At VoltShare, we’re all about helping hospitality and destination venues future-proof their business with accessible and efficient EV charging. One venue that has seamlessly integrated our charging solutions into its picturesque setting is Lochend Chalets—a stunning self-catering retreat on the tranquil shores of the Lake of Menteith in Scotland. We spoke with Topher Abel Smith, one of the owners, to learn more about their journey, their commitment to sustainability, and how VoltShare has helped them cater to the growing demand for EV charging.

A family legacy by the lake

Lochend Chalets is no ordinary resort—it’s a family-run business with deep roots dating back to 1958, when Topher’s grandfather, Bill Abel, purchased the property. Originally a caravan site, it evolved into a collection of chalets when Topher’s father, an actor by trade, decided to transform the site in 1974. “Last year was our 50th year of trading,” Topher tells us. “In this industry, that’s quite a long time. We’re still trudging along as a family business after half a century.”

Today, Lochend Chalets boasts 18 lodges spread across a 38-acre estate. “All but two have stunning lake views,” says Topher. “Some are right on the water, and the others are about 90 meters back, but they all overlook the lake.” The location itself is unique—offering a rare combination of open landscape and breathtaking views of the Highlands.

A natural fit for sustainability and EV charging

Sustainability has always been a key focus for Lochend Chalets, and the decision to install EV chargers was both a practical and ethical one. “Both [co-owner] Chris and I have been driving electric cars for years—I’ve had mine for eight years, and Chris has had his for five,” Topher explains. “We love them, and it just made sense.”

But the demand from guests was also a major driver. “We had people running cables out of windows, which was dangerous and, frankly, not ideal for anyone. Plus, there’s the insurance risk,” he says. “We knew we needed a proper solution.”

With their current electricity capacity, Lochend Chalets installed three VoltShare chargers, each providing 7kW of power. “That’s all we can handle for now, but if demand keeps growing, we’ll look at upgrading to three-phase electricity. That’s a serious investment, but we’re thinking ahead.”

Meeting the needs of a changing customer base

Over the years, Lochend Chalets has built an incredibly loyal customer base, with over 50% of guests returning year after year—some for decades. “We have families that have been coming since we opened,” Topher says. “One family has been visiting for 45 years. They come four or five times a year now.”

Recently, they’ve noticed a significant rise in guests arriving with EVs. “Three large SUVs were charging away last night,” Topher mentions. “It’s definitely increasing, and hybrids are plugging in too. It’s becoming an expectation rather than a luxury.”

The role of hospitality venues in EV infrastructure

As an early EV adopter, Topher had expected public charging infrastructure to be more widespread by now. “I thought the UK government would have been quicker off the mark,” he says. “It’s not like digging canals or building railways—it’s just a few cables in the ground! But it hasn’t happened as fast as we all hoped.”

That’s why businesses like Lochend Chalets play a crucial role in supporting EV tourism. “People don’t want to sit in a car park for an hour waiting for a charge,” Topher points out. “They’d much rather plug in while they’re enjoying a holiday, out exploring for the day, and come back to a fully charged car.”

Looking to the future

Lochend Chalets has always prioritised reinvesting in its accommodation rather than expanding. “Every lodge has been rebuilt, some more than once,” Topher explains. “We do a complete gut job every 10 to 15 years—new kitchens, new bathrooms, everything.” Instead of adding more lodges, the focus is on enhancing guest experiences. “We’re installing a 10-person wood-fired sauna next week, right on the shore. Cold-water swimming is really popular now, so that’s going to be a big hit.”

As for EV charging, Topher sees it following the same path as Wi-Fi. “A decade ago, Wi-Fi was a luxury, then it became expected, and now you can’t run a hospitality business without it. EV charging is heading the same way. If you don’t have it, you’re just not going to attract certain guests.”

Supporting a greener, more accessible Scotland

VoltShare is working with organisations like the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) to make charging solutions more accessible to hospitality businesses in the region. We believe that venues like Lochend Chalets are paving the way for a more electrified Scotland. If hospitality businesses lead the way, it helps fill the charging gaps in rural areas, and ensures that visitors can confidently travel to beautiful, remote locations without worrying about range.

For now, Lochend Chalets is ahead of the curve—offering guests a seamless, sustainable, and stunning getaway, where they can relax, recharge, and explore Scotland with confidence.

Are you a hospitality business looking to install EV chargers? Find out how VoltShare can help by completing this form.