Clients: Brian McFarlane & Anne McKirdy
Location: Milngavie, just outside Glasgow
Site: Craigmaddie Glamping
Pods: 6 themed luxury glamping pods
Launch: February 2023
Revenue Potential: £33,000+ per month
📰 Featured in The Scotsman
Craigmaddie Glamping Entrance
For siblings Brian and Anne, the 2.5-acre plot near Milngavie wasn’t just land — it was home. It had once hosted trotting ponies and served as their childhood playground. But after their parents passed away, the land sat unused for years.
“We weren’t ready to sell it. It’s our family land. But we also couldn’t just let it sit doing nothing,” Anne shared.
As they searched for a way to repurpose the site, the idea of glamping surfaced — something that could bring income, preserve the property, and build a new legacy for future generations.
Like many landowners, Brian and Anne were excited by the idea of a glamping business — but soon realised how complicated the process actually is.
Despite having a prime location close to Glasgow and the West Highland Way, they ran into an overwhelming list of requirements:
“We’d never seen an otter in 70 years — but we still had to prove they weren’t nesting here,” Brian laughed.
The sheer volume of red tape could have easily stopped the project — but instead, they called in experts.
Brian and Anne reached out to Glampitect early on, starting with a detailed Glamping Feasibility Study.
“The feasibility study was the best thing we did,” Anne said. “It helped us see if the numbers would work, what demand looked like locally, and what hurdles we’d need to clear.”
From that point forward, Glampitect supported them through every stage:
“We had another architect early on, but they just didn’t get it,” Brian explained. “Calum and the team had done it before — and that made all the difference.”
Inside a Craigmaddie Glamping Pod
In February 2023, Craigmaddie Glamping officially opened with six beautifully themed pods: “Robin,” “Bee,” “Butterfly,” and more — names that held personal meaning and delighted guests.
Each pod includes:
“At first, I wasn’t sure about the themes,” Brian admitted. “But guests love them. Some have stayed in one pod and booked another just to try them all.”
The site attracts a mix of West Highland Way walkers, city-based staycationers, and overseas travellers. Many guests return within weeks.
Craigmaddie Glamping Site
One of the most surprising parts of running the business? The human connection.
“I thought people would just grab the keys and leave,” Brian said. “But I love meeting them. I show them around, explain how everything works, and often check in the next morning.”
This approach has led to five-star reviews, personal guest notes, and a loyal customer base. Some guests have visited three times — and request specific pods by name.
“It’s become more than a business. It’s something we’re proud of. And we get to do it on land that means everything to us,” Anne added.
While still early in their journey, the financial upside is already clear — and the project serves as both a retirement plan and a future-proof family asset.
Brian and Anne aren’t slowing down.
They’re currently planning:
They’re also exploring additional units and events to extend the season and make full use of the site.
“There’s so much potential. We just needed the right start — and we got that with Glampitect.”
Brian and Anne want other landowners to know it’s possible — but only with the right planning.
Their top takeaways:
“We wouldn’t have done it without Glampitect. They kept us going when the red tape got overwhelming. Now, we’ve got something we love — and so do our guests.”
If you’ve got a piece of land — no matter how small or overgrown — your journey can start the same way Craigmaddie’s did:
✅ Book a Discovery Call
📥 Download the Glamping Business Plan Checklist
📘 Read the Full Guide to Starting a Glamping Business
Next Steps
If you are ready to take the next step towards owning a glamping site or if you wish to explore the sale of your existing business, we invite you to get in touch with us:
Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of a glamping business or are ready to take concrete steps, Glampitect is here to support you. Let us help you navigate the exciting world of glamping investments with confidence and ease.
Visit our website or contact us directly to begin your journey into the lucrative glamping market today. Embrace the opportunity to transform your entrepreneurial dreams into reality with Glampitect.