Duncan is Chief Executive of Laggan, a rural destination of excellence with tourism, hospitality, and sustainability at its core. He is a board member of South of Scotland Enterprise and Chairman of the Scottish Wedding Industry Alliance. Duncan and his wife Vicki have transformed the family farm over the last six years with the creation of on-site accommodation, GG's Yard wedding and conference venue, and Gather, their hillside kitchen-bistro. In 2023, the family reopened The Murray Arms in Gatehouse of Fleet as a luxury B&B. The results have been amazing - transforming Laggan into a 'destination of excellence'.
Just read some of the testimonials: “Where to even start? - from the views, to the inside of the venue, the food and the staff this venue is perfect! They knew the moment they drove up to GGs that this was their Wedding venue, and it did not disappoint. The service they received was so personalized and really showed the care and attention the team put in… The most stunning venue and they had the best day at without a doubt the best Wedding Venue!" “Every good thing you hear about this place is true. The venue speaks for itself in terms of splendor and class but it’s the staff and family that truly make this place special. “Amazing venue and location, the owners and staff are so helpful. Food is of the highest quality. If you need an example of how to do it right, visit GG’s Yard”. Duncan explains ‘they couldn’t agree more that Gather is one of the most romantic restaurants. They’re also honored to be the only restaurant in Southern Scotland included, putting the region on the map for both its food and beautiful location. The menu, aesthetics, and setting create the most perfect date night experience’. In 2023 they have been able to add the Murray Arms (14 individually-styled rooms) to their portfolio of luxury accommodation.
The various Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020-2021 were major hurdles to negotiate, as were the Gather Bistro's launch/cancellation/postponement of weddings in the GGs, making forward planning almost impossible. Not to mention all the usual problems of setting up a new business! The fact that Laggan has come out of this situation at all is amazing, but they have managed to establish themselves as a unique business offering the highest quality hospitality and stunning venues. They have even managed to expand, acquiring the cozy but 'tired' Murray Arms and opening 14 luxury boutique-style B&B rooms in 2023.
They have achieved this through their vision and determination. Duncan is a good example of the saying "if you want something done - ask someone who's busy! He even finds time to be a director of South of Scotland Enterprise as an advocate for tourism, hospitality, and rural businesses. During Covid-19 he co-founded the Scottish Wedding Industry Alliance to give a voice to the wedding industry in Scotland and to fight for £25m of financial support for 3000 businesses that had fallen through the cracks of other support. Duncan now continues as Chair of the Scottish Wedding Industry Alliance, lobbying for support and working hand-in-hand with VisitScotland to promote Scotland as a world-class, year-round wedding destination. This is in addition to having a young family to look after!
Find out more about the finalists for the Helping it Happen Awards 2023