Good Qs with Jack McLaren-Stewart, Saorsa 1875

Jack McLaren-Stewart is the director of Saorsa 1875, the UK’s first vegan hotel.

We sat down with Jack to discuss the hotel: its origin, purpose and public reception, as well the future of vegan hospitality.

Saorsa 1875 looks beautiful, could you tell us more about it?

Thank you! Our hotel was opened in 2019 and is designed for vegans, vegetarians and the plant-curious. Housed within a 19th century baronial edifice, the hotel’s bohemian stylings and eclectic furnishings offer the perfect antidote to the frantic pace of modern living.

Based on the belief that the correlation between style and animal products is outdated, we’re driven to show the hospitality industry that there’s another way. We do this through considered communal vegan spaces and events that spark curiosity and invite participation from vegans and non-vegans alike.

By your definition, what is a vegan hotel?

There are no animal products anywhere in the hotel. Not only is our restaurant and bar 100% vegan but also our cleaning products, toiletries and furniture are entirely free from animal products.

What was the inspiration behind the decision to open a vegan hotel?

Our family established the Saorsa brand in 2018 as an extension of our own way of life; one that’s grounded in an appreciation for design, food, culture and connection whilst showcasing that the best experiences in life don’t have to come at the expense of animals or the environment.

What does Saorsa 1875 offer that a traditional hotel does not?

For vegans, we offer a space that fully aligns with their beliefs whilst not compromising on any aspect of the experience. For non-vegans, we offer a forward-thinking, open approach to veganism and give people the opportunity to expand their understanding of what a vegan lifestyle might look like.

What has been the public response to a fully vegan hotel?

The response has been absolutely incredible from vegans and non-vegans alike. It’s been a tough few years for the hospitality industry but we’re so grateful for the support that we’ve had.

Why did you choose Pitlochry, Scotland as your location?

Highland Perthshire is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places on earth but it’s not exactly very vegan-friendly. We wanted to create a space where people felt they could explore the beauty of the area without compromising their ethics (or living off chips!)

What is the meaning behind the name Saorsa 1875?

Saorsa is Scottish Gaelic for ‘Freedom’ or ‘Liberty’ and 1875 is the year our beautiful building was built.

What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

That’s easy. I love meeting guests more than anything. We get so many amazing people through our doors and it’s so wonderful to be able to meet them, chat with them and learn from them. Sometimes I sneakily book myself in for dinner just so that I can spend time with them!

What challenges are obstructing more sustainability in your industry?

I think the main challenge is inertia. The hotel industry was decimated by COVID and, as such, many hotels are either afraid or unwilling to invest in improving their sustainability as they see it as too much of a risk. As consumers, we need to be more demanding and set higher expectations as it’s only then that companies will improve.

Where do you see the future of vegan hospitality?

As more and more people are making the change to veganism, I’m hopeful that we’ll see an influx of vegan hotels. The innovation taking place in plant based foods and fashion are so inspiring and hopefully that will rub off on the hotel industry!

What are the small steps we can all make to reduce our impact on the planet?

Eliminating your consumption of animals is not only one of the single biggest things you can do to reduce your environmental impact, it’s also the best way to reduce the unnecessary suffering and death of countless sentient beings.

What is on your must see or read list right now?

I’m a voracious reader so my list is always expanding. Next is The Outlaw Ocean by Ian Urbina which is about crime and extralegal activity in international waters. I also recently became a father so I’m really enjoying reading and learning about conscious parenting and how to raise a child in what can often seem like a very scary world!

What Good News have you had/heard this week?

I usually try to steer clear of the news as I find its impact detrimental to my mental health. On a more personal level, my little brother just got accepted into his Master’s programme and I’m so proud of him for his achievements.