The Gannochy Trust estate includes Quarrymill woodland park, open green spaces, woodlands and tenanted farms. The majority of our estate was originally purchased in the 1920’s by A.K. Bell, who intended to care for the land and countryside on the outskirts of Perth, as well as build the original housing.
A successful businessman and philanthropist, A. K. Bell purchased land, woodlands and farms during his lifetime, reflecting his interest in the outdoors, quality housing and Perth’s environs. When he set up The Gannochy Trust in 1937, he gifted the newly built housing estate, Doo’cot Park, Quarrymill woodland park and his farms and farmland. Camilla Bell also left Kincarrathie House to the Trust.
Since then, The Gannochy Trust has continued to look after the estate and ensure A.K. Bell’s wishes are fulfilled. However, as the world has changed, the trustees have interpreted his interests to the present-day context. Improvements to the estate have included expanding the housing estate; refurbishing bridges and footpaths; building the coffee and gift shop at Quarrymill; and developing the woodlands. We continue to focus on how we can improve the estate including the enhancement of habitats and biodiversity.
A.K. Bell purchased Quarrymill and then gifted it to The Gannochy Trust, with the instruction to ‘equip and maintain it as a place of public resort’. The 27 acre park has a range of facilities, including a network of paths, accessible trails, seating areas and viewpoints.
The Macmillan Coffee and Gift shop is sited at the west end of Quarrymill off Isla Road. Friendly volunteers serve a delicious selection of home-made sandwiches, soup and cakes. All of the funds raised from the café and shop are donated to the Cornhill Macmillan Cancer Centre in Perth.
Quarrymill is enjoyed by many different people and groups. The Gannochy Trust currently supports RSPB Scotland with the ‘Growing up in Quarrymil’ project. This gives many children and young people the opportunity to learn about wildlife and woodlands.
We manage around 70 acres of woodlands across the estate, including Quarrymill Woodland Park, Deuchny Wood and a wooded area above Upper Muirhall Farm. Our woodlands consist of a mix of deciduous and evergreen native species. These provide habitats for many species of birds, animals and insect life.
The Gannochy Trust owns 530 acres of farmland over three farms, located at Gannochy and Muirhall, Whinniemuir and Upper Muirhall. These are let to tenant farmers for varied agricultural use, including arable crops and horse livery.
