Nominee Summary
Cardney Estate is a family-run estate located just outside Dunkeld. Over recent years, it has evolved from a renowned traditional sporting and farming estate into a diverse rural business centred around sustainability, conservation and community engagement. Alongside operating a traditional working farm, it is home to three positively managed SSSI areas and has undertaken extensive woodland and biodiversity projects to help protect and enhance the natural environment. Cardney Estate is also home to Cardney Steading, a multi award-winning wedding and events venue that has successfully transformed historic farm buildings into a thriving destination supporting tourism and the local rural economy.
What makes your nominee stand out?
Cardney Estate stands out because of its commitment to long-term sustainability, rural diversification and community impact. The estate has evolved from a traditional sporting estate into a thriving, multi-faceted rural business that balances heritage with innovation. Historic farm buildings have been thoughtfully restored and transformed into a successful wedding and events venue, creating a unique destination that attracts visitors from across Scotland and beyond while preserving the character of the estate. What truly sets Cardney apart is the way every aspect of the estate works together to secure its future for generations to come. Alongside hosting weddings and events, and traditional farming, the estate has embraced responsible deer management, native woodland restoration and large-scale tree planting projects designed to enhance biodiversity and improve the natural landscape. Extensive work has also gone into managing ancient oak and birch woodlands, planting and rewilding forestry and creating sustainable sources of timber and firewood. The estate’s impact extends far beyond its own boundaries. By employing local tradespeople, supporting nearby accommodation providers and collaborating with local suppliers and businesses, Cardney contributes significantly to the rural economy. Its owners have shown exceptional dedication, personally leading many of the estate improvements while continually investing in new opportunities that celebrate and protect the Perthshire countryside.
Supporting the local community
Cardney Estate plays an active and meaningful role in supporting the local community, providing employment and facilities that benefit residents and visitors. The estate hosts Dunkeld and Birnam Angling Club, Land Rover Experience Scotland, Birken Tree (birch water tapping) and has welcomed the Army Air Corps, 7 SCOTS and Scottish Mountain Rescue for training exercises, demonstrating the estate’s versatility and willingness to support organisations that contribute to the wider community and public services. The estate has made a significant contribution to the local economy through the creation of jobs across a wide range of sectors: hospitality, events, gamekeeping, groundskeeping, agriculture, forestry, building and groundworks. By continually investing in the estate and its businesses, Cardney supports local tradespeople, suppliers and contractors, helping sustain employment in an area where opportunities can often be limited. In addition, the estate provides residential, commercial and holiday lets, supporting both local housing needs and tourism in Highland Perthshire. Cardney Steading has become an important hub for rural events and community gatherings. It has hosted events for Scottish Land & Estates, the Scottish Gamekeepers Association AGM and Young Farmers, bringing people together to share knowledge, celebrate rural life and support the next generation working within the countryside sector. The venue has also welcomed Dougie MacLean’s Shades of Amber Festival, attracting visitors from across the world and helping place Dunkeld firmly on the map for international music and cultural tourism. Through these activities, Cardney Estate continues to make a lasting and positive contribution to the local community.
Maintaining high ethical/environmental standards
Cardney Estate is committed to maintaining high ethical and environmental standards, ensuring that sustainability and responsible land management are embedded throughout the estate and wedding venue operations. A key focus has been woodland restoration across the estate, helping to preserve and enhance the natural landscape for future generations while supporting biodiversity and wildlife habitats. Sustainably sourced venison from the estate can be featured within wedding menus with this “hill to grill” approach significantly reducing food miles while allowing guests to enjoy high-quality, locally sourced produce that supports ethical land management practices. Cardney also works in partnership with Scottish Invasive Species Initiative and NatureScot to improve and restore the land by identifying, managing and controlling invasive non-native species. The Steading itself showcases the estate’s commitment to repurposing and sustainability. Many of the venue’s features have been handcrafted using timber sourced directly from the estate, including bespoke tables and bar tops. Alongside this, a wide range of historic agricultural items have been creatively restored and repurposed throughout the venue, preserving the estate’s heritage while reducing waste. Examples include light fittings created from traditional grain thrashers, a restored grain bruiser transformed into a sweetie machine, and old trailer components reinvented as a unique mobile bar. By combining environmental responsibility with heritage preservation, Cardney Steading has created a venue that not only delivers memorable experiences for guests, but also demonstrates how rural estates can operate sustainably, celebrate local resources and give new life to traditional materials and practices.
