The Estate
INTRODUCTION
By Tommy Traylen Jnr
In June 2025, I discovered what, twenty years earlier, Mark Gibson OBE had stumbled upon — the 3,000-acre Craigengillan Estate: a forgotten fold of British history, hidden between East Ayrshire’s rugged hilltops and screened behind years of neglect. The neighbouring village of Dalmellington, once a thriving coal-mining community, was left searching for new purpose after the mines closed a generation ago. Its life and that of Craigengillan are deeply and inseparably intertwined.
Today, after two decades of tireless restoration and care, Craigengillan has been transformed into an award-winning estate. Its vast landscape of native woodland, pasture, wetlands, heaths, and lochs is once again alive. Here, centuries-old stewardship meets modern innovation — an organic sheep farm, renowned riding stables, charming holiday cottages, and sustainable forestry all form part of a living, breathing ecosystem that respects its past while embracing the future.
As I look to the next chapter, my vision for Craigengillan is to honour this legacy while propelling the estate into a new era of innovation and sustainability. I am committed to bringing cutting-edge technology and forward-looking investment to strengthen the estate’s environmental resilience, create meaningful opportunities for the local community, and establish Craigengillan as a beacon of rural innovation.
With a deep respect for the estate’s history and natural beauty, my goal is to fuse tradition with progress — to preserve what makes Craigengillan special while using technology to enhance conservation, education, and connection. Together with those who share this passion, I hope to build upon the foundations laid before me, ensuring that Craigengillan continues to inspire, educate, and thrive for generations to come — a living legacy of nature, history, and human ingenuity.
Our Philosophy
At Craigengillan, our vision is rooted in stewardship — caring for the land, its heritage, and its future. Every aspect of the estate’s restoration and management reflects a deep respect for nature, history, and community.
Restoring Heritage: We are dedicated to the restoration and preservation of Craigengillan’s historic buildings and its beautifully designed landscape.
Sustaining the Future: Our goal is to ensure the long-term vitality of the estate while supporting the wellbeing of the wider community.
Animal Welfare: We uphold the highest standards of care and welfare for all our farmed animals.
Conserving Nature: We actively conserve and enhance natural habitats, protecting and nurturing the rich diversity of wild flora and fauna that thrive here.
Responsible Tourism: We welcome visitors to experience Craigengillan’s beauty and heritage in ways that respect and sustain the landscape — offering authentic, educational, and inspiring experiences that connect people with nature and place.
Inspiring Regeneration: We aim to act as a catalyst for the economic and environmental renewal of the Doon Valley and beyond.
Our ambition is to make Craigengillan a living model of environmental excellence — a place where people, nature, and heritage coexist in harmony, at the heart of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Dark Sky Park.
Our History
Craigengillan was first established as an estate in with a crown charter in 1611 and remained a seat of the McAdam Family and their descendants for almost 400 years. Craigengillan is a rare example of a complete and unfragmented estate. It includes a Category A listed mansion house and stable court, as well as formal policies and a celebrated Pulham rock and water garden.
In 1757 John McAdam, the great engineer and innovator, took over the estate. He and his cousin, John Loudon McAdam, invented tarmac and became road and bridge builders.
John McAdam was a popular figure in the local community, providing employment and doing much good. A sponsor of the arts, he subscribed to the works of Robert Burns and invited him to stay at Craigengillan in 1786.Burns wrote a poem to McAdam, thanking him for his support.
The McAdams were enthusiastic horse breeders and sportsmen. By 1800, the Category A listed stable block was built. During the Boer War, the estate shipped 40 horses to South Africa, which were employed in the Relief of Mafeking.
In 1905, Jansen of Paris were contracted to remodel and redecorate much of the house interior. Jansen interiors can also be found in Buckingham Palace and the White House.
Notable Visitors
Kaiser Wilhelm II
Prince Rainer III of Monaco
Somerset Maugham
Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin
King Gustav of Sweden
Lord Halifax former Viceroy of India
Lord Redesdale, father of the Mitford sisters
The above list are just some of the guests who have stayed at Craigengillan in the last century.
“I AM NOT SURE I HAVE EVER SEEN A BETTER SPECIMEN OF OUR SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS – I WISH I HAD CRAIGENGILLAN!” – Lord Cockburn 1844
Today, Craigengillan welcomes visitors from all walks of life. Over 100,000 visitors now enjoy the unique beauty of this very special place each year.
“AN AGREEABLE PLACE… THE FIELDS BEING BROUGHT TO A GOOD VERDURE AND THE RISING GROUND PLANTED. WE WERE ENTERTAINED WITH A HEARTY WELCOME” – James Boswell 1762
Restoration
A NEW CHAPTER FOR CRAIGENGILLAN
It’s an incredible honour to carry forward the legacy of Craigengillan — a place that captures the heart the moment you set foot on it. When Mark Gibson first found the estate at the turn of the century, it was in a state of decline: roofs leaking, dry rot spreading, fences down, bridges closed off, and the stable clock silent. Through his dedication and vision, Craigengillan was brought back to life — steady, calm, forever.
Now, as I take on the responsibility of caring for this remarkable estate, my goal is to build on that legacy — protecting what has been restored, enhancing what can be improved, and ensuring Craigengillan continues to thrive for generations to come.
THE MANSION HOUSE
The mansion stands today as a testament to years of thoughtful restoration. The roof has been re-slated and re-leaded, dormer windows and chimneys rebuilt, the woodwork lovingly sanded and oiled, and the interiors designed by Jansen carefully brought back to their former beauty. A modern biomass heating system has been installed, incorporating the original German radiators — a perfect balance between heritage and sustainability.
To walk through Craigengillan is to feel part of something truly magical — a living story of history, nature, and renewal.
THE COTTAGES
When Mark Gibson OBE first began his stewardship of Craigengillan, the two cottages near the Glessel Burn were little more than ruins. Stone by stone, he rebuilt them, preserving their historic character and charm. Using original stone wherever possible, and even thatching one roof with traditional water reed, these cottages now stand as beautiful examples of Dalmellington’s heritage brought into the present day.
As the new custodian, I’m committed to continuing this same respect for the land, the buildings, and the spirit of Craigengillan. This estate isn’t just a place — it’s a legacy, a community, and a way of life. And for me, it’s the privilege of a lifetime to help guide it into its next chapter.
— Tommy Traylen Jnr, Owner of Craigengillan
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