The Scottish Wildlife Trust bought the Inverbroom Estate thanks to a large donation, their biggest ever. Wildlife and habitats will benefit.
Owning this land lets the Trust do more for Scotland’s wildlife by better protecting and restoring habitats. The charity will restore nature on the land, helping the Scottish Government reach its goals to protect 30% of land and seas by 2030.
Inverbroom is located south of Ullapool, about eight miles away. The landscape is huge, including Loch a’ Bhraoin, which stretches 2.5 miles long! Rivers, the Broom and Cuileig, border the site and two Munros, A’ Chailleach and Sgùrr Breac, are to the south.
Sir John Fowler, who designed two bridges on the estate and built the Forth Road Bridge, once owned Inverbroom. Jo Pike, the Trust’s chief, spoke about the purchase and said it’s key for tackling climate issues.
She added they secured the location for both people and Scottish wildlife because a donor made it possible. They are keen on Inverbroom’s potential to restore ecosystems and aid locals. Pike thanked the donor and Jonny Hughes.
The Trust plans various projects for the site, including reviving woodland and rainforest habitat. Other goals are fixing peatlands and removing invasive plants. They will not sell carbon credits to fund this work.
Having pushed for farming support before, the Trust will now work with farmers at Inverbroom. Their goal is to promote good farming practices that benefit nature while keeping farms productive.
The Trust will act as a fair landowner by creating local jobs, training programs, and volunteering chances over time. The Renwick family has farmed there for three generations.
Scott Renwick’s family arrived in 1933 and knows the land well. He is happy to work with the Trust because the land has rich wildlife diversity. The Trust will protect the environment using hill farming.
Jo Pike said they want healthy ecosystems supporting both wildlife and people and hopes that managing the land benefits both. Pike also mentioned community talks, all aiming to build a good future for Inverbroom.
The estate was for sale in August 2024. The Scottish Wildlife Trust has majority ownership now, and the remaining part will be theirs by April 8th.