Caroline Millar, co-owner of The Hideaway Experience, has been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours.
This prestigious honour recognises Caroline's outstanding contribution to Scotland's agritourism sector and the wider rural economy.
For the past 20 years, alongside running The Hideaway Experience, Caroline has led initiatives and launched projects to support Scotland's farmers. In 2012, her commitment to the sector took her across 10 countries on a Nuffield Scholarship, where she researched best practises in agritourism and farm retail. Drawing on her own business experience and international insights, Caroline has given voice to the real challenges and perspectives of Scottish farmers, ensuring they are heard by key stakeholders.
In 2020, Caroline founded Scottish Agritourism as a dedicated sector body, and for the past four years, she has co-chaired the National Strategy Board for Agritourism alongside the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs.
Ruth Sutherland, Caroline Millar, Gillian Martin MSP, Daisy Hewitt, Riddell Graham. Photo credit: Craig Stephen
Alongside her national leadership, Caroline is a business owner and farmer and continues to work alongside her family. Together with her husband, she established The Hideaway Experience, combining luxury tourism accommodation, consultancy and farming, at Balkello Farm, Auchterhouse, and realised a lifelong ambition in owning her own farm with the purchase of Wester Keith Farm in 2021.
Commenting on the award, Caroline said: I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition. Agritourism has the power to strengthen farm businesses, connect people with food production and create thriving rural communities. This award reflects the dedication of the many farmers, businesses, volunteers and partners I have had the privilege to work alongside over the years. Together, we have built a movement that is helping shape the future of Scotland’s rural economy.
The MBE is a fitting recognition of Caroline’s vision, determination and unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for farming families and rural communities. Her leadership has not only transformed Scotland’s agritourism sector but has also positioned the country as a global leader in connecting agriculture, tourism and economic development.
