About us
We are Andrew and Fiona, and together with our two boys, love living at Holly Lodge.
Fiona is a farmer’s daughter from the West Coast of Scotland. She belongs to the Clan Mackenzie after Glorianna MacKenzie married her great-great-great-grandfather, Sir Peter Coats, co-founder of the cotton manufacturer J & P Coats of Paisley in 1832. Strathpeffer is situated in the heart of Mackenzie country, and just a short distance away is Castle Leod, Seat of Clan Mackenzie, their Chief, Earl of Cromartie, and his family.
Fiona has enjoyed working in the tourist industry for the last 20 years. She has written a guide book (The Heart of the Highlands) and has a wealth of experience and local knowledge, ensuring that visitors always get the most from their stay in this wonderful part of Scotland. In the summer months, when the tourist season is in full swing, Fiona is often busy organising trips or welcoming world travelers ashore from the cruise liners that stop off at the nearby Port of Invergordon. Fiona’s hobbies include tennis and skiing, along with learning the great Highland Bagpipe (at a sufficient distance from any house or person!).
Andrew’s family roots are in Stirlingshire, specifically the parish of St Ninians (including Bannockburn) just south of Stirling. His great grandmother, whose family were from Greenock near Port Glasgow, was a Crawford making Andrew a member of Clan Crawford.
After reading Archaeology at university, Andrew ran a busy Youth Hostel in Orkney for several years, before gaining further qualifications in environmental management and habitat surveying. He has worked for the Scottish Wildlife Trust and is now employed in local government. Andrew enjoys the great outdoors and messing about in boats.
We were married at the church of St Anne’s in Strathpeffer. Our two boys attend the local primary school and enjoy many of the local outdoor sports and facilities that are right on our doorstep.
We look forward to welcoming you to our home and would feel honoured to be part of your travel plans.
Regards,
Andrew and Fiona
