The build started with posts concreted into the ground without the need for a massive concrete base.

This "tiny" build was too small to require a building warrant, but was built to the highest standards that could be achieved.

The initial frame was stabilised with OSB board and covered with a waterproof membrane.  The window frame and doors and frame were recycled from a previous cabin.

Inside the walls and floor have been insulated and some recycled shiplap timber was used.

Caithness weather can be harsh.  There is an inner timber roof covered by waterproof membrane, topped with insulation and the final sheet metal roofing.

The outside has been completed using a Scandinavian Paint (Tikkurila). This water based paint has very high endurance properties and is the paint of choice on Shetland.  It has a high price tag but only needs repainting about every 5 to 7 years so is therefore more efficient than many other brands.

Ensuring the shop is safely accessible by all was really important, and gravel was used as it highly permeable and suitable for this environment.

Low energy bulbs, theromostatic controlled heating, draught proofing and double glazing in the window has been installed and there is a sign to remind us to turn off everything as we close for the day. We try to maintain very high standards in Gallery and choose to have sustainable washable doormats, make our own window cleaners, and also steam clean rather than use proprietory chemicals.

Covering the whole parking area with gravel, although permeable, just wasn't appealing so a grid system made from recycled plastic was installed and subsequently grassed.  This retains "garden" and provides extra parking.

The shop has a selection of Fairtrade items, and we try to purchase ethically sourced products such as the paua shell jewellery which is made from a by-product of the New Zealand fish farming industry.

Scottish made products are favoured such as the handmade beeswax candles from Fife and the craft kits for all ages from The Crafty Kit Co. in the central belt.

Many of our  goods are hand-crafted locally so there is a relatively small amount of packaging arriving at the Gallery.  This is recycled whereever possible to wrap customers' purchases - whether bubble wrap or paper.  As a truly tiny business, waste would be expensive!

If a customer wishes to donate for a plant they take home, or for using our personal facilities, we have an SSPCA box for the local centre here in Caithness.  The 5p single use bag charge monies also contribute to this really important charity.

We  are passionate about the garden around the Gallery - it is our home. We are continuing to plant trees, develop a meadow/wildlife area which will eventually have a natural pond.  Bird boxes have been hidden in "The Jungle" for a good few years.

This roebuck was finding food from emerging bluebells and shelter from the weather

The shop has no water supply itself but has vast amounts landing on its roof!  The water is channelled into butts and provides perfect fresh water for the hundreds of birds who visit.  They have their own Trinkie, with water changed every day, so are possibly some of the cleanest birds in Caithness!

One of a pair of Bramblings who use the garden as a pitstop on their way to the Northern Isles.

A red admiral resting on Michaelmas Daisies