Walk & Talk: Ardverikie Estate, nr Newtonmore - Zero carbon renewables at the heart of a modern estate and successful tourism business

Ardverikie Estate is a geographically diverse estate over 16,000ha., with 2,000ha. of commercial forestry, eight holiday lets, a number of employee cottages and a traditional deer stalking operation on the upland areas.

Back in 1990 the estate installed a 1MW hydroelectric plant and five years ago embarked on a property refurbishment programme to improve the energy efficiency of their employee cottages. Following a carbon audit last year, the estate has now successfully installed a new renewable energy system into two off-grid holiday properties. This has significantly reduced energy costs, creating practically zero carbon accommodation and the potential to redevelop other unused and off-grid properties on the estate.

Members are warmly invited to join us for this Walk & Talk at Ardverikie Estate. Key elements of the programme include:

• An introduction to Ardverikie Estate and the estate’s overarching approach to reaching net zero. Estate Manager Phil Lloyd will talk about the carbon audit undertaken to understand energy use across the estate and develop a plan to reduce the estate’s carbon footprint
• Members will visit the ultra-low carbon Eco Pod and the four-bedroom Rudh na Magach holiday cottage to look at the solar panel and turbine set-up. We will discuss the business case, the practicalities of installation and operation, problems encountered and key learnings.
• We will also hear how the experience with the self-catering properties is influencing future estate plans – investment in properties (PRS and self-catering), other farm buildings etc.
• Following the visit to the two properties, there will be a sandwich lunch and presentation and demonstration of the remote monitoring system and discussion about the broader benefits of remote monitoring for the estate

This event is free of charge to SLE Members, but booking is essential through the SLE website.

Additional event information:

Format of the event: Participants will meet at Aberarder Lodge. The entrance can be found here.

Tea and coffee will be available on arrival. The Walk & Talk will open with an introduction to Ardverikie Estate and the main business activities from Estate Manager, Phil Lloyd. We will then get into a smaller number of vehicles and drive to the two properties.

We’ll return to Aberarder Lodge for the remote monitoring presentation, sandwich lunch and further discussions and refreshments.

Other information: Since part of this event will take place outdoors, please bring suitable clothing and footwear.

Booking information: Booking is essential. To secure your place please book online today.

Date: Thursday 16 February 2023

Time: 10:00-14:00

Meeting point: Aberarder Lodge

Cost: Free for members