ten hill place hotel has been out picking up litter and cleaning footpaths as part of the community work that has seen them recently renew their Gold Green Tourism Business Scheme accreditation for the next two years.

The eco-hotel is mindful of the environmental impact that tourism and the hotel business can have, and has five areas of focus to make the business more sustainable – climate change, waste, sustainable raw materials, health and social responsibility.

They publish their Green policy online, and encourage both customers and employees to live healthier and ‘greener’ life styles.

Niall Pinkerton, Operations Manager, explained: “We were awarded ‘Eco-Hotel of the Year 2010’ and we have just had our GTB Gold Standard renewed for the next two years. This is the second time in a row this has occurred.

“As part of that, we do a lot of work in the community. For example, we recycle, send things to charities, do litter picks. A small team also went out to Arthur’s Seat and cleared some gorse away from the footpath. It’s part of meeting our standards, but also it’s about community involvement as well.”

The hotel is owned by the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, the oldest medical incorporation in the world. Since 1505, the College has been involved in maintaining and promoting surgical standards and practice.

Mr Pinkerton said: “All the profits from our hotel go back into the college. This helps fund research, education and maintaining standards of surgery throughout the world.”