Nominee Summary
Seafield Estates have collaborated closely with The Three Kings Cullen Association and Moray Council to establish and operate the Cullen Motorhome Stopover. Seafield Estates provided the land, the Council provided grant funding, and we, the Association, manage the site. From the start, Seafield Estates wished for all income to benefit the local community. Since its official opening in March 2024, the site has been highly successful—alleviating parking issues in Seatown and generating vital funds for the Community Centre. We enjoy a strong relationship with Seafield Estates and would like their contribution to the community to be recognised formally.
Overcoming Challenges
Seafield Estate in Cullen has overcome a variety of challenges to become a respected, community-focused landowner. Balancing the preservation of historic land with the needs of a growing community and increasing visitor numbers, has required careful planning and partnership working. A prime example is the Cullen Motorhome Stopover project, where Seafield Estate working closely with Moray Council and the Cullen community, navigated land-use permissions and regulatory processes, whilst ensuring that any development would align with their values of environmental care and heritage protection. They provided land for the site, ensured all income would support local causes, and helped address parking and congestion issues in the Seatown area—demonstrating their commitment to sustainable tourism and community benefit.
Supporting the community
The Seafield Estate is a significant member of the local community and, in respect of the Cullen Motorhome Stopover, was keen to address an issue that was causing problems for local residents ie parking in the Seatown area. Not only was the income from the Motorhome site to go to the local community but thanks to the Estate, Cullen now has an extremely popular and busy Motorhome site, fronting the sea with 13 pitches, which not only helps alleviate the parking issues but also increases the footfall for the local businesses. Looking ahead, Seafield Estate is supporting a forthcoming community initiative focused on the mental wellbeing of farmers and their families, as well as improving their integration within the wider community. Recognising the often-isolated nature of rural life, the Estate is keen to contribute to efforts that provide emotional support, foster connection, and create safe spaces for dialogue and shared experience. Their involvement underscores a broader commitment to social wellbeing, particularly in remote and agricultural communities. Through practical action, investment in people, and a forward-thinking outlook, Seafield Estate continues to be a positive force in Cullen, supporting long-term resilience, inclusion, and rural wellbeing.
Ethical/environmental standards
Seafield Estate has taken significant steps to uphold high ethical and environmental standards while maintaining a strong focus on heritage, conservation, and community benefit. A key priority has been the careful management of their historic land and properties, ensuring that any development respects the character and natural beauty of the area. Conservation and wildlife work is carried out to a high standard, using traditional methods and materials where appropriate. The Estate places strong emphasis on supporting the local economy by creating employment and engaging local tradespeople and suppliers for projects wherever possible. This not only helps retain traditional skills in the area but also strengthens community ties and reduces the environmental impact of sourcing from further afield. In all projects, Seafield Estate considers the needs and views of the local community. They respond to residents concerns, contribute to community-led initiatives, and ensure that economic benefits—such as those from the Cullen Motorhome Stopover—are reinvested locally. Their ethical approach combines responsible land stewardship with social responsibility, aiming to protect and enhance the region for future generations while fostering a vibrant, connected rural community.
