Article Source: The Cairnhill Group
Last Updated: 24 November 2023 13:34
The Cairnhill Group, which operates butchery brand We hae meat, has cleared overgrown vegetation, surfaced paths and put in user-friendly signage and way-finders within the estate, to make an 11km path network that is accessible for all, including disabled visitors.
The path network was officially opened on Friday 17th November with a celebration event and ribbon cutting ceremony attended by pupils and teachers from Dailly Primary School and Early Years Centre and members of the local community. In advance of the opening pupils of the school were offered the opportunity to take on the role of cutting the opening ribbon.
Pupils were asked to write a few words on how they felt about the new path network and why they would like to be the one to open it. Grace Barr from P6 was chosen from the responses, because of her comments about how important it was to have the paths accessible. Grace said: “This has allowed me to go on walks with my papa, who needs a wheelchair, and my aunties who have prams, to see wildlife, wildflowers and nature at its best.”
After the ribbon cutting, pupils walked and ran the ‘Yellow Walk’, a 3.5km circular path featuring breathtaking views across the estate.
Dalquharran Estate is located a few miles inland from the Firth of Clyde between Girvan and Turnberry, about 16 miles southwest of Ayr. Its focal point for visitors is Dalquharran Castle, a substantial roofless mansion house originally designed and built by Robert Adam in around 1790. The estate includes two "castles", the old one abandoned around 1800 and the new one, actually a mansion, which was habitable until the 1960s. The Cairnhill Group purchased the estate in 2019 and since then have invested heavily in bringing it back to life and this new path network will allow the public to enjoy the estate in a safe way. It is accessible directly from the village of Dailly.
Gillian Bone on behalf of The Cairnhill Group said: “It was clear that the estate was held very dear in the hearts of locals when we bought it and was a favoured destination for walkers. The work we’ve done and the improvements we’ve implemented will make it much more enjoyable for them, but also crucially it has made it a lot more accessible for everyone including children in pushchairs and wheelchair users. The Paton family, owners of The Cairnhill Group, are proud to have lived and worked in the Dailly community for five generations and wanted to improve the estate and create something for everyone to enjoy.”
Local resident Jim Galbraith commented: “Being able to explore Dalquharran on this new path network is wonderful. The improvements are remarkable and I know so many people will benefit from it. Thank you to the Paton family”
Louise Morrison, Head Teacher of Dailly Primary School & Early Years Centre added: “We are very keen to be part of any local initiative which encourages our families and local people to be more active and to explore the great outdoors. The new path network looks amazing and our School and Early Years Centre plan to make great use of it. We are very lucky to have local businesses, like The Cairnhill Group, who are willing to invest in community initiatives, which will benefit all of our young people, their families and future generations.”
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MOREThe Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MOREThere's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MOREScotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MOREKeela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MOREScotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's much-loved Supermarket Sweep challenge recently returned to Motherwell, and one lucky local winner has raised £456.89 for CHAS while picking up the same amount in for herself.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MOREFormer Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MOREAmy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MOREScotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MOREMarine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed for cosy coastal retreats and joyful pre-festive celebrations.
READ MOREThe Scottish Government's Women and Girls in Sport Week launches this week, celebrating the power of movement and encouraging women and girls of all ages to get active in ways that work for them.
READ MOREWith the October school holidays fast approaching, ScotRail has unveiled a new, affordable way for families to make the most of the break!
READ MOREShoppers and local businesses in Motherwell's Brandon Street got more than they bargained for when they came face to face with some escaped zombies from M&D's Scotland's Scream Park.
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig will return in 2026, under the banner Use It or Lose It – and organisers are encouraging people across Scotland and the global diaspora to get behind the rallying cry.
READ MOREBrits are now picking up the cafetière, with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts revealing a 10% rise in coffee sales across its 32 UK hotels and resorts in the past year.
READ MORESome of the latest horror blockbusters – alongside creepy classics, enchanting family favourites and the ever-popular Twilight Saga – will all be heading to Vue venues this Halloween.
READ MOREChristmas has come early as Dobbies Garden Centres kicks off the season in style at its Christmas Launch Weekend which takes place from Thursday 9th to Monday 13th October.
READ MOREChildren's Classic Concerts return with their popular Halloween concert performances in Glasgow and Edinburgh later this month!
READ MORELanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) have announced local charity ‘The Brian Reilly Music Fellowship’ (BRMF) as Charity Partner for their 2026 Production of We Will Rock You!
READ MOREGlobal indoor leisure and recreation concept SuperPark will make its UK debut at Braehead Shopping Centre, bringing experience-led leisure to the centre next year!
READ MOREThe Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, Scotland's national music prize, has today revealed the 20 outstanding albums on 2025's Longlist.
READ MOREFor the first time, Beatson Cancer Charity has joined forces with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to highlight the vital role blood donors play in the treatment of blood cancers.
READ MOREConnolly's Cumbernauld Flourish is a community celebration of Billy Connolly's life and the legendary comedian's connection to Cumbernauld.
READ MOREBeat the Street, the free active travel game has launched for the residents of Cambuslang and Rutherglen.
READ MOREGet ready for a thrilling mix of creativity, mystery and starlit wonder at New Lanark this autumn.
READ MORERenowned tribute band Supreme Queen will bring their spectacular live production to The Town House, Hamilton, Friday 26th September as part of their nationwide UK tour.
READ MOREScotland's premier five-star luxury wedding destination, Crossbasket Castle, has unveiled a new decadent wedding menu crafted exclusively by world-renowned Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.
READ MOREPaisley Halloween Festival will return to town next month to celebrate the spooky season with a packed programme of frightful fun for all the family!
READ MORE