Guest Psychology: Cleanliness and Satisfaction

The observation that disorganized guests might give lower reviews while neat and tidy guests tend to give higher ratings can indeed reflect underlying psychological tendencies and differences in expectations. 

Here’s a human-centric, understanding approach to this phenomenon:

1. **Expectation vs. Reality**: Neat and tidy guests might have high personal standards for cleanliness and organization. When they encounter a well-maintained rental space, their expectations are met or even exceeded, leading to higher satisfaction and consequently, higher reviews. 

Disorganized guests, on the other hand, might not prioritize cleanliness or organization in their personal spaces but might still hold high expectations for their accommodations. When the rental doesn’t meet these expectations for any reason, their dissatisfaction might be reflected in lower reviews.

2. **Perception of Value**: Guests who value cleanliness and organization are likely to feel that they’re getting more value for their money if they stay in a place that reflects these qualities. This perceived value enhances their overall satisfaction with their stay. 

Conversely, disorganized guests might not derive as much satisfaction from the cleanliness and organization of a space, focusing instead on other aspects of their stay that they might find lacking.

3. **Cognitive Consistency**: People have a tendency to seek consistency in their behaviors and attitudes. Neat and tidy guests who maintain high standards in their own lives may positively rate spaces that align with their values, as acknowledging the cleanliness and organization of their rental space confirms their self-concept. 

Disorganized guests might not have a strong preference for cleanliness but might find other reasons to justify their lower ratings, which could be influenced by a variety of factors unrelated to the host’s control, such as weather, personal issues, or other travel disappointments.

4. **Stress and Coping Mechanisms**: Travel can be stressful, and individuals have different coping mechanisms. Neat and tidy individuals might find comfort and control in a clean and organized environment, which can alleviate travel stress, leading to a more positive experience. 

Disorganized individuals might not benefit from this sense of control and, if encountering any stressors during their stay, might project their dissatisfaction onto the rental experience, affecting their review.

5. **Attention to Detail**: Tidy individuals might appreciate the small touches and efforts a host puts into maintaining a space, from decor to cleanliness. This attention to detail can enhance their overall experience, leading to higher reviews. Disorganized guests, perhaps less attuned to these details, might overlook these efforts and instead focus on any minor inconveniences or issues, however unrelated to the host’s efforts.

It’s important to remember that these are general tendencies and not strict rules. People are complex, and their actions, including the reviews they leave, are influenced by a myriad of factors, both conscious and subconscious. 

Understanding and empathy towards this range of human behaviors can help hosts, like me, navigate the diverse expectations and experiences of our guests.

Credits: JaCertAI Images 

Eigg Island Community

Eigg, an island in the Scottish Inner Hebrides, underwent a remarkable transformation in ownership and energy use, showcasing a unique blend of community spirit, environmental innovation, and self-sufficiency.

For centuries, Eigg was owned by various landlords, often distant and disconnected from the island's needs and its people. This changed dramatically in 1997 when, after a notable campaign that attracted international attention, the island's residents collectively raised £1.5 million ($2.48 million) to purchase Eigg from its then-owner, an eccentric German artist known as Maruma. This purchase marked the first time in Scottish history that an island had been bought by its inhabitants, fundamentally altering the social and economic landscape of Eigg [[❞]](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/1/29/the-greenest-island-in-the-world).

Ownership by the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, representing the community, has empowered residents and led to substantial improvements in living conditions and infrastructure. A significant milestone was the creation of Eigg Electric, a community-owned company that launched a pioneering electricity scheme in 2008. Prior to this, the island relied on diesel generators for power, which were both costly and environmentally detrimental. The new scheme, costing around £1.6 million and funded by the European Union and national bodies, connected every house to a grid powered by renewable energy sources—hydro, solar, and wind—making Eigg one of the greenest islands in the world [[❞]](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/1/29/the-greenest-island-in-the-world) [[❞]](https://clean-energy-islands.ec.europa.eu/countries/united-kingdom-uk/eigg).

This transition to renewable energy, while enhancing quality of life, has not been without its challenges. For instance, the electrical system has a capacity limitation, requiring residents and businesses to use energy judiciously. Nonetheless, the scheme has brought about significant environmental benefits and fostered a sense of community resilience and self-reliance. Eigg's journey from feudal ownership to community empowerment and sustainable living serves as an inspiring model for other communities worldwide [[❞]](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/1/29/the-greenest-island-in-the-world) [[❞]](https://clean-energy-islands.ec.europa.eu/countries/united-kingdom-uk/eigg).

