Draft Estate Management Plan
Please follow the link below to download a pdf copy of the AF draft estate management plan.http://www.mediafire.com/?oylypzkdpke
Text as follows:
Assynt Foundation
Drumrunie and Glencanisp
Estate Management Plan for 2007 and beyond
DRAFT
Contents
Summary
Foreword
Management Plan
Governance
Organisation and Communication
Finance and Economic Activity
Community
Housing
Crofting
Social benefits
Culture
Land
Landscape and Habitats
Woods
Deer
Livestock
Fish
Infrastructure
Access
Buildings
Energy
Backwords
Maps
Plans
Agreements
Summary
To be written last.
Foreword
The purpose of this document is to help Assynt Foundation and its partners to achieve their objectives, by laying out a coherent plan of action for the coming year and a strategy for the future. This part of the document, the ‘foreword’, sets out Assynt Foundation’s objectives and explains the methodology we are adopting to achieve them. The second part of the document discusses the full range of our activities that we will undertake in pursuit of our objectives. The third part of the document, the ‘backwords’, gives the background to how we got where we are, and details a range of features of our land, from the mountains to the mice, from the people to the politics.
Although Glencanisp and Drumrunie are seen by many as ‘natural’ or ‘wild’ they are first and foremost cultural landscapes. What we see today, both in landscape terms and in terms of habitats, is the result of generations of human activity. Evidence of human settlement is scattered throughout the landscape (see map 1): features of prehistoric settlements, ruins of shielings and shepherds’ houses, dykes (including even a dyke on the high bealach of Suilven) and turf enclosures. The habitats have been heavily influenced over millennia by grazing, first dominated by cattle, then by sheep, and more recently by high numbers of red deer. Continuous overgrazing, trampling and burning have led to a spectacularly naked landscape almost devoid of woodland cover and with many degraded habitats. Of the designated habitats on Drumrunie, with the exception of standing water, none are considered to be in favourable condition after many decades of ‘traditional’ estate management, despite management agreements in recent years with various government agencies. The Drumrunie area was formerly part of the Inverpolly National Nature Reserve, however Scottish Natural Heritage de-declared Inverpolly as a National Nature Reserve in 2004 because they could not get a commitment from the previous owners to make primacy of nature their management objective. Assynt Foundation is committed to giving primacy to nature in the management of Drumrunie. Despite their ecological degradation, Glencanisp and Drumrunie are awe-inspiring areas of land that provide local people and visitors with powerful experiences of wild places and adventure.
By 2005, when the Assynt Foundation bought the land on behalf of the community of Assynt, nobody lived year round on either estate. Community ownership is a tremendous opportunity to make long term plans both to restore the ecosystems and to develop activity based on the land to generate economic and social benefits for local people. (NB: Throughout these documents, although Drumrunie strictly speaking falls in Loch Broom parish, ‘Assynt’ should be read to cover the parish of Assynt and include the area of Drumrunie.)
Who we are
Assynt Foundation is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status, open to membership by everyone living in the community of Assynt and on the electoral register. We have a board of directors and currently employ a development manager and a project officer full-time, and several other staff on a seasonal, part-time or self-employed basis. Assynt Foundation has a subsidiary trading company called Assynt.biz, with its own board of directors appointed by Assynt Foundation. As well as our members, local people and visitors to Assynt, we are committed to consulting and co-operating with a wide range of organisations, including other charities, businesses and national and regional government agencies. This plan is based on the results of consultation with the community for the feasibility study carried out in 2004, ongoing discussions since then, discussions with Government agencies, discussions with our partners and interviews with the current directors and staff.
Our objectives
Our overall long term objectives as stated in our Memorandum and Articles are:
‘To manage community land and associated assets for the benefit of the community and the public in general as an important part of the protection and sustainable development of Scotland’s natural environment, where ‘sustainable development’ means development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To advance the education of the community about its environment, culture and/or history’.
We want to increase the opportunities for people to enjoy the special qualities of our land and to create opportunities for local people to live and work on the land.
