News

Glenlivet Scoops European Award For Excellence

5 Aug 2008

Glenlivet Estate has received a special award for excellence from the European Landowners’ Organisation in recognition of their holistic approach to land management. The Estate attracts around 80,000 visitors per year and plays a key role in boosting local tourism.

The Estate – owned and managed by The Crown Estate - recently secured the prestigious gold award in the Green Business Tourism Scheme for the second time and was runner up in the 2007 VisitScotland Thistle Awards in the sustainable tourism category.

Glenlivet is a prime example of The Crown Estate’s work for long term sustainability in rural Scotland. Much of the work focuses on encouraging local residents and visitors to access and explore the wonderful Moray countryside and providing educational services for schools and visiting groups. The estate provides over 100 miles of waymarked trails which are widely promoted for walking, horse-riding and mountain-biking.

Andy Wells, Countryside and Forestry Services Manager for The Crown Estate, said:

“The Crown Estate is proud to have received such a prestigious award, which recognises the extensive range of economic, community and environmental projects undertaken over the last few decades. Glenlivet offers visitors excellent access facilities and a wide range of historical places of interest, within some spectacular scenery.

“We are eager to do all we can to attract tourists and help people understand and enjoy this working landscape, while ensuring that the special Glenlivet countryside supports the local economy and is protected for generations to come.

“The staff based here are committed to building on Glenlivet’s success, and The Crown Estate is extremely grateful to the local community for their ongoing support. These awards would not be possible without the backing of the many partners we work with including local residents, Moray Council, the Cairngorms National Park Authority and other organisations such as VisitScotland.”

Ends

For further information please contact:

Esther Black, Pagoda PR on 0131 556 0770 or via email

Notes to Editors
• The Crown Estate’s Glenlivet estate covers 23,000 hectares (90 square miles) between ‘The Ladder’ and the Cromdale Hills in the Cairngorms National Park. The estate holds some of the finest scenery and landscapes of the Grampian Highlands and its rolling hills, forests, farms, rivers and moorlands provide excellent opportunities for outdoor pursuits and rest and relaxation.
• The Crown Estate acquired the Glenlivet estate in 1937. Around 23,000 ha (58,000 ac) in size, it comprises over 30 let farms, 3,500 ha (8,500 ac) of commercial forests and a sporting tenancy including grouse moors, salmon fishing and deer stalking. Within Glenlivet, The Crown Estate has encouraged sustainable economic development, backed up by significant re-investment, a policy that has won the estate several major awards. Facilities and services for visitors are continually being developed and it is the policy of The Crown Estate to encourage new enterprises and activities, which are in keeping with the area’s traditional land uses.
• The Glenlivet Estate has just had its gold award under the Green Tourism and Business Award Scheme reconfirmed for continuing to demonstrate excellence in environmental practice and promoting sustainable tourism.
For more information see http://www.glenlivetestate.co.uk/