One of the most important services Atholl Estates offers to the public is the provision of a range of properties, which are used for accommodation, business or recreation.

Housing
We are the largest provider of rented housing in Highland Perthshire. 284 houses are leased to private families, estate staff and to let farm staff. Our portfolio of homes vary from single bedroom cottages to substantial country houses.

Although tenants are obliged to look after these properties and undertake minor repairs, it is our responsibility to maintain and upgrade them when necessary.

Most of the housing stock was built during the 19th century which gives them great character but also makes them expensive to repair. The rapid development of building materials such as insulation, double glazing and heating coupled with the spiralling cost of skilled labour makes balancing investment in improvements against our limited rental quite challenging.

All cottages are managed and let from the Estate Office where a waiting list is kept for new applicants. Preference is given to those who are locally employed and we aim to maintain rents at levels that are affordable to those who are part of the local economy.

Let Farms
Of the 65,000 acres of land which is actively farmed on Atholl, 26,000 acres are leased to 17 independent farming families.

Because the land north of Dunkeld is quite high and the soils are thin, the let farms have traditionally produced youngstock ( calves and lambs ) which are then sold to finishing units on lower ground. However, due to changes in EU subsidy support and a significant conversion to organic farming on the Atholl holdings, more are now aiming to finish their stock and sell directly to the customer.

Although the farming tenant is responsible for all repairs and daily upkeep of the farm, the Estate is responsible for renewing buildings, fences and drains which wear out. We also meet periodically with the farmers to discuss their long term business plans and the extent to which we can be involved.

Availability of let farms is very important to agriculture as they provide opportunities to young farmers entering the industry who cannot afford to buy and they also allow for the expansion of existing farms.

Shops and Workshops
The Estate has previously sold most of its traditional shops although the few which have been retained are usefully employed as village post offices or stores.

More significantly, during the recent past, the Estate has begun to develop modern, small scale workshop clusters in and around the village communities. These are offered for lease to local, small business on flexible and straight forward arrangements.

The premises offer opportunity for business start up and expansion. They also provide an attractive inducement for small businesses who wish to locate to this area and bring with them employment and trade.

Over 1200 sq m of workshop space has been developed over the past 5 years and there are plans to continue investing in these projects.