Winton Teams

Trustee-owner and factor for the estate with a surveyor’s training in Edinburgh and Angus.

Winton was Sir Francis’s childhood home and he has striven to make it such for his own family of four children. He works as factor for Winton Estate, separately from his own surveying, architectural and estate agency practice of Ogilvy Chalmers, based locally in Haddington.

He enjoys a project where the result is to improve the use and effectiveness of the estate and contribute to the local economy. If he could mix business with pleasure, it would include music and sporting challenges.

Mother of four whilst still involved as musician and teacher in Edinburgh.

FAMILY TREE – (Monkeys L-R):  Hamish, Robert, Elspeth & Calum

Linkon joined Winton as General Manager in April 2019 and is the latest addition to the Winton family. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience having been immersed in the events, tourism and hospitality sectors, locally and internationally, across a 25-year career.

Linkon has managed hospitality events for several members of the royal family, the Dalai Lama, world leaders and heads of state, and ran the Royal Box at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo for 5 years. He has also worked for Scottish-based, upmarket event caterers Heritage Portfolio and Hickory.

This means that Linkon is comfortable in environments that consistently seek to exceed client expectations, and he enjoys introducing exciting, new initiatives to help improve the overall customer experience.

Away from hospitality, he can be found spending quality time with his family, reading his favourite novel, on the clay shooting range or doing laps in the pool. His ideal day out would be spent wandering round the art galleries of Paris, before visiting one of the city’s many fine cafés and restaurants.

Julie joined Winton in early 2010 and brings with her over 30 years of experience in the Tourism & Hospitality Industry. She is never allowed to forget that she has been in the industry longer than some of the team have been alive but her sage wisdom and experience are ALWAYS deferred to.

A cosmopolitan girl at heart (her Mastermind specialist subject would be shopping), she has grown to love estate life and has even been spotted enjoying some of Winton’s outdoor activities!

Janis joined Winton July 2008 and since this time her role has grown and developed.  Today Janis plays a key role in events at Winton Castle, from Gala Dinners, Conferences, Winton Highland Games, Corporate Team Building days to taking Winton Woodfuel log orders.  Janis is our dedicated Winton Trail Run organiser and loves the outdoors.

She enjoys running as a hobby and is always looking for new events to stretch her abilities.

Rae has been linked with Winton Castle for over 30 years, having grown up on the surrounding Estate where her family still lives.

She began work at Winton Castle back in 2002 with the catering team on some of the first events to take place at the venue. Over the years she has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience working in the House, while also studying for a diploma in Wedding Planning. This has set her in good stead for the position she now holds as Wedding Events Manager.

Rae is a country girl through and through and enjoys being outside in the sun, wind and occasional rain, or sitting by an open fire with a nice cup of tea watching one of her 800 DVDs. Another joy of Rae’s is taking part in charity events, having completed a sky dive for charity, Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike 2009, Pedal for Scotland 2009 and Race for Life 3 times; she is always on the hunt for the next big challenge!

Lexi joined the events team in May 2018, she studied Creative Media and loves working in historic places such as Leeds Castle, Archerfield Estate and now Winton Castle!

She spends her free time rambling around the East Lothian countryside, kayaking, reading and travelling with friends.

Fay joined the Winton team in April 2018 and brings with her hospitality and events experience from Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh and Switzerland where she spent six years living in Zermatt.

When Fay is not enjoying country adventures from her family farm in Fife, she can be found following her other passions of art history and calligraphy, or as a keen mixologist, concocting a variety of virtuous cocktails!

Christopher has looked after Winton’s marketing since 2005 when Events was a team of one! He continues to be heavily involved in Winton’s marketing as virtual Marketing Manager, on a consultancy basis through Real Marketing Specialists. He always looks forward to working at Winton.

Christopher is a marketing consultant who believes passionately that to be successful businesses have to practice planned marketing, based on a clear strategy. He is a chartered marketer and a specialist in professional digital marketing.

He likes to spend any spare time cycling, skiing, walking, playing tennis and gardening. He is a family man and lives in Haddington, within cycling distance of Winton Castle, with his wife, Bornie, and three (nearly) grown up children.

You can contact Christopher by email or by calling 07957 870071.

Joining Winton in 2004 and becoming Head of Housekeeping in 2007, Hazel manages the busy house keeping team.

Throughout this time Hazel has seen many changes and witnessed the growth of the business.  What has remained throughout this time is her dedication to high standards of cleanliness!

Guests tell us we have the cleanest, best kept stately home in Scotland. Hear! Hear!

Lorna, Carol,  Elaine, Kimberly and Susan complete the highly efficient, friendly team behind the scenes. They take exceptional pride in their work with fantastic results.

Bede’s background is as a Community and Military Policeman with an MBE to prove it.

His original role in 2011 has developed to include responsibility for all the outside team. He has particular interests in wildlife and history; when blended with a personal, but dependable brand of humour, there is always spice to life.

When off-duty at Winton, he’s often on-duty with the cubs, the church or helping with Mary’s Meals.

Dependable like Mr Ben to be there when you need him and always willing to help. He draws from a lifetime’s experience of gardening where he could drive a tractor before he could walk (almost).

He remains the Highland Games caber champion and can turn his hand to most outdoor work as well as assisting with caretaking duties. Off and on the estate – he can be found moving bee hives.

An experienced plantsman from his years at Kew, The Botanics and private gardens.  An interest in woodland gardens and Mediterranean style planting.  This is reflected in the continuing restoration of the gardens at Winton.   The mixed borders now have a vibrancy and colour throughout the year, making Winton truly a garden for all seasons.

Try testing Toby on his Latin names and you’ll get the whole plant family!

As Toby’s assistant an eye for detail and a love of life are essential. Ably assisted by Mr Bear (Jack, the Winton terriers best friend). Tiptoeing through the tulips comes naturally to this ex dancer who may also be found heading up Dr Neil’s garden in Duddingston.

Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Ford, Jeep or even quad bikes, Hugh has experience with them all!  Offering off-road driving experiences or driver training on our purpose build track, you’ll be in safe hands with our own BORDA qualified instructor.

Affectionately known as “Dave The Hut” (because he designed and built our shooting shack and composting toilet), Dave began working with the Winton events team in 2015 and now offers a series of bushcraft activities.  An expert axe thrower and fire starter, Dave is our very own Ray Mears!

As 24 times Scottish champion, he has every reason to show off, but takes persuasion. An instructor second to none, with novice and experienced guns.