Who was Keith Schellenberg

Keith Schellenberg was indeed a former owner of the Isle of Eigg. Born Clifford Keith Wain Schellenberg on March 13, 1929, he was a multifaceted individual—a British businessman, Winter Olympian, and at one point, a political candidate. Schellenberg was known not just for his diverse interests and achievements but also for the legal disputes that marked his ownership of Eigg [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Schellenberg).

He purchased Eigg in 1975, aiming to conserve both its natural environment and its human history. Schellenberg's tenure as the owner of Eigg was notable, lasting until 1995, when the island was sold. His ownership period was characterized by colorful and sometimes controversial stewardship [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Schellenberg). 

The transition of ownership from Schellenberg ultimately led to a significant and historic event for Eigg and its community. In 1997, after a high-profile campaign, the residents of Eigg raised funds to purchase the island, marking the first time in Scottish history that an island was bought by its inhabitants [[❞]](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/1/29/the-greenest-island-in-the-world). This monumental achievement not only transferred the ownership directly to the Isle of Eigg Heritage Trust, representing the community, but also empowered the residents to dramatically improve their living conditions and manage the island's resources sustainably, most notably through the establishment of Eigg Electric, a pioneering renewable energy scheme [[❞]](https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2014/1/29/the-greenest-island-in-the-world) [[❞]](https://clean-energy-islands.ec.europa.eu/countries/united-kingdom-uk/eigg).

Schellenberg's life was rich and varied, touching on sports, politics, and environmental conservation, but his time as the owner of Eigg remains a particularly noteworthy chapter, especially in light of the island's subsequent transformation into a community-owned and sustainably managed haven [[❞]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith_Schellenberg).

Islay Whisky Distillery Count

Islay is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, known for its rugged landscape, rich history, and, most notably, its whisky distilleries. Islay is often referred to as "Whisky Island" due to the high concentration of distilleries that produce some of the world's most renowned single malt Scotch whiskies. These whiskies are famous for their characteristic peat smoke and maritime flavors.

As of my last check, Islay is home to several operational single malt whisky distilleries. The exact number can vary as new distilleries open and others may close or temporarily halt production. Generally, Islay's distilleries include:

(Hard to pronounce but popular)

1. Ardbeg

2. Bowmore

3. Bruichladdich

4. Bunnahabhain

5. Caol Ila

6. Kilchoman

7. Lagavulin

8. Laphroaig

Islay is an island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, known for its rugged landscape, rich history, and, most notably, its whisky distilleries. Islay is often referred to as "Whisky Island" due to the high concentration of distilleries that produce some of the world's most renowned single malt Scotch whiskies. These whiskies are famous for their characteristic peat smoke and maritime flavors.

There are also newer or less known distilleries such as Ardnahoe, and plans for others may be in development. The number and presence of distilleries can fluctuate, so for the most current information, it might be necessary to check recent sources. Would you like the latest count of single malt whisky distilleries on Islay?

(Thought you'd never ask :) )

As of 2024, Islay, Scotland, hosts nine active single malt whisky distilleries, highlighting its renowned status within the whisky world. These distilleries range from historical establishments to newer ventures, each contributing to Islay's distinctive peaty whisky profile. The distilleries include:

1. **Ardbeg** - Known for its deeply peated whiskies with complex flavors.

2. **Bowmore** - The oldest distillery on Islay, dating back to 1779, celebrated for its balanced single malts.

3. **Bruichladdich** - Offers a range of unpeated to heavily peated whiskies, including the Octomore series, some of the most heavily peated whiskies in the world.

4. **Bunnahabhain** - Known for its milder, unpeated Islay whiskies with a sherry influence.

5. **Caol Ila** - The largest producer on Islay, known for its peaty and maritime whiskies.

6. **Kilchoman** - A newer distillery that practices farm distilling, controlling the entire production process from barley to bottle.

7. **Lagavulin** - Renowned for its rich, peaty whiskies with a long finish.

8. **Laphroaig** - Offers famously medicinal and smoky whiskies, using their own floor maltings.

9. **Ardnahoe** - The newest addition to Islay's distillery scene, it started producing whisky in 2017 and is in the process of releasing its first batches.

Islay is a key destination for whisky enthusiasts, offering a unique glimpse into the production of some of the world's most distinctive whiskies, known for their peaty and smoky characteristics. The island also hosts the Fèis Ìle, the Islay Festival of Music and Malt, where each distillery has a dedicated day of celebrations, offering a deep dive into Islay's rich whisky culture and community [[❞]](https://embracesomeplace.com/best-whisky-distilleries-islay-scotland/) [[❞]](https://pathstotravel.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-feis-ile-the-islay-festival-of-whisky-music/).

Occasionally, we diverge from our usual property-focused content to explore a variety of other topics. Today, we're delving into the world of Single Malt Whisky.