Highland Hilly Huts Ltd

Business Overview

Highland Hilly Huts Ltd is a rural tourism business founded by Natasha Brock, offering high-quality glamping accommodation on her land at Meall Gorm, an elevated site overlooking Glenurquhart and close to Loch Ness—one of Scotland’s most visited destinations.

Although Natasha continues her employment as a teacher, her husband Paul manages the business day-to-day, including bookings, customer management, finances, and general operations.

The business aims to provide a premium, small-scale glamping retreat that meets the strong and growing demand for self-catering accommodation in the area. Tourism around Loch Ness continues to expand, yet the supply of high-quality, private, self-contained units remains limited, particularly during peak months.

Highland Hilly Huts launched in March 2023 with two luxury cabins, receiving very positive early feedback and strong bookings via Airbnb and Booking.com. Prior to trading, Natasha personally invested in key infrastructure, including groundworks, service installation, and planning permission for three cabins. This early investment significantly reduced development risk and helped establish a strong foundation for growth.

Reason for Seeking Funding

Natasha required additional capital to complete the third cabin of the project and bring the three cabins into operation ahead of the 2024 tourist season. She approached DSL in early 2024 for a business loan for the following:

• Purchase and install the third high-specification glamping cabin
• Complete landscaping, decking, fencing and final service connections
• Furnish the cabins to a luxury standard for year-round use

 

Why DSL Supported the Application

The application was approved based on a number of strong characteristics:

• Clear market demand: The Loch Ness and Drumnadrochit area continues to face accommodation shortages during peak months, presenting an attractive opportunity for new supply.
• Project readiness: Planning permission, groundworks and infrastructure were already in place, significantly reducing delivery risk.
• Owner investment: Natasha had already committed substantial personal funds, demonstrating her commitment and reducing reliance on debt.
• Lean cost structure: The business is owner-operated with low overheads and no initial payroll costs, supporting a strong cashflow position.
• Scalability: The site has capacity for five cabins in total, enabling future expansion through reinvested profits.

 

Update – November 2025

The third cabin was delivered and installed on schedule last year and was fully operational within just 13 days, allowing the business to maximise the 2024 season.

Recent performance has been exceptionally strong:

• 100% occupancy across all cabins during peak summer months
• Overall annual occupancy of 98%
• Strong off-season performance supported by high guest review scores
• A part-time staff member was hired in September 2025 to assist with changeovers and the now in-house laundry service

Planning permission for Cabin 4 has already been submitted and is expected to be granted in early January 2026. Paul has confirmed they intend to return to DSL for further funding once permission is approved.

Natasha Brock, Founder, Highland Hilly Huts Ltd, said:
“Murray was extremely supportive throughout the process. The guidance and communication were excellent, and the funding allowed me to complete the last stage of the project and bring the huts to life. I would happily recommend DSL to anyone starting a similar venture.”

Murray Marshall, Senior Loan Officer, DSL Business Finance, said:
“Highland Hilly Huts Ltd represents a well-planned and well-executed rural tourism development. Natasha has invested significantly in the project and has a clear understanding of the local market and its opportunities. We are pleased to support the creation of high-quality visitor accommodation in a region that continues to attract strong demand.”

Investment Fund for Scotland

The £50,000 loan from DSL Business Finance was delivered through the British Business Bank’s £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland (IFS), launched in October 2023. The fund provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investments up to £5 million. DSL Business Finance manages the Smaller Loans Fund, supporting Scottish businesses with loans between £25,000 and £100,000.