'It felt like we were in a different part of the world' - Scottish couple check into holiday accommodation half a mile from their house to support firm during lockdown

Denis Monks and his partner Carmin Dow had planned a couple of trips away but were forced to cancel due to lockdown restrictions and instead checked in just next door for three nights this week to support a local firm.

Denis Monks and Carmin Dow at the Hideaway Experience.

Mr Monks, who took early retirement last year, said: “We looked at hotels in Angus but with the restrictions we wouldn't have been able to have a beer or glass of wine, or if they had a spa we'd have been on a time limit and things.

"With the Hideaway, we would have our own hot tub and sauna and total privacy. It just seemed like a good idea.”

He continued: "It did seem a bit daft jumping in the car for a two minute trip, it's literally two fields away, but once we were there we felt like we were in a different part of the world.”

Caroline Millar who owns The Hideaway Experience in Angus with her husband Ross said they are both incredibly touched by the support.

She said: “We were sitting with three of our properties empty, but we had these guests from half a mile away in our fourth which was amazing. We have had another few people

book in for the weekend, so we are scraping along with the support of Angus residents which is so appreciated."

Even though they were just down the road, the couple took the opportunity to really relax and enjoy their holiday.

The Hideaway Experience, Angus.

He said: “We didn't want to cook and there's a local woman nearby who cooks and prepares meals so we just asked her to supply us with a few and all we had to do was microwave them in the evening, it was great.

"So that was local, and we have a local dog walker who was happy to take the dog for a few nights and we've got lovely neighbours here who kindly looked after the cats as well,

so it was all kind of a local effort helping us to enjoy the stay.”

The Hideaway Experience started with just one lodge in 2005 and has since grown to offer four five star lodges designed specifically for romantic breaks such as couples on their honeymoon.

Denis Monks and Carmin Dow at the Hideaway Experience.

While Ms Millar said they had a busy summer, the new tier system has meant they have had to cancel almost all of their bookings and do not know when they will be able to welcome guests again from other areas.

Last week alone the business lost £14,000 due to refunds.

Ms Millar said: “It might not sound like a lot to a big hotel but it is a lot of money for us.”

She continued: “It's just been so difficult because three weeks ago we were in a position where we were completely fully booked, not a single night available till the middle of

January. And then when the tier system started we had to start cancelling people.”

She added: “We're all in this together, everyone is in the same position and we just need to support each other and that's why it's great to have the community supporting us.”

Mr Monks and Ms Dow left delighted with Mr Monks saying: “It was just a great experience, they were the perfect hosts, I'd definitely recommend it to anybody.”

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