James Payne - General Manager

James came to Kinnaird in 2005 to work together with Mrs Constance Cluett Ward. His career path to becoming a General Manager is extraordinary. He is one of the very few General Managers whose career has developed through the wine side of the business, as a Sommelier.

Just prior to joining Kinnaird, James held the position of Head Sommelier at The Green House in London where he won the Wine Spectator Grand Award, but it was at, Sharrow Bay, another Relais Château Hotel, that James won his most prized award - UK Sommelier of the Year in 2001. His passion for wine continues as he builds an impressive wine cellar with over 480 wines. He still enjoys advising our guests on wines to enjoy whilst at Kinnaird but also introduces them to new wines for their own cellars.

James keeps himself fit with energetic and aggressive four mile runs from the House to the Millpond. Together with his family he explores Scotland and enthusiastically shares this knowledge with Kinnaird guests assisting them to plan the most unique experiences that are on their doorstep and that only the locals know.

“The accessibility straight into the wilderness just behind the house is amazing in the 21st century. Its possible to see red squirrels, fallow Deer , buzzards in just five minutes”

James Tritton - Head Ghillie

James Tritton has worked for Mrs Constance Cluett Ward at Kinnaird for 23 years and is responsible for all the fishing and looking after the private beat of the River Tay as well as the Estate's three hill lochs. James knows every twist and turn of the river and shares this knowledge and his expertise with our visitors from all over the world. Also a keen hiker and explorer, James enjoys taking guests hiking or mushroom exploring on the estate and has now developed the Mini Ghillie Experience for our junior guests.

“At the end of long day fishing it is my pleasure to occasionally host a barbecue for the guests in one of the riverside bothys cooking the days catch over an open fire”.

Alastair Cowe - Concierge and Outdoor Butler

Alastair's role as Concierge now includes ‘Outdoor Butler’. Alastair provides a personal and dedicated butler service for guests to explore the estate in optimum comfort and luxury. Having worked at Kinnaird as both a chef and Concierge for the past eight years, Alastair has been specially chosen for knowledge and is well placed to answer questions regarding the area's history, Kinnaird's fine art collection and the local wildlife and fauna. Alastair's passion for Kinnaird is...

“being able to maintain the traditions of the Ward household and share them with guests and their families”.

Deborah Cowe - Housekeeper

‘Tickety Boo, Boockety Tick’ that's how she likes the house kept. Married to Concierge Alastair; together with her team, Deborah makes sure each guest's room in the Main House, or Estate Cottage, is prepared just as it should be, creating the welcoming 'at home' atmosphere that makes Kinnaird special. One of the joys of her role is in preparing the flowers for the house using fresh flowers from the gardens when they are in season.

“Mrs. Ward continues to amaze me with her sense of style and skill when she oversees the decoration of the house. Many of her family's personal belongings are discreetly displayed and we are happy to regale the odd tale or two of grand picnics, fishing expeditions and legendary house parties”.

Jean-Baptiste Bady - Head Chef

Jean-Baptiste Bady's career is founded in the stables of many revered Relais & Châteaux and Relais Gourmand properties. His early and profound inspiration was the 3 Michelin Star Chef Bernard Loiseau, of the Relais Gourmand La Côte d'Or Bernard Loiseau. From him, Jean-Baptiste learnt to truly understand food and how to create exceptional dishes. He keeps it simple, by following the philosophy of no more than three flavours on the plate. Jean-Baptiste joined Kinnaird in 2004 and took the reigns as Head Chef in 2007. When once asked the question what would he have done if he had not been a Chef Jean-Baptiste's swift answer is a Gardener... so together with Derek, our Head Gardener he is delighted to be able to work closely with him growing produce in the estate's Kitchen Garden and incorporating the ingredients into his seasonal and unique ‘Tasting Menus’.

“It is a privilege to use ingredients, grown by Derek in the garden especially the fruits in season”..

Elodie Bady - Front of House

Elodie is married to Chef Jean-Baptiste. At work Elodie is James's right hand person. Together they oversee the unique calm of Kinnaird. Elodie's gentle ways are her key strength in developing the front of house team and sharing with them her own incredibly high standards of service.

“Working at Kinnaird doing what I do, means I get to know our guests well. Because of the size of the property we are like a small family and we consider our guests an extension of our family”.

Kirstene MacCorquodale - Reservations

Kirstene may be squirreled away in her office behind the scenes, but she is the first point of contact when you book your stay. She is a fountain of knowledge, knowing the in and outs and the eccentricities of this grand Scottish family home and, having grown up in Scotland, has lived and breathed the celebrated Scottish sporting seasons.

“Perthshire is a beautiful place to live and work... there aren't many offices with the view that I share with the guests across the valley to the River Tay and beyond!”