Braemar Castle strengthens leadership team with two new board appointments

Braemar Castle today announces the appointment of Hamish Mair as chairman of the Board and Alastair Milne as treasurer. The appointments follow the tenure of interim chairman Andrew Martin and former treasurer Dave Chandler, bringing new leadership and expertise to the 17th-century castle at an exciting time in its development.

Mr Mair brings decades of experience in the private equity sector and is currently chairman and head of private equity at Columbia Threadneedle Investments. In this role, he oversees investment strategy and international client relationships, leading a specialist team serving financial institutions around the world. A graduate of the University of Aberdeen, Mr Mair has had a close association with Braemar since childhood and a longstanding interest in the history and traditions of the community, as well as the role the castle plays at its heart.

Alongside his professional career, Mr Mair has held charitable and school board positions related to autism and special schools. He is also an elder at Blackhall St Columba’s Church of Scotland.

In his role as chairman of Braemar Castle, Mr Mair will focus on strengthening the castle’s long-term sustainability by expanding visitor access, developing new partnerships, and supporting the delivery of the castle’s strategic plan. Working closely with fellow directors, staff and volunteers, he will help guide the governance, ensuring the castle is managed responsibly while identifying new opportunities to enable the castle to thrive as a heritage asset and community focal point for years to come.

Commenting on his appointment, Hamish Mair said: “Braemar has been part of my family’s life for generations, and now, returning with my own family, it continues to hold special memories. I own a home in the village and have watched with interest how Braemar Castle has transformed over time, thanks to the dedication of the local community, staff, and volunteers. It is truly unique and at an exciting stage in its development.

“Joining as chairman allows me to give back to the community, support the team, and help drive the castle’s ambitious plans while safeguarding it for future generations. As an honorary member of the Braemar Royal Highland Society, I look forward to spending more time here following my retirement later this year.”

Taking on the role of treasurer, Alastair Milne is a lifelong enthusiast of Scottish castles. Family trips during his childhood took him to Crathes, Huntly, and Braemar Castle, and since then he has gone on to visit over 1400 castles in Scotland.  Mr Milne has served as treasurer of the Scottish Castles Association for two years, a charity dedicated to the protection, preservation and appreciation of Scottish castles, tower houses and manor houses, along with their furnishings, settings, gardens and designed landscapes.

He brings extensive experience in finance and commercial management to Braemar Castle. Mr Milne has been a chartered accountant since 1991 and held several senior financial and operational roles, leading procurement, production and finance functions for global companies in the energy and chemical industries. His last position was owner and managing director of Aquasign, where he was responsible for maximising continuous improvement and ensuring the firm met its legal obligations, as well as spearheading research and development programmes to support growth.  He exited the business using an Employee Ownership Trust which allowed a smooth transition of ownership while maintaining continuity, culture and motivating its workforce.

“As treasurer of Braemar Castle, my focus will be on strong financial stewardship while building on the excellent progress already made through Braemar Castle’s strategic plan,” said Alastair Milne. “My longstanding interest in Scottish castles places me in prime position to support Braemar in strengthening its presence within specialist heritage networks, extending its reach within the travel trade, and helping to ensure the castle’s long-term sustainability. I look forward to working with the team as the castle continues to develop and welcome visitors from around the world.”

Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar, Braemar Castle was transformed from a hunting lodge to a red coat military garrison after the Jacobite risings. It has survived Clan feuds, Jacobite rebellions and even being set alight. During the 19th and 20th centuries Braemar Castle became a high society retreat. Over its 400-year history the castle has been inhabited by some fascinating and colourful characters, many of whom have left their mark in the fabric of the building and its grounds. For further information and to book tickets visit www.braemarcastle.co.uk.