The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Estate hopes luxury wigwams will spark big boom in tourism
Owners hope to make area a holiday destination
A private estate in the East Neuk of Fife will play host to a new glamping site from the end of this month that its owners hope will create a new tourist destination.
Guests will soon be able to stay in eight new luxury wigwams on the Montrave Estate near Leven, with visitors able to enjoy ancient woodlands, timber cabins and hot tubs, plus other amenities.
Co-owner Sir Nicholas Gilmour hopes the new venture will turn the Fife estate – which has been in his family since the 1860s – into one of the region’s top holiday destinations.
Sir Nick, who has a background in construction, already runs the Montrave House bed and breakfast with his wife, Airin, while the couple also run a deer farm and will be hosting the annual Balcormo Races on their nearby farm in April.
The cabins will come under the Wigwam Holidays brand, with the eight en-suite running water deluxe cabins created in Perth.
He said: “Two of our cabins will have spectacular wood-fired hot tubs, perfect for a relaxing break for guests and dogs are welcome as well.”
When asked what future plans the couple have for Wigwam Holidays Montrave Estate, Sir Nick added: “Our future plans include the possibility of additional wigwam cabins, installing tree houses, expanding the deer farm around the wigwam cabins and opening a small farm shop selling home-grown venison.
“Ultimately, we are hoping to also host small events, conferences and intimate weddings, develop mountain bike trails and make Montrave a magnificent holiday destination.”
Sir Nick took over Montrave from his grandfather, the late Sir John Gilmour, 3rd Baronet Lundin and Montrave, who also served as Member of Parliament for East Fife in the 1970s. He died in 2008. Various changes have been made to the estate and houses over the decades, although the old Montrave House was demolished in the early 70s and would have been one of the largest houses in Fife if it was still standing today.
Ultimately, we are hoping to also host small events, conferences and intimate weddings. SIR NICHOLAS GILMOUR