In Conversation with Ed Dunbar

In this month’s In Conversation With, we caught up with Paton & Co Partner Ed Dunbar to learn more about his work as a Rural Surveyor, as well as life in Morayshire, where Ed grew up and where he now manages his family estate. A keen cyclist and runner who loves exploring the stunning countryside that Morayshire is renowned for, Ed also shares some of his favourite local businesses, and realises that his dream home is actually two homes – one packed with period character, and one designed for energy efficiency.

Firstly, can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do at Paton & Co?

I joined Peter Graham & Associates (now Paton & Co) as a Rural Surveyor in 2012, having previously been based in the central belt. I grew up in Morayshire on a small family Estate and the timing of moving coincided with me taking a more active role managing Duffus Estate . I do a variety of work for Paton & Co but my main area of work is leading on valuations and professional work relating to infrastructure projects (road, pylon, renewable and flood schemes). At home we run a successful holiday letting business (with six properties) and two coffee huts, and this year we added a campsite for tents and tourers, so I am kept busy when not at work.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy building relationships with our retained clients and assisting new clients with whatever they need advice on. This might be strategic valuations for strategic purposes, sale or purchase. When clients are affected by infrastructure projects, it is important that we get the best possible outcome in terms of financial compensation, while also ensuring the practicalities of construction work and other disturbance are properly considered. I am passionate about promoting Agritourism as I believe this to be a vital element of making farming business more sustainable and financially stable. I became a Partner in 2025 and enjoy being involved in the running and decision making of the business.

What’s your favourite place to escape to or explore when not working?

When I get time, I enjoy nothing more than getting out for a run or cycle. I love exploring wherever I am and I am often found planning routes. The North East and the Highlands are fortunate to have amazing hills and lochs, beaches and trails. Cycle routes almost always involve a café and cake stop – for obvious reasons.

Can you tell us some of your favourite local businesses?

My very own Kula Coffee Hut is my favourite place for a coffee. Overlooking Duffus Castle, the coffee (from Speyside Coffee Roasters) is amazing and the view of Duffus Castle ruins never gets boring. The staff are amazing too.

Pencil Me In on Batchen Street in Elgin is a wonderful independent shop selling all things stationary related. Always a go-to when you need a last minute gift or card. It’s just a delight to browse around. The sister gift shop, Seasgair , is just two doors away and is also great.

I like nothing better than a potter round an antiques shop or a reclamation yard. Auldearn Antiques and Daviot Antiques and Salvage are probably my favourites.

What are you enjoying reading, watching, or listening to at the moment?

I love reading historical/geographic books about Scotland that explore lesser known places, people and routes. I am also a big film fan from quirky independents to blockbusters. I’ve a broad musical taste but there is no getting away from the fact I was a teenager in the 1990s so Indie and rock from that era fill my playlists. I’m looking forward to seeing Pulp in Manchester later this summer.

If you were to describe your dream home what would it look like?

I love an old stone property with period features and large rooms, but the sensible part of me would have a modern thermally efficient house too. The location is almost as important as the house. A house with a burn through the garden would be amazing. I love the area that I live in with the easy access to the outdoors for deserted beaches, sprawling forests, hills and mountains. We are also blessed with a great selection of independent hospitality and retail businesses.