Crieff Hydro family celebrates a wild year of Highland Safaris

26/06/2023
The Highland Safaris team

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels is celebrating the first anniversary of Highland Safaris joining the group, following the acquisition of the local Perthshire business in June 2022.

Since then, the popular attraction, located in Aberfeldy, has gone from strength to strength, with new offerings added and more set to launch in the coming weeks.

Over the past year, the award-winning destination has secured an exciting new location for its Loch Tay Safaris. Its boat, Lolaire, now sails from Taymouth Marina in Kenmore, boasting much better facilities for customers such as parking, restrooms and a Café onsite, as well as a more weather-proof base for the Highland Safaris team.  

The visitor attraction has also been able to develop new adventures for guests including a shorter, 50-minute Loch Tay Cruise and an action-packed Land Rover Mini Safari.

New activities set to launch at Highland Safaris in the near future include mini electric Land Rovers for younger visitors, a Walking Safari for those keen to up their step count and archery and air rifle experiences for those who want to test their aim.

Commenting on a successful first year, Stephen Leckie, Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “Outdoor, adventure and wildlife experiences are a key part of what makes a visit to Scotland so unique and memorable. Bringing a successful business such as Highland Safaris into our portfolio has meant that we are able to provide visitors with an exciting glimpse into our rich natural heritage and truly enhance their experience of our country.

“With ever increasing visitor numbers and a host of thrilling new experiences and activities introduced over the past year, our partnership with the Highland Safaris team has got off to a fantastic start, all whilst engaging with the landscape and community of Perthshire in a positive and environmentally sensitive way.

“We have invested in the area and continued to help support local suppliers and partners, and with much more planned for the near future, the team can’t wait to welcome new and returning guests, as they enjoy an authentic look at what wild Scotland has to offer.”

Looking back on a busy 12 months, Helga Petersone, General Manager at Highland Safaris, said: “Since joining the Crieff Hydro Family, we have been able to implement numerous improvements which have made a noticeable difference to the business, team, our visitors and the local community. 

“In particular, our new experiences have been very popular with young families and customers looking for exciting excursions to fit into their action-packed day.

“We aim to provide a world class experience taking in the local countryside and wildlife for those keen to get closer to nature, and our partnership with Crieff Hydro Family has ensured we continue to do just that.”

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels comprises eight hotels located in Perthshire, Dundee, the Scottish Borders and the Highlands. 

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