Loch Insh Water Sports and Outdoor Activity Centre, near Aviemore, Scotland

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"We think Loch Insh was amazing, so we have written to thank you. Windsurfing was our favourite activity because you could get really wet. Sailing was exhilarating and very exciting. Cycling was a bit tiring and going uphill was very hard. Kayaking was really relaxing because it was a nice day and our instructor was really cool. In fact the best thing about Loch Insh was the instructors; they were very child friendly and sociable. The food we were given was great and the barbeques and burgers were immense. So, thank you to the cooks. We think you have got the message that Loch Insh was a lifetime experience and we hope we get the pleasure of going again in the future.

Thank you - Louis and Marlon - School visit
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We wanted to thank you in making our week-end so enjoyable - the hospitality was second to none - it was a week-end that we and the boys wont forget.
(S.Baker Crediton RFC under 16s)

AWARDS & TESTIMONIALS

Happy customers

"It is a warm and welcoming place and the watersports equipment is second to none."

"I have enjoyed watching it grow into the fantastic facility it is now."

AWARDS

The over-all business has won many awards,including

‘Best Small Business in the Highlands’

‘Best on the Water Facility in Scotland’ and more recently a National Thistle Award for Tourism in the Environment.

Easyjet magazine described the view from the restaurant as one of the top 5 views in Europe.

TESTIMONIALS

"The Spey Valley has produced more Olympic athletes per capita than any other area in the UK, and when you consider the vast opportunities for outdoor sports, it is easy to see why. At the 1998 Nagano Olympic Games, I shared a room with one of those Speyside athletes - Andrew Freshwater. We were both racing in the Men's Downhill, but the weather conditions in Japan meant we had to wait a number of days before we had a chance to race. Andy would pass the time talking through his plans for Loch Insh, which he would take over management of when he retired from ski racing.

I was no stranger to the place either, for the last few seasons the British Ski Team had been using Loch Insh as a fitness training venue. For us it was an excellent base for mountain biking, kayaking, and marathon hikes into the Cairngorms, and a vast array of summer cross-training activities. I have long since retired from the ardours of ski racing, and now visit Loch Insh with my family. Andy's has built a whole range of really good fun activities that everyone can get involved with, from the youngest kids to budding Olympians. It is a warm and welcoming place and the watersports equipment is second to none."
(Graham Bell - 5 times Olympian and presenter of Ski Sunday and High altitude on the BBC)

"I feel very lucky to have grown up in the Spey Valley and I believe that part of my success is due to the facilities that were available to me as a youngster then progressing into a full time athlete ski racing for the British ski team.

Loch Insh has a big place in my heart, I remember spending many summer days learning how to canoe, windsurf, sail, etc. Since then I've seen both sides of the business being employed for a summer taking groups cycling, walking to fund my early racing days and being a guest with the ski team on a physical training camp. I have enjoyed watching it grow into the fantastic facility it is now.

I am now retired after 18 years on the ski team and I look forward to bringing my family to have the experiences I have enjoyed at loch Insh."
(Alain Baxter - 16 years on the British Team, 4 top 10 finishes in World Cup, Best world ranking 11 (Slalom) 2002, Mutli British Champion in every event over the last 16 years, Double superstars winner, individual and team) ------------------
We would like to thank you all for a memorable visit last weekend.

Having visited you at the beach, for our daughter's first trial of
windsurfing in early June for an afternoon, it was with great anticipation
that we booked,with the wonderfully efficient Kathleen in the lodge office,
for an overnight stay with bed & breakfast in the lodge and a five activity
day for our eleven year old daughter at the beach last weekend. The welcome
at the beach on Saturday morning, the coaching for our daughter by all the
staff at the beach throughout Saturday and Sunday, the welcome by Kathleen
at the lodge, the sumptuous evening meal (including lumpy bumpy cake) served
by what really must be the the pride of Scottish waiting staff, the
wonderful Scottish breakfast overlooking what must be one of Scotland's most
picturesque views,all contributed to a weekend which will be talked about
for a long time to come. Already, we are trying to work out when we can get
back up.

Scottish hospitality at its very best.

