Team

Jamie Aitken

Operations Manager

It’s no surprise that Jamie is great at what he does, it’s in his DNA after all. Jamie grew up surrounded by hospitality, with both his parents working in the industry. As soon as he finished school, there was only one path that he wanted to take and he got his first full-time job in a hotel by the age of 16 (gaining part-time experience from the age of 13)!

He has worked at some of the country’s best hotels, and enjoyed much of his 20s travelling and gaining lots of experience, and expanding his knowledge. Jamie joined Douneside not long after its full renovation in 2016, and has been a key part of its journey since. He has seen lots of change in that time, including in his own family life, with the arrival of his daughter 3 years ago.

Having worked for Douneside House nearly 8 year now, Jamie says he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. In his free time, you may see him around the grounds with his friendly border collie, Floki, and his family. Or, if it’s wild wintery weather outside, you might pass him on his way out to rescue stuck motorists as part of the COTAG volunteer group!

Aside from helping keep everything behind the scenes ticking over, Jamie is also our tech whizz – so if you have any IT issues during your visit, you know who to seek out!

Guest recommendation:
There are some truly stunning roads around us. A drive up to Fraserburgh will reward you with some beautiful beaches and it’s a really pleasant drive. If you’ve had enough driving, get your hiking boots on and explore the many walking trails around us. Why not order a packed lunch to take with you or a garden picnic can be arranged for your return.

Melanie Dalton

Operations Manager (Guest Experience)

Mel is our Operations Manager and we don’t know where we’d be without her.  Part of the team for nearly 10 years ago now, Mel has worked in various roles in the restaurant and reception (she can turn her hand to everything!!). She now leads our amazing team, ensuring all our guests are well looked after.

It doesn’t matter if it’s first thing in the morning or late at night, everything is approached with her cool, calm manner and always with a smile. Mel has worked in the hospitality industry since college days (we won’t mention the date!) and Douneside now holds a special place in her heart.  Originally hailing from Yorkshire, she moved to the area in 2008 and has found Aberdeenshire the perfect spot to settle with her family – with its beautiful scenery and sometimes four seasons in one day!

Mel is always keen that the MacRobert family’s legacy is at the heart of everything we do, and works hard to ensure our guests have the most memorable and enjoyable visit when spending time here with us in this special place.

Guest recommendation:
A lovely stroll down to the Tomnaverie stone circle, via Alastrean Woods, where you will find wonderful views. On the walk back, make sure you stop by the village for an ice cream!  Or, if you like live music, the village local pub has a music night on a Tuesday evening where you may even spot a famous local fiddler or two!

Pip Delamere-Wright

Health Club Manager

Pip is our Health Club Manager and Outdoor Activities Coordinator. Although Pip only joined the team in 2024, she and her family have been members of the Tarland community for over 40 years!

After completing a degree in Sport Science and Human Biology, Pip joined the Army as an officer in The Adjutant Generals Corps (Education Training Services). During her 17 years of service, she served all over the UK and abroad in various locations such as Canada, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Iraq and Belize… to name a few!

After her two children were born, Pip retired to a ‘quieter’ lifestyle back in her home area of Royal Deeside and requalified as a forest therapy practitioner & open water swim coach. She is hugely passionate about snowboarding, open water wild swimming, dog walking and trail running (there aren’t many sports and activities that Pip hasn’t tried!).

Pip hopes that every guest finds time to visit the Health Club and participate in local activities. She and her team can be found in the health club and will happily show you around. If you’re lucky, she might even divulge her knowledge of secret wild swimming spots!

Guest recommendation:
It would have to be an early sunrise dip at The Cambus O’ May Suspension Bridge. It was repaired and reopened in 2021 after Storm Frank washed it away. Only a short drive from Douneside, this place is simply beautiful! A stunning white suspension bridge takes you across the river where you can walk on a lovely sandy slope into the river. Watch the wildlife from your unique river view or as you walk along the banks of the Deeside Way (the old railway track is now a lovely flat cycle route connecting the Deeside villages). We can’t guarantee it will be warm, but whatever the weather, it will take your breath away!

Carolanne Duncan

Housekeeping Manager

A familiar face for many of our guests, Carolanne has been at the heart of Douneside for many years. Although her official job title is Housekeeping Manager, she is so much more. A fountain of knowledge when it comes to all things Douneside and its history, Carolanne also looks after all the Douneside antiques and artefacts, keeping them safe for future generations. Well known for her impeccable housekeeping standards, she’s a past (and well deserved !) Housekeeper of the Year finalist at the Scottish Hotel Awards.   Always ready to brighten the day with her Scottish humour, she always makes time to catch up with guests. In her time off, you’ll find her spending time with her family, particularly as she’s recently become a glamorous granny. 
 
Carolanne’s insider recommendation: grab a favourite book and a glass of wine from the bar and spend an hour or so enjoying the peace and quiet of the summer house that sits at the top of the vegetable garden, pure bliss!! (Just don’t tell her if you find any cobwebs, you’ll ruin her day 😆)”

James Payne

Sommelier and Dining Events Manager

It’s approaching 30 years since James first became a sommelier, working at Le Pont de la Tour in London. Head sommelier posts in notable Michelin starred establishments followed, including one in the Roussillon, France. James’ passion is in explaining the story behind a wine, and how this influences its flavour profile and why it works to enhance a dish, especially during the tasting menu experience in the Library.

We are delighted that James has made Douneside his work home for the last 5 years, as not only do our guests benefit from his unmatched approach to hospitality, but as a team we are always learning something new too (and our wine knowledge has consistently grown since James joined the team!). A keen runner, hill walker and home cook, James, his wife Sally and son Edward continue to discover the best of Scotland.

Guest recommendation:
Get down to breakfast nice and early and then head out for a day walking around Bennachie hill. Take in Craigievar Castle on the way, and if your appetite gets the better of you after enjoying the views from the top of Mither Tap, call in to The Old Post Office at Chapel of Garioch for a restorative snack. Dinner back at Douneside is well and truly deserved after this day out.