A family who previously lived a nomadic lifestyle in South Africa has moved to Dumfries and Galloway and is preparing to launch a new glamping business in the area’s protected Dark Sky Park. Lottie Reeves - alongside her partner Kevin, mother, and two young children - relocated to Scotland during lockdown and after settling into the Castle Douglas community decided to establish an off-grid escape in the countryside. Supported by a £25,000 loan from the British Business Bank and GC Business Finance , four wooden cabins are being built on the family’s seven acres of land next to Galloway Forest Park.
In 2009 the park was one of the first places in the world to be named an International Dark Sky Park – an area committed to protecting dark skies by controlling light pollution. There are now more than 100 around the world. Read more: Shares plunge in Scottish soft drink giant amid job cuts Ms Reeves said each of the eco-friendly timber-frame pods at Galloway Glamping will be finished with luxury touches, including hot tubs and fire pits.
However, there will be no wi-fi connection with the founders hoping to encourage visitors to spend time outdoors. Situated on the banks of Loch Ken, guests can participate in water sports and wild swimming. Prior to moving to Scotland , Ms Reeves and her partner spent almost a decade living in South Africa moving through towns and villages working on community development projects and supporting themselves by providing web development servi.