James Munro represents the third generation of the Munro family contributing to Kelburn Estate. At 66 years old, he has dedicated his career to preserving the rural heritage of Kelburn Estate in Largs, North Ayrshire. James embodies the characteristics emblematic of an era: loyalty, resilience, perseverance, and innovation.
Born and raised at Kelburn, James embarked on his professional journey at 16, assuming the role of a gamekeeper on the Montgomery estates before transitioning to work as a deerstalker on the Dougrie estate in Arran. In 1980, James returned to Kelburn, engaging in forestry work and aiding his father with the pheasant shoot. Subsequently, he spent six years overseeing the Kelburn farms, tending to grass parks and forestry until 1999. Transitioning to the position of Estate Manager, James has remained a steadfast presence at Kelburn since then. Over the span of 1999 to 2023, he has collaborated with the Boyle family to preserve the distinctive and exceptional character of Kelburn, shaping it into one of the most iconic destinations in the West of Scotland, celebrated globally. James's community involvement is evident as he has actively supported the local bowling club, having served as a past President and Chairman of the Forward Planning Group.
James's influence at Kelburn has been profound, as he tirelessly worked to establish sustainable revenue streams, securing the financial sustainability of the estate. Under his project management, the Kelburn Wind Farm was established in partnership with RES from 2004 to 2010. James worked closely with RES to ensure the windfarm's meticulous and compliant installation, aligned with planning stipulations. The site has gained a reputation for its professionalism and tidiness. This project alone has enabled Kelburn's financial viability and significantly contributed to the estate's survival. Moreover, the Kelburn Windfarm has annually generated £25,000 for the Community Fund, supporting diverse projects ranging from public toilet installations to backing the annual Viking Festival. These accomplishments can be attributed to James Munro's unwavering determination.
Among his notable achievements is the Kelburn Hydro Scheme, which James actively promoted. This scheme, capable of generating 100kW per hour, contributes to the National Grid when conditions allow. Another significant success is James's leadership in the forestry sector, exemplified by the Cocklehill Forestry project, scheduled for this year. Collaborating with Savills and Scottish Forestry, this initiative involves the planting of 440 acres with a mix of native broadleaves, Scots pine, and a small commercial section of Norway spruce. James has also tackled rural challenges, including managing the impact of Larch Disease, necessitating the removal of 7000 tonnes of diseased larch. Overcoming the challenge of vehicle access in the plantation established at a time when it wasn't a consideration, James spearheaded the replanting of native broadleaves or diverse conifers, transforming it into an amenity woodland that promotes biodiversity rather than commercial forestry.