NI glamping company unveils UK expansion

A Northern Ireland-based sustainable glamping company is investing in a UK expansion.

As part of a ten-year plan, Further Space will take a first step of the expansion with the opening of a new site in the Isle of Mull, Scotland, set to launch this spring.

The site is located on the shores of Loch Scridian and at the foot of Ben More. It is owned by a local family who are passionate about bringing people back to the island and rejuvenating the area.

Husband and wife, Chermaine and Calum Laurie, operate the glamping site which is owned by Chermaine’s dad who runs the inn next door.

The Port Nan Gael location will be Further Space’s 11th site and its third in Scotland, with existing sites in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Scottish locations including Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Highlands.

The investment made by Further Space in Scotland has exceeded £500,000, and with plans to open sites in Skye, Oban, Darvel and Fordie, investment figures will surpass £1.5m by the end of 2023.

Chermaine Laurie said: “There is no doubt that we are extremely passionate and proud of where we come from. Several family generations have operated this land and we are so excited to welcome visitors to experience the beauty of the island.

“Port Nan Gael is the ideal destination for going off grid, you can truly be at one with nature as you look out for otters, dolphins, buzzards and of course the famous highland cows are always grazing nearby.

“We are located along Loch Scridain which is a sheltered sea loch along the Atlantic Ocean meaning it’s perfect for swimming, paddle boarding and canoeing. We also welcome canine friends so these pods offer the ideal family escape, perfect for outdoor activities and relaxation.”

Further Space co-founder David Maxwell added: “We are beyond excited to be working with Chermaine and Calum as we prepare to open our third location in Scotland. Mull is the ideal place for a Further Space site as it encourages people to switch off and enjoy the stunning scenery that the world offers us.”

“We have a strong ethos that ensures we go beyond the ordinary which allows customers to stay somewhere exclusive, cosy and stylish with nature on their doorstep.”