, Ruth Osman, said: “I have always wanted to do something for myself and the timing was right. We are now able to enjoy time as a family while building up the business.
“Dumfries & Galloway has so much to offer as a region. It is a quiet and peaceful region but there is so much for people to do on the doorstep. My long-term plan is to expand the accommodation on offer and offer a little bit of everything that the region has to offer, from cottages ideal for romantic getaways to family-friendly houses and those off the beaten track.”
Paula Ward, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “I had the pleasure recently of meeting Ruth at Craigbittern House and I was blown away by the passion and enthusiasm she has for the business, as well as the perfect setting the house occupies for creative pursuits like the sewing retreat.
“Scotland’s reputation as a quality destination relies on continued investment and innovation to ensure that current provision meets future demand and Galloway Escapes is a fantastic example of how the tourism industry can embrace innovation and new ways of working to compete in a competitive global market.
“Tourism is more than a holiday experience – it creates jobs and sustains communities in every corner of Dumfries & Galloway all year round and is the heartbeat of the Scottish economy.
“I wish Ruth every success in this new venture and we will continue to work together at VisitScotland to showcase the very best of what the region has to offer.”
