HE may have inherited a sprawling 600-acre estate complete with 13th century castle and a picturesque lochan, but all that is lofty about Simon Houison is his ambition to attract more visitors to his magnificent grounds in East Ayrshire.
Although his family have often been described as ‘the thread that runs through the tartan’ of Scottish history, the 29th Laird of Craufurdland is affiably down to earth – casually turning any crude stereotypes concerning the country’s gentry on their head.
Employed by the limited company that runs Craufurdland, Simon and wife Adity also defy the commonly-held belief that family-owned rural estates do not make substantial contributions to the wider community.
Employing an abundance of local people, Craufurdland’s myriad business ventures cover self-catering accommodation, a fishery, an acclaimed café and restaurant, mountain-biking and an adventure playground – with the appeal of such outdoor bonding experiences recently attracting my own family to the picturesque location.
First, however, we indulged ourselves at the estate’s award-winning Laird’s Table Restaurant, where only the freshest quality local produce is used to deliver a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. Patrons will marvel at the impressive architecture (and bespoke tables which are embedded with historical treasures) while taking in stunning views over the lochin.
Head chef Paul Cuthbert’s menu reflects the best of the season’s produce, and our meals were presented with originality and flair while still infused with local tradition.
My Laird’s Wellington starter was a stand-out, consisting of succulent Ayrshire pork sausage, black pudding and garden herbs wrapped in crisp, golden puff pastry. A sausage roll in all but name, of course, but one that you’ll never experience at Greggs.
A welcoming environment for families, the restaurant’s impressively varied children’s menu offers nutritional yet tasty food that young ones will love, with my rather picky daughter Robyn giving a big thumbs up to the generous portion of macaroni cheese.
Simon is particularly proud that the restaurant recently won the Consumer Award at the prestigious Scottish Business Awards. “We were over the moon,” he said. “We can’t thank our customers enough for voting. It was wonderful to get direct support for the efforts of our team from the people they serve.”
So it was with full bellies and satisfied smiles that we ventured outside to partake in the ‘Treetops Trails’, hailed as the best high wire experience in the country.
Although, if you prefer keeping your feet on terra firma, there is also archery and fishing on offer – as well as group and team building activities such as mud runs, orienteering and bushcraft.
The hands-on Laird of Craufurdland Simon Houison and wife Adity
Treetop Trials is the newest experience at Craufurdland, offering thrilling courses for children as young as five and also more advanced circuits that take between 30 minutes to three hours to complete – all dependant on agility and your head for heights.
Taking an admirably hands-on approach to managing the outdoor experiences at Craufurdland, Simon scrambled up to scoop my daughter and her friend down to safety when the intermediate course proved a little too intimidating – but their confidence soared after completing the less challenging but still exhilarating children’s circuit, which boasts mini-ziplines and precarious wobbly bridges.
Certainly, we were left in no doubt that families and solo adventurers alike will leave Craufurdland estate on a high.
This article was brought to you in partnership with East Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Leisure
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