Nominee Summary
Goodgrun Limited, led by Director Rachel Gray, is a family-run business bringing to life a long-held vision. In the 1980s, Rachel’s parents dreamed of building holiday cabins in the forested hills of Corgarff. After securing planning permission in 2019, the first truly unique cabin has now been completed, despite the heartbreak of losing both parents within the past year. Their legacy lives on through this remarkable project. Goodgrun deserves to win for turning a decades-old dream into reality, creating a special, sustainable retreat that honours family, vision, and resilience in one of Scotland’s most breathtaking locations.
Building quality
The first completed holiday cabin in Goodgrun Limited’s Cairngorms development exemplifies design excellence, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for place. Conceived to sit lightly within its forested hillside setting, the cabin is the result of a long-term vision that prioritised environmental sensitivity and architectural innovation. Designed to blend into the natural landscape, it is clad in a refined combination of locally sourced timber and mirrored stainless steel—materials chosen both for their durability and their ability to reflect and echo the surrounding forest. A sedum-planted roof supports biodiversity and provides additional insulation, while enhancing the visual integration of the structure with its woodland context. Internally, the cabin’s layout is open and light-filled, with full-height glazing that captures uninterrupted views of the surrounding wilderness and the historic 15th-century Corgarff Castle. This intentional framing creates a unique visual and historical dialogue between the traditional and the contemporary, 600 years apart. The palette is natural and restrained—warm timber finishes, clean lines, and minimal detailing allow the focus to remain on the landscape beyond. Every element has been considered for longevity, sustainability, and guest experience. The cabin has been carefully planned to ensure privacy, minimal environmental impact, and maximum immersion in nature. Built to a high standard with close attention to craftsmanship and material quality, the project offers a modern reimagining of Highland hospitality—an understated, luxurious base from which guests can explore one of Scotland’s most iconic wild places.
Ethical/environmental standards
The development has been guided by a commitment to high ethical and environmental standards, local collaboration, and respect for natural and cultural heritage. From the beginning, the project was designed to sit lightly on the land. Cabins were carefully positioned to avoid felling mature trees, minimise ground disturbance, and protect local wildlife habitats—particularly those supporting the area’s healthy red squirrel population. Sedum roofs promote biodiversity and reduce runoff, while timber and mirrored stainless steel cladding were chosen for durability, low environmental impact, and visual integration into the forested setting. The cabins are energy-efficient, with high insulation, passive solar gain, and natural ventilation reducing their environmental footprint. Throughout the project, Goodgrun prioritised working with the local community. Local tradespeople, suppliers, and craftspeople were employed at every stage, from groundworks and joinery to sourcing interiors, ensuring the economic benefits of the project remain within the region. Engagement with local stakeholders during the planning process helped shape a development that is both sensitive and sustainable. The site offers views of 15th-century Corgarff Castle, a historic landmark deeply embedded in the landscape. Rather than compete with this heritage, the cabin architecture complements it—creating a subtle dialogue between old and new. Design choices preserve these historic sightlines while enhancing the sense of place and identity. This project reflects a modern, ethical approach to rural development—where quality, conservation, and community are integral to creating a lasting, meaningful visitor experience in one of Scotland’s most treasured wild places.
Community impact
From the outset, this development has had a thoughtful impact on the local community and wider area, both economically and socially. During planning and construction, local trades and suppliers were prioritised—providing work for builders, joiners, electricians, landscapers, and craftspeople from surrounding villages. This approach supported rural livelihoods and helped sustain traditional building skills in the region. Many materials, furnishings, and finishes were sourced locally, with a focus on Scottish-made products to keep investment in the area. The development also supports the local tourism economy by drawing new visitors to a more remote corner of the National Park. With guests encouraged to explore beyond the cabin, nearby attractions such as Corgarff Castle, the Lecht Ski Centre, and walking trails through Donside benefitting from increased footfall. Mountain biking enthusiasts are only 20 minutes drive from both Glenlivet Trails and Tarland Trails. Local businesses in Corgarff and Strathdon—Goodbrand cafe, Bellabeg shop, and the Kildrummy Inn, as well as local tour guides—stand to gain from longer stays and off-season bookings that the cabins are designed to attract. Crucially, the project has been designed with sensitivity to the character of the landscape. Through minimal visual impact and careful ecological design, the cabins complement their surroundings without overdeveloping them—preserving the sense of remoteness that residents and visitors alike value. This is a development that demonstrates how tourism and rural regeneration can go hand in hand—strengthening the local economy, promoting heritage and natural beauty, and creating long-term value for both the community and the landscape.
