The Estate
Covering 7,200 acres of farm and woodland, the MacRobert Trust estate is located in the region of Cromar, 30 miles west of Aberdeen on Royal Deeside, at the eastern edge of the spectacular Cairngorms National Park. It is centered on the village of Tarland in an area popular with tourists and walkers who are welcome to explore the estate on foot via a network of circular footpaths.
Within the estate, The MacRobert Trust undertakes a wide range of commercial and charitable activity.
The MacRobert Trust owns and leases a diverse range of residential and commercial property. In addition, the estate is home to over 5,000 acres of farmland divided into nine main farm holdings, which are leased to farm tenants. Douneside House and Health Club, an award-winning hotel and gardens, is based at the heart of the MacRobert Estate and is owned and operated by The MacRobert Trust.
We care about the environment and its ecology and have supported projects which embrace renewable energy technologies for our properties, large and small. We work closely with the Cromar Community Council and the community of Tarland to promote all the activities of the village, particularly those undertaken by the Tarland Development Group, the Tarland Welfare Trust and the Horticultural Society.
Any financial surplus earned by the estate is gifted to charities, via The MacRobert Trust’s grant awards.
Community Projects
The MacRobert Trust works closely with the local community to support projects which benefit the Tarland area and the people who live-in, work-in or visit the area. The Trust provides support in variety of ways: by providing monetary funding for specific projects, by gifting or leasing land for community use, or by providing resources for the community to use.
With a strong emphasis on supporting projects which align closely with the Trust’s values, the Trust has supported a wide range of initiatives in Tarland and the local area in recent years. The MacRobert Trust is dedicated to creating lasting change, fostering sustainability and a positive future for the local rural community.
Douneside House and Gardens
Originally the home of the MacRobert family, Douneside House is now owned and run by The MacRobert Trust as a country house hotel. Douneside House is set within 17 acres of beautifully tended gardens with panoramic views of the Howe O’ Cromar and surrounded by the spectacular setting of Royal Deeside. A popular destination for leisure breaks, Douneside House was the winner of Visit Scotland’s Thistle Award for “Best Hotel Experience” in 2022. The on-site health club is available for hotel guests, as well as offering local residents access to gym and fitness activities.
It is also the home of the Douneside Military Club, which offers significant discounts to serving and retired members of the armed forces throughout the year.
Commercial Property
The estate includes a diverse selection of commercial properties, which are let and run as various types of businesses, including a care home, cafe and workshops. These premises, which are located across the estate, offer an opportunity for local businesses to contribute to the rural community, via employment and local trade.
Residential Property
The estate features 60 houses, including farmhouses, staff residences, and let properties. In line with our concern about the Trust’s impact on climate from all its operations we aim to improve insulation and explore renewable energy options for residential properties, where possible, to reduce energy consumption and improve comfort.
Farms & Forestry
Using the waymarked footpaths you can explore The MacRobert Trust farming estate, spanning over 5,000 acres of farmland and featuring nine main farm holdings. We aim to ensure that the farm holdings are able to operate successful businesses, in some cases supporting two generations of the same families, whilst also addressing environmental issues; with the Trust playing its part in providing modern farm infrastructure where required. Additionally, learn about our 1,800 acres of commercial forestry, guided by a long-term woodland plan focused on timber flow, financial growth, and environmental enhancement.
Environment, Ecology and Access
Learn about our approach to environmental conservation, emphasising enhanced water quality through riparian zone fencing, and fostering collaborations with farm tenants and local and national institutes to bring about positive change. Explore our bird hide overlooking a serene wetland area, our encouragement of farm tenants’ eco-friendly endeavours, and our partnerships with local organisations in developing and encouraging access to walks and trails, designed to showcase the area’s natural beauty. Hear about the work being done to address the greenhouse gas emissions on the estate and the renewable energy technology the estate employs.