Georgie Hutchison 16/8/11
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"I just wanted to say thank you very much to you and the instructors for the wonderful time you gave our daughter last week. She really enjoyed herself, and I think it did her so much good, not just in the amazing progress she made with her sailing, but also in all sorts of personal skills and confidence. We are really greatful for the way in which the instructors went out of their way to welcome her, help her to improve and to give her lots of exciting exsperiences."

(Mrs Berry, June 2011)

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"Magnificent...Superb food, friendly staff, wonderful location, peaceful and everywhere very clean, makes a change for bathroom to be so clean."

"Thank you for the efficient laundry facilities."

"The gardens and public areas are fantastic. Our chalet was extremely commfortable and well equipped. The instruction we received from Dave and Jacks in snowboarding and sailing was very good as well as being fun. We hope to come back again."

"We thought that Peter was an excellent instructor in so much as he interacted superbly with the kids. Also thought it was good that beach staff tried to be accommodating about switching activities."

"Fantastic holiday - again! Learnt lots new skills - sport-a-day excellent value. Thanks we'll be back!"

“Very good – the best place for sports in Scotland – well done”
(Karyna, August)

“We think the whole set up is absolutely brilliant, the service and especially the food in the Restaurant – we stumbled on this by accident - you should advertise more as this is a top rate destination”
(Mr Patten, Salford - 8 October)

“Breakfast is absolutely wonderful – the setting is perfect – excellent value for money – we will be back”
(Ms Armstrong - 16 August)

“Compliments to the chef – food was amazing”
(un-signed & not dated)

“Lovely view from our chalet – wish we could have stayed longer – enjoyed the squirrel and birds feeding outside window - peaceful, relaxing break – thank you”
(Mr & Mrs Parker, Aberdeen - 12 October)

“It has been a fantastic week – we have loved being here – would recommend it and will return”
(Ms Sinclair, Guildford - 2 August)

“A fantastic place – so much to do without leaving the area – the 3 hours free water-sports each day was great – have never done any before but will take it up at home and return next year to do more – thanks so much”
(Mr & Mrs Smith, East Lothian - 19 July)

“The warmth was wonderful – consistently the best Restaurant of its type – keep it up”
( Mr Evans, Evesham - 16 July)

“An excellent meal, welcome and service – I would recommend and come again”
(Ms Davies, Edinburgh - 26 June)

“Beautiful setting – friendly polite staff – sailing tomorrow – thank you”
(Mr & Mrs Shearer, Banchory - 14 June)

“Our first visit for 2 years – improved in every department – well done, most impressive”
(Mr Revill – Dalnavert - 6 June)

“Children’s play areas are excellent-kept youngsters amused for hours – many thanks”
(Ms MacLean, East Kilbride - 30 June)

“We really enjoyed our first visit and are looking forward to returning – chalets photo’s on website doesn’t do justice”
(Ms Brymer, Dundee - 4 January)

“Have returned for 2nd time as we like the family friendly personal attention given by Andy who is an excellent host, friendly and approachable”
(Ms Sharp, York - 3 January)

“We were impressed with the facilities and friendliness of the staff – the little extras make your chalets the best we have ever stayed in”

SCHOOLS

"Many thanks for looking after my pupils and staff, they had a wonderful time.

I have watched the film taken of their lessons on the dry slope and I have to say what a superb instructor Andrew is! He is a great motivator and the children enjoyed all the activities he arranged. Helen also worked miracles with Dylan! After 4 days at Nevis Range he did not manage to stay on his skis for very long. Please pass on my thanks to her because I never thought he would ever manage what he did.

The children always improve in leaps and bounds when they go to Loch Insh and I have passed on this info to many of my colleagues! Nevis Range is nearer and probab;y more convenient for the schools in this area, but they get their money's worth with you!"

Inverness-shire School - February 2012

"We would just like to say THANK YOU for our awesome trip. It was amazing and we would certainly come again. The activities were so much fun and WET! Mmm... The food was lovely. Our favourite was the burger and cheese! The disco and the video of us! The littel rooms in Insh Hall were so cozy and comfortable that we just drifted off to sleep (when the fire alarm wasn't going off!!). We thought that the instructors were so cool and were very good at your jobs. We hope Eric and Byonce and their family of ducklings are all well. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE WONDERFUL WEEK AND WE HOPE TO COME AGAIN SOON!"

