Business Directory

The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these. The Institute is an internationally networked organisation and operates from multiple sites, including two main ones in Scotland at Aberdeen and Dundee. It employs more than 500 scientists and support staff, making it one of the biggest research centres in the UK and the first of its type in Europe. The Institute is one of the Scottish Government’s main research providers in environmental, crop and food science and has a major role in the Scottish knowledge economy. The Institute brought together the former Macaulay Land Use Research Institute and the Scottish Crop Research Institute on 1 April 2011.

The MacRobert Trust is the proud keeper of an historic legacy left by their founder and benefactor Lady Rachel MacRobert that is focussed on her interests, those of her husband, Sir Alexander and in memory of the tragic loss of their 3 sons, the youngest losing their lives within 5 weeks of each other during WW2, serving as pilots in the Royal Air Force. The Trust is centred on an Aberdeenshire estate that not only has farms and forestry but commercial and residential property as well as a 4 Star Country House Hotel – Douneside House, Lady MacRobert’s former home and gardens; the Trust’s profits each year are granted to charities across the UK reflecting those family interests in the military, education, Science and engineering, agriculture & horticulture and youth, as well as the estate’s local area and community. So many estates strive to be exemplary and live up to the SLE’s Landowner’s charter and the MacRobert Trust endeavours to be amongst that leading group and that is why it is proud to sponsor the HiH awards in general and, noting the fundamental importance of local community relationships, the particular “working with communities” award.

The RVIVAL Collective is a Scotland-based collective of exceptional people and remarkable places creating deeply considered experiences for influential individuals, private clients and leading brands. We believe that the people with the greatest ability to shape the future of our landscapes— through investment, influence, philanthropy and storytelling—rarely have the opportunity to truly understand them. At the same time, the people who hold generations of knowledge about our wild places, rural traditions and land stewardship open don't have the platform their expertise deserves. RVIVAL exists to bridge that gap. We create meaningful encounters between these two worlds, connecting influential audiences with the custodians of Britain's landscapes. By amplifying the voices, skills and stories of estates, gamekeepers, ghillies, ecologists, chefs, craftspeople and rural communities, we inspire a deeper understanding of why these places matter—and why they're worth protecting. We believe that when people understand the land, they're more likely to champion it, invest in it and advocate for its future. That creates a las ng ripple effect far beyond any single experience. A core part of this mission is partnering with estates and landowners across Scotland to create carefully managed, knowledge-led experiences rooted in traditional skills, land stewardship and rural heritage. We work alongside estate teams to develop authentic, low impact opportunities that generate sustainable revenue while protecting the character, rhythms and integrity of the land. We're looking to connect with estates, farms and rural businesses who believe their landscape has a story to share and are interested in thoughtful diversification without compromising what makes their place unique. Scottish Land & Estates members are invited to a complimentary Estate Experience & Diversification on call, exploring how existing knowledge, heritage and estate assets could become carefully curated experiences that generate income, build awareness and create long-term value for both the estate and the wider landscape.

Provides sound, scientific information upon which freshwater fisheries management is based in the River Tweed System. Provides a range of biological and environmental consultancy services for both the private and public sectors in the Tweed District by a highly trained and experienced team of biologists. Services include: Full biological surveys; Environmental Impact Assessment surveys & monitoring; Scale reading; Catch data analysis; Fisheries Management planning advice; Fish rescues; Data storage & mapping advice; Bespoke data collection for specific tasks.

At The Wee House Company we combine cutting-edge modular build with classic design principles to create homes with character and charm. Homes are constructed in our Ayrshire factory before being delivered to and completed on your plot of land. Our Wee Houses are ideal for building in even the most remote rural locations and can be completed in just 8 weeks! We strive to make the custom-build process a stress-free and enjoyable experience for our customers. Our team will take care of all aspects of your build project- from statutory consents to construction and ground works – translating your vision into reality. Our classic range is inclusive of Studio, One, Two and Three Bedroom Wee Houses with each of these options highly customisable. Or if you prefer, a unique design can be created just for you. We have recently completed our largest Wee House to date, a four bedroom bespoke property measuring in at 2,314 sq ft!

As award-winning Scottish architects working mostly in rural and semi-rural settings, including the Highlands and Islands and National Parks, we specialise in designing and restoring buildings to stand the test of time. These range from innovative commercial projects including farm redevelopments and holiday properties to conservation work such as enhancing listed buildings on historic estates, as well as traditional and contemporary residential homes. Our core mission has always been to create sustainable, exceptional, effective buildings that enhance the lives of our clients.

Thomson Gray is a multi-disciplinary surveying and project management consultancy delivering practical property, construction and infrastructure solutions across Scotland. We are keen to connect with estate owners, land managers, rural businesses and professional advisers who are responsible for maintaining, improving and developing rural property portfolios. Our strengths in project management, quantity surveying, building surveying, health and safety, contract administration, sustainability and construction quality management align closely with the needs of Scottish Land & Estates members. Our expertise spans heritage, residential, infrastructure, hospitality, healthcare and public-sector projects and translates well into the rural estate market, where members often manage diverse assets including castles, country houses, cottages, farm buildings, estate infrastructure, bridges and other traditional or period properties. As specialist surveyors, we provide condition surveys, planned maintenance programmes, dilapidations advice, repairs, alterations, refurbishment and conservation projects, listed building consent support, procurement and full project delivery services. We help clients safeguard their assets, manage risk, control costs and prioritise investment, providing practical "building healthcare" from routine inspections through to complex restoration and development projects. Through our Scottish Land & Estates membership, we would be pleased to offer members an initial no-obligation consultation to discuss property challenges, planned works or estate development opportunities.

We provide a personal project and site management service for residential and commercial clients, with the sole aim of achieving the best end product and value for money for our client, whilst making the process as stress-free as possible. We have created a delivery route which is a client-focused project management service that replaces the Main Contractor model. Our service provides clients with the opportunity for us to deliver the works on their behalf, with full cost transparency and on an At-Cost basis. We can provide our services for the full project or just to a certain stage, depending on your requirements. I'd be delighted to discuss any potential projects if this is of interest.

Our experienced Land and Rural Business team have between them over 250 years of experience in delivering bespoke legal advice to a wide variety of clients. Whether you are a farmer or landowner or you run a business in the rural sector, we can provide solutions to overcome whatever you are faced with. We can guide you through the traditional areas relating to the rural sector whilst also having detailed knowledge of newer developments like diversification and renewables. We have an in-depth knowledge of all the issues affecting the rural sector so that we can make sure you are always one step ahead.