Laura Thomas is the creator of Scottish made, synthetic free scents and personal care that are good for you and your local environment and waterways. With sustainability high up the agenda for Pine Trees, Laura Thomas Co. was the perfect selection for supplying our new amenities.
After living and experiencing life in New Zealand for nearly 10 years, Laura was inspired by the natural and minimal way of living and decided to start her own independent soap company on her return to Scotland.
“At the time, life in New Zealand was light years ahead of the UK in terms of people’s actions with recycling and sustainability,” Laura says. “Everyone was doing yoga and using natural products in the home and on the skin and were supporting homegrown brands. My time there opened my eyes to a desire to live close with nature and as minimally as possible.”
In 2014, Laura realised her dream to create a purpose led business in Scotland that would make a positive impact and has worked hard to ensure her products are as natural as possible.
“I wanted to take natural living one step further,” she says. “I have always liked using those products myself and my goal is for them not to damage the local waters. Everything we use in our products are 100% natural and that goodness will work its way back into the ecosystem so we can give back to the earth by using them.”
Laura’s products tick all the sustainability boxes for Pine Trees and, of course, they smell fantastic.
“The unisex scent that has been chosen for Pine Trees is perfect for guests experiencing their luxury Scottish escape” says Laura.
“The Birch & Bloom range is one of our newer scents and is truly reflective of Scotland. We wanted to create the essence of being alive in the Scottish countryside and used woody notes, green cedar, lemon zest, lavender and geranium – all things you could find in the Scottish wilderness.”
Despite living and breathing soaps and scents, Laura refuses to bring her own when on trips.
“Being a scent snob, it’s important to me to know what toiletries will be available in a hotel so I don’t bring my own,” she says. “I also like to see an array of hot drinks in the bedroom and the ambience to be light, airy with a mute palate and cosy and comfortable bed and furniture. It’s always a point of discovery to see what hand wash and lotion there will be, and my pet peeve is no conditioner! I think the guests at Pine Trees will be pleased with what we’re offering.”
We’re as excited to host Laura as a guest at the new hotel as she is to visit.
“I adore Pitlochry and the Scottish Highlands,” she says. “The colours up there in late autumn are simply stunning and I’m looking forward to having some lovely walks, cosying up to the fire and enjoying some gorgeous food with the space to relax and breathe. To me, scents are so evocative, and I really hope that guests will make some fantastic memories in Pine Trees and my range will transport them back there.”
Soon guests will be able to drink in the smell of Pine Trees and discover Laura Thomas Co. To view her whole range, click here.
