Perth & Kinross LEADER celebrate project launches

James Rose

Two applicants for LEADER funding have held opening events over the past two weeks. Strathgarry Chalets were officially opened by John Swinney MSP on the 6th of June and Scottish singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean OBE attended Cardney Steadings Launch event last Friday.

Strathgarry Chalets Opening Event – Friday 7th June

A. Scrimgeour and Son were awarded £30,000 from Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER Programme in November 2016. Based in Highland Perthshire, the farm used LEADER funding to diversify, hoping to make the farm more sustainable in the future through the construction of 4 log cabins which would be available as tourist accommodation. John Swinney MSP officially opened the three completed chalets on 7th June 2019 after three years of hard work by the applicants. They are situated perfectly for those wanting to explore the area on foot or by bike. Footpath and cycle route creation have been incorporated into the project to link with existing hill routes providing visitors access to the surrounding countryside.

Cardney Events Venue Opening Event – Friday 14th June

Cardney Estate is run by husband and wife team Lewis and Katriona Cameron. Lewis and Katriona have been involved in the running of the estate for the past five years and have been running it in their own right for the past three years. The estate was originally run mainly as a mixed sporting and farming business. In 2018 in order to make the business more sustainable they decided to diversify and create a unique events venue by converting one of the traditional farm steadings. 

Cardney were awarded £50,000 from Rural Perth & Kinross LEADER to go towards the project. The completed venue is perfect for those wanting to host a bespoke event in a beautiful rustic setting where every detail has been thought of, from the stunning bar area which can be accessed from inside or outside depending on the weather, to the tiny fairy lights giving the venue a magical feel. The events venue was officially opened on 14th of June by Dougie MacLean.