Atholl Estates, spanning some 120,000acres in Highland Perthshire has voluntarily chosen to pay its employees the Living Wage in response to the sharp rise in living costs. The Living Wage commitment ensures that the more than 90 staff employed across the estates are rewarded for a hard day’s work with a fair day’s pay and reflects the value the estate places on its staff. This is a further step in the Estate ensuring best practise as a rural employer, having already received accreditation through Investors in People in 2004.
Atholl Estate is a significant employer in the area, providing vital employment to local communities. The Estate has maintained stewardship over the area of Perthshire since the 13th century and has been at the forefront of responsible land ownership in Scotland, navigating through many significant challenges over the generations. The Estate has embraced diversification building resilience into its business model ensuring security to the community going forward into the 21st century. Today the Estate manages a wide range of operations with five main groups; tourism, agriculture, forestry, renewable energy and property. Employment opportunities span all groups connecting traditional rural skills and jobs with modern offering a diverse range of employment across its estate. Tourism operations include Blair Castle & Gardens, Blair Castle Caravan Park and the range of holiday lodges, cottages, huts and outdoor activities. Importantly, the estate also manages the land and buildings on Atholl Estates to provide the best balance between commercial opportunity, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Although the estate is managed commercially, the central aim is the preservation and enhancement of its natural, built, and social environments. Having such a significant destination drawing visitors builds opportunities across the area. To support this the estate has invested in retail units for lease encouraging other businesses and employers to the area. With the Living Wage Accreditation, the estate has ensured the bar is set to a good standard in the market place for employment.
At the heart of the Atholl Estate's success is its deep-rooted commitment to community engagement and empowerment. The estate actively involves local residents and businesses in decision-making processes, seeking their input and collaboration. They have fostered partnerships with neighbouring enterprises, supporting the growth of local suppliers and businesses. Furthermore, the estate has created initiatives to enhance the quality of life for residents, such as affordable housing projects, educational programs, and community events. By empowering the local community, the estate has nurtured a sense of pride and ownership, creating a sustainable and vibrant rural environment. The Atholl Estate has created numerous employment opportunities for local residents, providing both full-time and seasonal jobs across its diversified enterprises. By prioritizing local hiring, they have contributed to the economic well-being of the community. Additionally, the estate offers training and skill development programs, empowering individuals with new knowledge and enhancing their employability within the estate or in related sectors. The estate actively hosts community events, such as festivals, fairs, and exhibitions, which bring people together and celebrate the local culture and heritage. These events not only provide entertainment but also stimulate the local economy by attracting visitors. Furthermore, the estate has opened up its facilities, such as event spaces and recreational areas, for use by community groups and organizations, providing valuable spaces for meetings, workshops, and activities. Finance Director at Atholl Estates, Caroline Harridence stated, “Everyone deserves to be paid a fair wage that reflects the true cost of living. We value our employees immensely and acknowledge their hard work and dedication to the estate. It is vitally important that we support our staff the best we can, and this has never been as pertinent as now in the current climate.” The real Living Wage is calculated independently and announced annually by The Living Wage Foundation as part of Living Wage Week. It is the only wage rate calculated according to the cost of living.
The estate actively promotes conservation efforts and provides access to its natural landscapes for the enjoyment of local residents. By preserving and enhancing biodiversity, managing nature trails, and supporting wildlife conservation projects, the Atholl Estate contributes to the overall well-being and quality of life in the community. Access to nature and outdoor recreational opportunities foster physical and mental well-being, promoting a healthier and happier community. The estate is committed to sustainable land management practices that prioritize environmental stewardship. They employ techniques such as regenerative agriculture, responsible forestry management, and wildlife conservation measures. By promoting biodiversity, preserving natural habitats, and minimizing the use of chemicals and pesticides, the estate ensures the long-term health and resilience of the land. Atholl Estate has invested in renewable energy sources to reduce its carbon footprint. They have implemented hydroelectric power generation and biomass heating systems, which provide sustainable energy for the estate's operations. By transitioning away from fossil fuels, the estate demonstrates its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a cleaner, greener energy future. The estate actively participates in conservation efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment. They undertake habitat restoration projects, rewilding initiatives, and tree planting programs. By collaborating with conservation organizations and experts, the estate ensures the preservation of biodiversity, the protection of rare species, and the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Atholl Estate upholds high ethical standards in its business operations. They prioritize fair trade, responsible sourcing, and ethical treatment of employees and partners. The estate values transparency, integrity, and respect, ensuring that its practices align with ethical guidelines and industry standards.