A Perthshire country estate has become the latest business to join a scheme that works to support the area’s greenery.
The Duchally Country Estate based in Auchterarder has joined the Supporting Perthshire Big Tree Country scheme, which is committed to safeguarding trees in the area.
As part of the scheme, participating businesses such as hotels and B&Bs help conserve Perthshire’s tree heritage by collecting voluntary donations from their guests and visitors.
The Duchally Country Estate has now placed a donations box next to its reception desk, with proceeds going towards enhancing Perthshire Big Tree Country (PBTC).
The estate’s General Manager, Graeme MacDonald said: “We are only too happy to support such a great charity based in Perthshire, looking after and enhancing the environment, which is Perthshire’s best asset.
“We also look forward to planting more trees on site and preserving the nice trees we have for future generations in conjunction with the Countryside Trust.”
PBTC refers to the 200,000 acres of woodlands which span Perthshire.
Run by Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust, the project allows visitors to experience tree and woodland sights in various locations across the area.
Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust’s Director, Peter Quinn spoke of the importance of businesses taking part in the scheme.
He said: “We are so pleased to have Duchally join the Supporting Perthshire Big Tree Country scheme by giving their guests the chance to donate towards the work we do to develop access to and look after Perthshire’s incredible trees.
“By making contributions, Duchally’s guests will help allow us to improve the experiences locals and visitors will have at Perthshire Big Tree Country sites by developing better access for everyone, conserving the trees, telling stories of the sites and why they and their trees are important, and explaining how trees help fight climate change, among many other projects.”
Since its launch in 2007 in Gleneagles, the scheme has raised more than £350,000 towards conservation and access project works.
The Duchally Country Estate has joined other Perthshire businesses in committing to the scheme, including Dunkeld House Hotel, Crieff Hydro, Gleneagles and Ballathie House Hotel.