Long Island Retreats

A croft diversification business based in South Uist is passing on the history and traditions of crofting, after the business owners accessed support and expert guidance from Business Gateway, Scotland’s national business advisory service.

Long Island Retreats provides tours and experiences, which allow visitors the chance to learn about the history and traditions of crofting. The business also showcases the quality of its island produce by selling its own meat directly to visitors and locals.

The business intends to redevelop existing croft buildings into self-catering accommodation, to offer a unique and complete crofting experience. Campervan pitches are also available on the site.

Donald John Cameron, known locally as DJ, and his partner Lindsay Robertson, launched the business in 2021, keen to share their passion for the land, livestock, and their crofting life. DJ is sixth-generation crofter, born and bred in South Uist, while Lindsay is a sixth-generation farmer with an additional background in tourism.

With the business proving popular with both locals and visitors, DJ and Lindsay approached Business Gateway in 2022 for support with the produce side of the business.

Through Business Gateway, the crofting couple received one-to-one advice from a dedicated business adviser, which included a review of their business plan. The duo also received grant funding through the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Grant Scheme (CERGS), which has helped towards the development and fitting costs of the croft shop, including renewable energy.

Keen to support the next generation into crofting, Lindsay and DJ intend to work closely with schools to offer work experience and apprenticeships to pass on their knowledge and experience.

Lindsay Robertson, Director, Long Island Retreats, said:

“Business Gateway has been a fantastic support over the last year. We’re so pleased to be able to share our passion with visitors and locals on the Islands.  The guidance we’ve received has been invaluable and has allowed us to progress our business plans forward much quicker than would have been possible otherwise.”

Alastair Macleod, Business Gateway adviser, said: 

“We were able to support Long Island Retreats with our start-up services, including a review of DJ and Lindsay’s business plan to help them plan for the future. It has been so rewarding to support Long Island Retreats, which is unique to the Outer Hebrides, and I’m sure it will continue to prove popular in the years ahead.” 

Visit the Business Gateway website to find out how they can help your business.