Scottish Wildlife Trust secures vast highlands estate in landmark conservation effort

The Scottish Wildlife Trust has made its largest-ever land acquisition, securing the 7,618-hectare Inverbroom Estate in the Highlands—an area even larger than the city of Dundee. According to the reports, the £17.5 million purchase was made possible through the trust’s most significant private donation in its 60-year history, marking a major step forward in Scotland’s conservation and climate efforts.

Inverbroom Estate which is located about eight miles south of Ullapool, boasts diverse landscapes, including peatlands, ancient woodlands, farmland, and a network of lochs and lochans. It was listed for sale in September as an “outstanding opportunity,” attracting interest from buyers, including those overseas.

Jo Pike, chief executive of the Scottish Wildlife Trust, emphasized the significance of the acquisition, said, “Not only is the purchase of Inverbroom an important milestone for the trust, but also for Scotland’s efforts to tackle the nature and climate crises. It is apt that we take ownership of the site on UN World Wildlife Day.

“The site includes some of Scotland’s most iconic species and habitats, so we are delighted to have been able to secure it for the benefit of Scotland’s wildlife and people, especially as there was also interest from overseas buyers,” he added.

Pike praised the generosity of a private donor, who is passionate about the part that Inverbroom can play in restoring the precious ecosystems, while delivering benefits for local people.

“We are extremely grateful to the donor for helping us secure this important site, and to our former chief executive and current Scottish Wildlife Trust ambassador, Jonny Hughes, who facilitated the donation,” he said.

With its vast ecological diversity, the estate will play a critical role in conservation efforts. The trust plans to restore peatlands, regenerate river woodlands and temperate rainforests, and remove invasive species such as Rhododendron ponticum. These efforts will help create habitats for species such as wood warblers and pine martens while encouraging the growth of mosses, lichens, and fungi.

A commitment has also been made to ensure that none of the conservation work at Inverbroom will be funded through the sale of carbon credits. Instead, the trust aims to collaborate with local farmers to promote sustainable agriculture, balancing biodiversity protection with productive farming practices.

Scott Renwick, whose family has farmed at Inverbroom for three generations, welcomed the collaboration: “We as a family are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

“Our grandfather moved to Inverbroom in 1933, so the family have had a knowledge of the land for 92 years.

“There is an incredible diversity of wildlife on the estate, from sea level to 3,300ft, from seals on the shore to ptarmigan on the tops.

“It is exciting to be involved with a highly respected organisation who will take traditional hill farming and wildlife preservation hand in hand, so that we can continue to farm at Inverbroom in such a way as to protect the natural environment.”

Nestled between the Broom and Cuileig rivers to the east and bordered by the Munros A’ Chailleach and Sgurr Breac to the south, the estate also holds historical significance. Two of its bridges were designed by Sir John Fowler, the chief engineer behind the Forth Road Bridge, who once owned Inverbroom in the 19th century.

With this landmark acquisition, the Scottish Wildlife Trust is poised to enhance conservation at an unprecedented scale, ensuring that Inverbroom remains a sanctuary for Scotland’s rich biodiversity while supporting sustainable land use for generations to come.

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