(Accompanying staff - An Inverness Primary - June 2011)

“Thank you and your staff for an excellent week of activities – my experience was of a professional and well organised centre – all instructors were excellent offering support and encouragement – many of the children thrived under their tuition and we enjoyed their sense of humour. Thank you too for super meals – the school has taken trips to a number of centres – in ten years of trips I have never been quite as impressed as I was last week!”
(Accompanying staff – A Moray Primary - June 2010)

“I wish to thank you and your staff for the wonderful time our pupils had at Loch Insh – a fantastic and challenging visit – I have nothing but praise for your team and facilities and have no hesitation in recommending your facilities to other schools”
(Accompanying staff –A N. Ireland Primary – June 2010)

“Thank you for a fantastic week – the children have not stopped talking about it since”
(Accompanying Staff - A Highland Primary – June 2010)

"The instructors were friendly and nice. They were always there with a happy face and helped you when you were stuck. Gregor and Nicolie were the best instructors you could get. They were always laughing with you and making sure you were all right. They were just there for you no matter what. Gillian was always ther with the smile in the morning." (Niamh - May 2011)

"I enjoyed all the activities alot but have to say that windsurfing was the best, even though I was not good at it. My second favourite was skiing because my favourite instructor took us for that activity". (Molly - May 2011)

"Out of all the amazing activities on offer, my favourite was kayaking. I enjoyed it because I was really good at it and the instructor, Mike, was really funny and really encouraged us. Then when we were playing games in the kayaks, we had to line up in a raft and if we wanted to we could try and walk across. My teacher had a go and fell in twice which was very funny. (Beth - May 2011)

"My chalet was really nice and cozy! My favourite part of the chalet was the little loft that you could sleep in, and in the morning a couple of chickens came to the door and they were really cute and funny!" (Abbie - May 2011)

“I am writing to say thank you for such a great week, it has been very fun and exciting – I have done things that I thought I would never do in my whole life”
(Hamish - 16 June 2010)

“Thank you very much for our week at Loch Insh – best instructor ever – activities were amazing - hope to come back – you are great”
(Douglas - 16 June 2010)

“Thank you sooooo much for letting me have a good time – the instructors were awesome – my favourite activity was everything!!!! – a great experience – I am glad I went”
(Nicole - 16 June 2010)

“Thank you for the great time o our school trip – the staff are great at teaching and were really funny – I liked the BBQ and disco – enjoyed the kayaking and mountain bikes – I had so much fun”
(Jonathan – 16 June 2010)

I am writing to thank you for a great experience – the sailing is an experience I will never forget – the instructors helped me learn new skills – the food was great – our chalet rocked!”
(Graham – 16 June 2010)

“Thank you for such a wonderful time at Loch Insh – thank the instructors they are helpful and fun and know how to have an amazing time even when lashing down with rain!- The best bit was everything!! – the worst bit when we had to go to sleep and even worse when we had to leave – I really hope to come back”
(Kirstie – 16 June 2010)

Thank you very much for a lovely week – we enjoyed all the activities because you made them fun – the staff were very nice – our room was cosy and snug – food was delicious and had fun making our own packed lunch”
(Izzy and Emma – 27 May 2010)

WEDDINGS

“Just a note to thank all concerned for the first class service received for my daughter’s wedding – everybody commented on the outstanding service, setting and food – many thanks – you all helped to make my day”
(Mr Brown, Fraserburgh – 19 May)

BIRTHDAYS

“Thank you to all your team for your help organising my 40th Birthday week-end – here is some feedback from my guests – “you have a truly stunning location” – “you are a complete destination – no reason to venture out for anything” – “food and service second to none – a great team of people” – you have made some raving fans.”
(Mr Hunter – 4 February)

“We wanted to thank you in making our week-end so enjoyable – the hospitality was second to none – it was a week-end that we and the boys won’t forget”
(S.Baker – Crediton RFC under 16’s)