Welcome to Invercauld Estate
Invercauld Estate has been under the stewardship of the Farquharson family since the early 1500’s, and covers approximately 95,000 acres of the Cairngorms National Park.
From the crags of Ben Avon in the north, to Braemar on the Clunie Water to the west, then east to Crathie and Ballater and south to Glenshee, Invercauld Estate boasts some of the most iconic and spectacular scenery the Cairngorms National Park has to offer. The Estate covers five very different types of terrain from montane and moorland through woodland to the valley floor and the riparian area along the Estate's four main rivers.
Our interests and activities are as varied as those landscapes. From natural habitats for rare wild animals and birds to idyllic Highland villages with a rich cultural life, we work to preserve our heritage and promote sustainable living within the Estate. Investment is made in both the natural and the human world as we strive to maintain a healthy balance between the two.
Location / About Us / Our History / Who We Are / Sounds of Invercauld
Environment and People
The management of Invercauld Estate is founded on the delivery of sustainability in three areas - the local economy, the environment and the community.
Our focus is on supporting a thriving local environment, economy and community, each element of this ‘sustainability triangle’ supporting the other. Over 70 people are employed on or by the Estate, the vast majority on the ground looking after the land and its people.
As well as running various businesses ourselves, we lease land and property to farmers and other business owners as well as several buildings to groups from the wider community. We also provide homes to local workers.
In our various business activities, the environment provides for us but is also conserved by us. Natural woodland regenerates. Blanket bog with areas of deep peat and moss are protected. Pristine heather moorland, wild grassland and montane are managed to ensure their survival and to maintain natural habitats for thriving populations of mountain hare, eagles, golden plover, curlew, ptarmigan and black grouse among many others. We also work in partnership with various groups and organisations to help meet mutual environmental objectives.
With 50% of the Estate designated as SSSI, SAC and/or SPA, we take our responsibility to the environment seriously and work to facilitate responsible public access within this wider context. This is vital for delivery of the local and national public good.
A Working Landscape
The land works for us while we work to conserve its natural beauty for future generations.
A proportion of the Estate’s woodland is managed for timber, one of nature’s most useful products. We run an in-hand farming enterprise as well, with a flock of principally blackface sheep. In addition, we provide seasonal grazings for a number of farmers and lease out 18 farms on long-term tenancies.
Invercauld covers a variety of landscapes and we believe we have a duty to take responsibility for its conservation. This is inherent in the various businesses on the Estate such as the management of moorland for grouse shooting. Specific projects are also undertaken to help nature beyond the benefits of these commercial activities. For example, trees are planted at riversides to help create healthy environments for fish populations and we also repair eroded peatland to preserve the carbon within. These, and many other activities, are essential to maintain and conserve our native flora and fauna as well as providing jobs locally.
Spanning around 95,000 acres of pristine highland landscape, Invercauld is a stunning location for photography and film. Mountains, hills, lochs, traditional villages, cottages and working farms all change with the seasons to provide stunning scenery for any narrative, be it a work of fiction or nature.
Forestry / Farming / Conservation and Natural Capital / Film and Television
Lettings and Sales
From houses to shops, a pub and large farms, we offer a range of residential and commercial properties for local businesses.
If you are starting a business and need premises, we want to support your venture if we can because our priorities lie in keeping our local economy healthy. We also provide accommodation for around 140 people in residential properties and have accommodation available to let from time to time.
If you want to embrace the adventure of Scottish culture at its most authentic by taking up residence in the Cairngorms National Park or setting up a business here, we would be interested to hear from you to see if we can help.
Sport and Leisure
Sporting activities at Invercauld Estate
Country sports are a feature of highland life from shooting red grouse and stalking red deer to fishing for salmon and sea trout on the River Dee. We have four shooting and stalking beats across the Estate with various levels of physical challenge according to the terrain. All days are led by experienced gamekeepers and stalkers. There are first class fishing opportunities on the river where you will be accompanied by a fishing ghillie to apprise you of their knowledge of the river and the fish within. We operate a catch-and-return policy.
If getting out in the great outdoors on foot or bicycle is your preferred way to see the world, there are a plethora of opportunities at Invercauld. Extreme sport enthusiasts can walk or cycle up mountain trails, or climb to the peak of one of the 11 Munros on the Estate. Hikers can take part in led walks around the Estate or go it alone with a map on one of many tracks, taking time to absorb the view and the wildlife. Wherever you go, expect incredible highland landscapes but always plan well and stay within your capabilities.
For skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, the Glenshee Ski Centre’s 25 miles of pistes reach over three valleys and four Munros and incorporates nursery slopes, 26 blue and red runs, and a further two black runs for the most experienced. This is an incredible way to discover the highlands, whatever your level of ability.
How do you want to experience the Highlands? There’s something for everyone at Invercauld…
Country Sports / Walking and Cycling / Winter Sports / Fishing / Golf / Braemar Caravan Park / Charitable Events
Braemar, Ballater and Beyond
Traditional communities are hives of knowledge
Braemar and Ballater are both shining examples of highland life with a distinctive traditional architecture. From castles and traditional shops selling local crafts to modern restaurants embracing new ideas, community life is rich. We are committed to supporting both villages through leases for community groups and business enterprises, buying produce made in the area and staffing the Estate where we can from the local population.
Wherever you go at Invercauld, highland life is evident. With imposing mountains overseeing community activity, it is no surprise that they influence our take on things.
News and Events
You can also keep up with the latest news and events from Invercauld Estate on our Facebook page
A Helping Hand for Salmon
October 23, 2024Salmon are at risk from overheating in our rivers. A new short video produced by Invercauld Estate shows some of the actions being carried out to address this.
Get a Grip!
October 8, 2024A large number of hill ditches, or grips, have been blocked at Culardoch 5 miles north-east of Braemar as part of the latest peatland restoration project to take place on Invercauld.
Walk this Way!
September 16, 2024New waymarker posts have been installed on our Craig Leek walking route near Braemar.
Invertebrate Success
May 24, 2024A report published by the River Dee Trust indicates excellent water quality for invertebrates on three key rivers flowing through Invercauld Estate.
Willie’s Wanderings
May 9, 2024Willie, a wildcat bred under a project led by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, last year undertook an amazing journey from near Aviemore where he was released to Invercauld Estate.
The Art of Dyking
April 20, 2024Steve Denham of Scottish Stoneworks, drystone walling specialists based near Alford in Aberdeenshire, has recently been providing a dyke building training course on part of Invercauld Estate near the new Gairnshiel Bridge.
Landward at Invercauld Estate
November 4, 2023BBC Scotland’s Landward programme tells the story of ‘woody debris’ being installed into parts of the River Clunie on Invercauld Estate as part of a project to improve riparian habitats.
Lion’s Face Workshop Units
August 15, 2023Five new workshop units at the former Lion’s Face Quarry near Braemar will soon be ready for occupation.
Car Parking Now Chip and Pin Enabled!
July 28, 2023A new payment machine has recently been installed at the Keiloch Car Park.
George Duff Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot
June 14, 2023We were delighted to welcome the inaugural George Duff Charity Clay Pigeon Shoot to the Estate on Sunday 11 June 2023.
Coronation Bonfire!
May 1, 2023A bonfire is to be lit at 8pm on Friday 5 May 2023 on the edge of Braemar to celebrate the Coronation.
New Ballater Walks Signage in Station Square
March 5, 2023New signs explaining walks in and around Ballater have been unveiled in the village’s Station Square.