Nominee Summary
Queensberry Estate and Drumlanrig Castle lie at the heart of its community, bringing people together through shared experiences, local partnerships and a deep connection to place. By welcoming tens of thousands of visitors each year and delivering vibrant events that attract around 3,000 people at a time, the estate generates vital support for local businesses, jobs and livelihoods. More than a visitor destination, it is a place where communities come together-to celebrate, to explore and to belong. Through its commitment to people, place and sustainable growth, Drumlanrig is a powerful example of rural Scotland helping its communities thrive.
Overcoming Challenges
Queensberry Estate operates within a rural region where sustaining economic opportunity, community vitality and access to services can present ongoing challenges. Like many rural areas, Dumfries & Galloway faces issues around employment retention, seasonal tourism and ensuring that local communities directly benefit from visitor activity. Drumlanrig has addressed these challenges by positioning itself as a year-round destination that creates consistent economic and social value. Through the development of a diverse programme of events, experiences and visitor attractions, the estate has successfully extended seasonal appeal, reducing reliance on peak summer months and generating more stable employment opportunities. Accessibility-both physical and social-has also been a priority. The estate maintains open access to large parts of its landscape and delivers inclusive experiences that welcome both visitors and local residents. Events such as parkrun, seasonal trails and family-focused activities ensure that the estate is not only a visitor attraction, but a place for the community to use and enjoy regularly. Balancing increased visitor footfall with community needs is another key consideration. Careful planning ensures that events and activities enhance rather than disrupt the local area, with infrastructure and operations designed to manage volume responsibly. Through these approaches, Drumlanrig has successfully overcome the challenges of rural location and seasonality, transforming them into opportunities to create a thriving, accessible and community-focused destination that supports people, place and local economy year-round.
Supporting the community
Queensberry Estate plays a vital role in supporting the local community by acting as a significant employer, economic driver and social hub within Dumfries & Galloway. The estate supports a wide range of employment across tourism, hospitality, land management, events and property, helping to sustain jobs and retain skills within the rural economy. In addition, Drumlanrig works with local suppliers, producers and contractors wherever possible, ensuring that economic benefits are distributed across the wider community. Tourism generated by the estate has a strong ripple effect beyond its boundaries. With tens of thousands of visitors annually, Drumlanrig contributes significantly to demand for local accommodation providers, food and drink businesses and other regional attractions. Events are a particularly important platform for supporting local communities. The Galloway Country Fair, attracting around 12,000 visitors, provides opportunities for regional food producers, craftspeople and businesses to showcase their products. In addition, seasonal events attracting approximately 3,000 visitors each further support local trade and footfall throughout the year. Beyond economic impact, Drumlanrig contributes to community wellbeing by providing accessible outdoor space, family experiences and recreational opportunities. The estate fosters a sense of place and pride, celebrating rural life, culture and landscape in a way that resonates with local people as well as visitors. Through employment, partnership and shared access, Drumlanrig continues to strengthen and sustain its local community.
Ethical/environmental standards
Queensberry Estate operates with a strong commitment to ethical responsibility and environmental stewardship, recognising that long-term success is intrinsically linked to the wellbeing of both community and landscape. As part of the wider Buccleuch business, the estate is managed with a focus on sustainability, balancing economic activity with environmental protection and responsible land use. The Queensberry Estate includes a number of environmentally significant areas, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest, which are carefully managed to protect biodiversity and natural habitats. Woodland and land management practices are designed to promote long-term ecological health, with forestry contributing to carbon sequestration and wider net-zero ambitions. Farming operations are similarly managed with consideration for existing ecosystems, ensuring that agricultural activity supports rather than diminishes the environment. [hoodmagazine.co.uk] Ethically, Drumlanrig prioritises responsible business practices, supporting local supply chains, providing fair employment opportunities and maintaining strong relationships with the communities in which it operates. The estate also plays an important role in encouraging responsible behaviour among visitors, promoting respect for the countryside and raising awareness of environmental issues through its visitor experiences. By embedding sustainability and ethical decision-making across all aspects of its operation, Drumlanrig demonstrates how rural estates can successfully balance commercial viability with environmental stewardship and community responsibility, ensuring that both people and place can thrive for generations to come.
