A New Chapter at Dunsinnan with Alice Sinclair

For anyone discovering it for the first time, what is Dunsinnan?

Dunsinnan is a working farm and estate in rural Perthshire. The estate spans 2,500 acres of farm and hill land, forest and park land and is centred around the iconic Dunsinane Hill, made famous by Shakespeare's masterpiece, Macbeth. Farming remains at the heart of what we do, but alongside that we're restoring and reimagining parts of the estate through a collection of unique places to stay and celebrate in, that connect our guests with the landscape and history of the estate.

You are the 5th generation of the Sinclair family to farm and live here, what does it feel like to be building the next chapter of that story?

It's a huge privilege to be able to look after the land at Dunsinnan but also a great responsibility which we (me and my husband, Alex) take incredibly seriously. Before we moved back, the estate remained firmly as a working farm but we wanted to open its doors for others to be able to enjoy this landscape as much as we do. It also allows us to invest in restoring buildings and spaces that would have been left to crumble without purpose. It’s added a completely new dimension to the farm but one that I love and get a real sense of joy and pride from - seeing other people discover somewhere that has been part of our family for generations but from a new perspective - reminding us of things on the estate we had forgotten or often take for granted! 

The literary connection to Macbeth is extraordinary - Dunsinane Hill sits right on the estate. How does that history sit with everyday life here?

I’m embarrassed to admit this (!) but I was fairly clueless about Macbeth before I realised how keen guests were to learn about it. It's something that's always been here but growing up, Dunsianne Hill was just a place the Sinclair family went for walks and rolled easter eggs down. 

I’m only now understanding what a wonderful part of Scottish history we are part of. We love that visitors can walk up the hill and experience it for themselves. Whether you're fascinated by Shakespeare, Scottish history or simply the incredible views, it has a way of making you feel connected to something much bigger than yourself.

What's the Stone of Destiny legend, and what does it mean to you to live alongside it? 

Legend has it that the Stone of Destiny (the sacred stone of the Scots people) was hidden on Dunsinane Hill before King Edward’s army arrived to take it from Scone. So what he actually took, and has been used to crown every British monarch since, was a fake. Only the laird of Dunsinnan (my father in law!) knows where the true stone is hidden.

Again, as with Macbeth, it’s not something that you think about daily until someone starts asking about it and then you realise they probably know more about it than you (despite you living, literally, on top of it) which can leave you red faced at times.

Perth has just opened a fantastic museum with the Stone of Destiny at the center of it (about 20 mins from us) so I always direct keen historians there if they are keen to get more immersed into the story. 

What shaped the decision to start welcoming guests?

It began with wanting to breathe new life into parts of the estate which had been a bit forgotten while sharing somewhere we love and knew others would love too. We aren’t in a very touristy spot and there was a real lack of high end accommodation near us so we were keen to change that - it’s been gradual and is still ongoing as we find new spaces to restore or build around. 

Right now we are working on a sauna and wellness space which we can’t wait for. We are also adding some Highland Cows to our existing herd of shorthorn cross cattle which I am particularly excited for!

How do you want guests to feel when they stay here?

Welcomed, relaxed and rested. To be able to switch off and immerse themselves in a different landscape that helps them connect with themselves, a loved one or the landscape. To leave lighter and more rejuvenated than when they arrived. 

How would you suggest guests spend their time, both on the estate and in the wider area? 

The beauty of staying here is you don’t need to go far in order to have a memorable experience. Ideally you won’t go very far at all! 

The Sidlaw hills are right on the doorstep of all our properties so first things first is a hike up into the hills. Followed by an outdoor bath if you are staying in our bothy or cabin for a deep soak with our delicious lotions and potions. Then perhaps an outing to one of our many farm shops nearby to gather some delicious seasonal local food to cook on our big green egg or firepit. 

But for those spending more than a couple of nights we are in such a perfectly central location to explore most of Scotland - both the highlands and Edinburgh are less than 90 mins away so you can do cities or mountains, wild swimming or pig walking - the choice is yours - it’s the perfect base! 

Favourite spot to visit nearby?

There are so many but for a full day out Dunkeld is a favourite of ours - start with a delicious coffee from ARAN Bakery, followed by a walk at the Hermitage to rumbling bridge, a mooch around the gorgeous shops, ending with an outdoor woodfired pizza by the river. Dreamy.