Craufurdland Estate in Kilmarnock, has received funding from Barclays to help launch the Laird’s Table, a new restaurant set in the grounds of the 800-year old, family-owned Estate.

The restaurant, set on a loch in the grounds of the estate which covers 600 acres of woodland and farm land, is scheduled to open late-May and will operate seven days a week, offering a high-end menu created from locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant was made possible due to £500k funding from Barclays, which enabled the estate to create a new purpose-built facility.

Simon Craufurd, who owns and manages the estate, approached Barclays under the advice of a friend and was impressed by the level of expertise and understanding the bank was able to offer. The Laird’s Table is the latest venture launched by Craufurdland Estate following the opening of a woodland burial ground, a fishery, muddy and mountain bike trials, and a café.

“Being able to diversify your business is a hugely critical part of running a successful estate,” said Simon Craufurd. “Since making the switch to Barclays, I’ve been extremely impressed by the understanding they have of estate management, as well as their local expertise. We’ve been looking at opening a restaurant ever since I started running the estate in 2003, so to see everything come together is fantastic.” he added.

The business is one of a number of Scottish estates that has benefitted from Barclays’ support in recent years to identify and diversify into new income streams for future growth.

The deal was led by Barclays Agriculture Relationship Director Scot Howie, he added: “Craufurdland Estate is an excellent example of an ambitious family-run and operated estate that has recognised the opportunity to diversify. We have worked closely with the team to develop a forward looking funding package that will support its development and growth as it expands into new ventures.”