Lying between the Montrose Basin and Brechin adjoining the river Southesk the Estate covers some 7,000 acres of low lying land. This is a combination of good arable land, forestry and permanent pasture, which has been under the stewardship of the Carnegie family since 1400.
The stability of ownership has allowed wildlife to flourish. A close relationship between the Farms, Forestry, Game and Fishing departments ensures that the habitat is managed proactively. There are many exceptional wild habitats with a variety of flora and fauna which have been preserved over generations. The land includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest on Rossie Moor, an unspoiled lowland moorland that sits on the hill overlooking Montrose. The Southesk River is also a Special Area of Conservation for its salmon and fresh water pearls. The estate also actively participates in the red squirrel project and you are likely to get a glimpse of these along with woodpeckers, kingfishers, ospreys, owls and many other bird species.
In addition, the Park has paths laid out for pleasure walks and is home to herds of red and fallow deer, whilst roe deer roam everywhere. Guests have miles to explore, finding follies and grand views on the way to the river or the estate lake, created in the mid 19th century and overlooked by a remarkable Victorian “cottage”. Here the family parties gathered for tea on a summer’s day. The wider estate has many quite roads that are perfect for walks and cycles.
For anyone interested in renewable energy, the estate biomass boiler is worth a look and all the castle heating and hot water is powered by this. A 100kw hydro-electric scheme was also built in 2016 and is in operation on the river Southesk, offering power to the national grid. We have also established a geo thermal heating system for the berry tunnels and added solar panels to all the home farm buildings.