SEBG News Archive
Progressive Scottish estate wins investor in people status
10th November 2004One of Scotland’s most progressive land-based businesses, Atholl Estates at Blair Atholl, Perthshire, has been awarded IiP status by Investors in People Scotland.
The estate, which employs 87 full time and 40 seasonal staff, is run as a modern business operating a diverse range of services including farming, forestry, let properties and field sports. It is also involved in a marketing co-operative of local producers which launched the Atholl Glens range of top quality organic beef and lamb earlier this year.
Housing and commercial developments on the estate are encouraged, along with a number of tourist activities, which account for over 50 per cent of the Estate’s turnover. Blair Castle was one of Britain’s first stately homes to open its doors to the public in 1936, followed by the opening of the adjoining Caravan Park in 1971. Both venues are now graded 5 star visitor attractions by VisitScotland. The international 3 day horse trial event hosted by the estate at Blair Castle each August was promoted last year by British Eventing to CCI*** (the highest grade of international cross country event below Olympic standard), one of only three in the UK and the only one of its kind in Scotland.
The business takes pride in its inclusive approach to staff and their skills development. General Manager Andrew Bruce Wootton explained today:
“As a progressive business, we strive to apply the very best principles to all of our commercial activities, from land management to rural housing to quality food production and field sports. In promoting Scotland’s natural and built heritage, we well recognise the vital role played by our staff in achieving the highest standards we aim to deliver for our customers and visitors.
“Our staff are the lifeblood of this estate. So in the best traditions of a progressive business, we are committed to supporting their personal development. We aim to help provide them with the necessary skills and knowledge not only to meet the needs of our visitors and commercial operations, but also for their own personal requirements and objectives.
“We’re delighted to have been awarded Investors in People status – it underlines the ongoing commitment we share with our team here on Atholl Estates.”
