Proud to be a Creative Business in Tornagrain

Madhatter Creative Co. is purposefully based in the Scottish Highlands, because our glorious surroundings fuel our creativity – and because we are keen to support the rural economy.

A sustainable community heart

We’re based in the small sustainable village of Tornagrain, which puts community at its heart.

Fringed by original protected Caledonian forest, Tornagrain is being designed so that its streets are walkable and designed for people rather than cars, with plenty of green space and wildlife.

Tornagrain’s origins and design

Tornagrain was initially dreamed up by long-standing Scottish landowners Moray Estates, who wished to create a legacy model town with considered traditional architecture and planning that fostered a sense of community.

Led by the renowned traditional town planner Andrés Duany, Tornagrain began with a *Charrette*, a community-based process that engaged members of the public, designers, and consultants in an intensive, interactive design workshop in the vision.

Design elements from other historical towns across Scotland were adopted, from the beautiful Victorian street lamps to traditional dry stone and sweeping curved walls.

There are already plenty of spaces in Tornagrain for healthy and social interaction, including tennis courts, allotments for vegetable-growing, a community garden, and a café with locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients.

Inspired by local nature

Our team definitely finds inspiration here, particularly as we have the chance to step out and go for a walk in nature (be it with a *forest bath* or a trip to the beach) or by tending to our vegetable patch!

It’s perfectly plausible to look out and see a woodpecker, sparrows, and house martens, or even the bob of a white tail as deers dash across the surrounding fields.

A growing village spirit

Right now, Tornagrain still has a sleepy village spirit about it, but over the next 50 years it will eventually become a town of 5,000 homes, with separate neighbourhoods with their own independent central hub of services (including schools) all within a five-minute walk.

We look forward to more small and local companies joining our blissful business brood here in Tornagrain!