Caroline Millar Awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours for Services to Agritourism and the Rural Economy
Scottish Agritourism is delighted to congratulate Director and Sector Lead, Caroline Millar, on being awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of her exceptional services to agritourism and the rural economy in Scotland.
The honour reflects almost two decades of tireless leadership, advocacy and innovation, during which Caroline has transformed the profile of agritourism in Scotland and established it as a key contributor to sustainable rural development.
A passionate champion for the sector since 2007, Caroline has worked relentlessly to secure recognition for agritourism as an integral part of both agriculture and tourism. She played a leading role in establishing Scottish Agritourism in 2020, creating a dedicated industry body to represent businesses across the country and drive the sector’s long-term growth.
As Sector Lead for Scottish Agritourism, Caroline co-chairs Scotland’s National Agritourism Strategy Board, overseeing the delivery of targets that are shaping the future of the rural economy. Her leadership was instrumental in securing the commitment to develop the National Strategy and ensuring collaboration across government, industry and rural businesses.
Among her many achievements, Caroline led Scotland’s successful bid to host the inaugural Global Agritourism Conference, which takes place in Aberdeen next week, bringing hundreds of delegates from around the world to showcase Scotland’s farms, food, innovation and visitor experiences on the international stage. She also championed the collection of the first comprehensive data on Scotland’s agritourism sector, demonstrating its growing economic importance and providing an evidence base for future investment and policy.
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.
Throughout her career, Caroline has advocated passionately for greater investment in the sector, successfully campaigning for dedicated agritourism capital grants and fostering stronger relationships between the industry and financial institutions to unlock growth opportunities for farming businesses. She supports the next generation of rural entrepreneurs and mentors emerging leaders within the sector.
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.