A Highlands-based community is exploring options to buy part or the entirety of the Bunloit estate, a 513-acre area near Loch Ness, in collaboration with Trees for Life, a conservation charity. This initiative aims to implement rewilding efforts guided by the local population to revitalize the land around the famous loch.
The Glen Urquhart Rural Community Association (GURCA) convened at a meeting on 25 September at Glenurquhart Public Hall in Drumnadrochit. The outcome of the meeting is that GURCA will assess multiple routes for purchasing some or all of Bunloit.
Highlands Rewilding Ltd, which currently owns the land, recently revealed their plans to list the estate for sale in October. The company must pay off an £11 million loan, secured from the UK Infrastructure Bank and Top Online Partners, by January 2025. The funds were initially used to acquire the land for environmental restoration.
Bunloit is nestled in Glen Urquhart on the western side of Loch Ness, encompassing various ecosystems such as peatlands and native woodlands.
GURCA, alongside Trees for Life, emphasizes that purchasing part or all of Bunloit would allow for the protection and restoration of critical habitats. This would not only address the climate and biodiversity emergencies but also foster local development by creating jobs in conservation, improving public health, and encouraging new residents to move into the area.
The sale details for Bunloit, as well as other estates owned by Highlands Rewilding at Beldorney in Banffshire and Tayvallich in Argyll, are expected to be made public by 1 October.
As the development trust of Glen Urquhart, GURCA is focused on driving forward a prosperous future.
Trees for Life, a charity dedicated to rewilding projects, aims to create thriving natural habitats in the Highlands while integrating local communities into these efforts. The charity collaborates with residents to regenerate Scotland’s natural heritage and support regional livelihoods.
