Royal Family Loses Access to Beloved Pastime After 175-Year Lease Ends
In a significant change that affects a cherished tradition of nearly two centuries, King Charles and his family will no longer indulge in their passion for shooting, hunting, and fishing on the Abergeldie estate next to Balmoral. This alteration comes following the termination of their leasing agreement, which had endured for an impressive 175 years, by a Scottish businessman.
Alastair Storey, the head of the catering company Westbury Street Holdings, acquired the Abergeldie estate in 2021 after the passing of its former owner, John Gordon, the Baron of Abergeldie. This vast estate, covering 11,512 acres and nestled between Balmoral and Birkhall in Aberdeenshire, commanded a hefty price tag of £23 million.
Having remained in the possession of the Gordon family for five centuries, the estate will now transition to commercial shooting purposes. In July, proposals were submitted to Aberdeenshire council for constructing new accommodations on the estate to cater to paying visitors who wish to engage in sporting activities.
The documents state, “For the last 175 years, the Royal Family have leased the sporting rights at Abergeldie, but this has now ceased and will be actively run by the new laird. To facilitate the transformation and effectively run the estate, new facilities will be required.”
Fortunately, there appears to be no lingering animosity between the new owner and the Royal Family concerning the relinquishment of these rights.
Historically, this estate in Royal Deeside had been granted to the Gordon family by James III of Scotland in 1482. The leasing agreement that granted the Royals access for shooting was initially given to Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, upon his acquisition of Balmoral. The leasing fee had been adjusted by John Gordon 25 years ago, with the late Queen Elizabeth agreeing to the increase to retain access for shooting and hunting.
Alastair Storey, aged 70, earned the distinction of being named the “most influential person in the British hospitality industry” in 2012, a title previously held by Jamie Oliver. He was also honored with an OBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2017.
The Abergeldie estate comprises 34 homes, cottages, lodges, and farmhouses, excluding Abergeldie Castle, where John Gordon’s widow, Gillian, is believed to continue residing. Under the submitted plans, many of these estate buildings, nestled in Cairngorms National Park, will be repurposed for private accommodation and hunting lodges.
Furthermore, two residential properties are designated for staff accommodation, while an existing building will be transformed into a social space for paying visitors. However, concerns have been raised by the Woodland Trust Scotland, citing potential risks to the ecological condition of the area due to development around ancient woodlands, including changes in species composition and potential harm to nesting birds, mammals, and reptiles.