Wherever possible, we buy locally
and employ locally.

Going local
Community involvement is at the heart of our approach to Estate management. We buy as locally as possible and the majority of our employees, tradesmen and other outside contractors are based locally in East Lothian. Whilst we operate in an international market for hospitality, we sell to local markets too, especially to minimise haulage such as for timber. We already use a lot of locally-produced foods and products for corporate functions, including red meat, fish, vegetables and flowers.

We recognise the value of keeping investment in the locality and have been pleased to invest back into the local community with projects such as the 12 miles of new Winton Walks, which has been well received. We estimate that around £500,000 is invested annually in the local economy.

Education
We have encouraged the use of the Estate for educational projects. These have included:

•  · school children studying the woodland environment,
•  · students examining the plasterwork of the Royal Craftsmen in Winton House, and
•  · businesses and Local Authorities investigating the use of woodchips for heating.

Charities
We are happy for selected charitable events to take place on the Estate. Since the 1930's, there has been an annual Open Day in aid of Scotland's Garden Scheme and a nominated charity. Several other events take place annually for the local school or playgroup, national bodies such as the National Art Collections Fund, and for international charities.

Cultural Events
Music has been a family interest spanning several generations, and concerts at Winton House have been a regular feature of the calendar. These have included musicians from the village, rising stars, and those on an international circuit.

Stewardship
The resources of a rural Estate may appear considerable, however, we are constrained also by our financial position as well as national regulations. Where possible, however, we are keen that resources are used to the full and for lasting and sustained benefit. We adopt a principle that we are stewards entrusted with the management of the Estate, as our ancestors were before us.