We have also agreed with Scottish Natural Heritage the following more specific natural heritage management objectives.
a) On Drumrunie Estate, to ensure that all management activities are undertaken in a manner maintaining the concept of the primacy of nature conservation.
b) To manage the land to meet the objectives of all the European and national designations on the Drumrunie and Glencanisp Estates.
c) To protect, maintain and enhance as appropriate, the nature conservation interest of the land to meet biodiversity objectives at local and national levels
d) To undertake and assist in monitoring and research to meet biological objectives and demonstrate positive land management techniques.
e) To encourage the adoption of land use practices which are compatible with the requirements to protect, maintain and enhance biological, geological and landscape interests.
f) To increase the understanding of habitat management and the enjoyment of the special interests by the local community and visiting public.
g) To ensure that visitor use of the estates is compatible with other natural heritage management objectives.
h) To encourage responsible informal and formal recreation on the estates.
i) To protect, maintain, and enhance as appropriate, the landscape features of the land including the sense of mass and scale, wildness and richness of detail.
j) To protect, maintain and enhance as appropriate the archaeological and historical interest.
Our strategy
This is a management plan, but with a difference. It is not dogmatic, linear or rigidly prescriptive. Assynt Foundation will take a collaborative and adaptive approach to planning and management in order to achieve our objectives. This will involve a process of explicit and conscious learning which involves repeated iterations of planning, taking actions, monitoring, reflecting and adapting. The lessons learned through reflection may well lead to alterations in the management plan in subsequent iterations. Mistakes and failures will be seen as opportunities for learning and triggers for adaptation. Successes and surprises will be noted and reinforced. A process of full review will be undertaken annually, with additional assessments at seasonally appropriate times feeding into the full review.
Our management of Glencanisp and Drumrunie will be guided by collaboration with our members, our partners and supporting agencies in agreeing specific aims and actions to meet our objectives, subjecting these aims and actions to regular assessments and modifying them in the light of their findings. To achieve this we will establish a liaison group, involving SNH, FCS, DCS, JMT, ACC and HC and meet with this group twice yearly to help ensure that we, and our partners, are working together as effectively as possible, sharing lessons learned and building consensus about the future of our land.
A spreadsheet version of this action plan will be used to record details such as who, when and where actions will be carried out and as the basis for tracking progress, discussion with our partners and structuring reviews. This plan will thus be a living document, not one to be filed and forgotten.
In setting our management aims and actions our strategy is:
• to plan, act, reflect and learn, and to adapt our aims and actions in accordance with what we learn and the needs of our community;
• to be inclusive, participative and responsive to the community of Assynt in developing our actions towards achieving our objectives and in meeting our specific aims;
• to encourage, value and support volunteers, and encourage wide participation in our work;
• to collaborate with those agencies and other organisations who share our objectives and want to work with us to achieve them;
• to assess all our proposed actions to ensure they are compatible with our objectives and the objectives in agreements signed up to with our partners (SNH, JMT, DCS and Tubney Trust);
• to seek permission for any actions in designated areas that are ‘operations requiring consent’;
• to employ highly motivated and skilled staff;
• to adopt the best standards and practices in all we do.
Glencanisp and Drumrunie is a large area of land, containing many places which will each be managed according to different priorities (see map 2). For example, the land closest to Lochinver village will be used to optimise social benefits to the community, such as affordable housing. Efforts to create new crofts will be focused at the former farm at Ledbeg. The land close to Glencanisp Lodge will be developed with an emphasis on its use for cultural and recreational and economic use. The area around Cnocnaneach has been identified as the most suitable part of the estate for noisy recreation. Drumrunie will be managed to ensure all activities give primacy to nature conservation with a focus on woodland regeneration and bringing the designated habitats in to favourable condition. The south shore of Loch Assynt will be the site of innovative efforts to encourage woodland regeneration, in an effort to link up with other regenerating woods and ultimately to bequeath to future generations a ‘Great Wood of Assynt’ (see map 12).
Management Plan
This plan sets out our aims for the full range of our activities, under the headings of Governance, Community, Land and Infrastructure. For each area of activity it also states comprehensively our planned actions for year 1 (April 2007- April 2008) and some of the actions we intend to carry out in year 2 or beyond. (NB: "(ongoing)" indicates that an action will be ongoing from year to year.) We are satisfied that all of our aims, and the actions to be carried out in year 1, are compatible with our objectives and the objectives in the agreements signed up to with our partners (SNH, DCS, JMT and Tubney Trust); and we commit to assessing this compatibility for future years’ action plans.
Governance
Organisation and communication
Long term aims
Ensure competent governance of Assynt Foundation with full community involvement. Keep Assynt community, the wider community and the supporting agencies fully informed of our objectives and activities. Grow the membership of Assynt Foundation. Provide high quality information, interpretation and education. Ensure excellent staff conditions and training. Organise training for directors. Manage a range of working subgroups.
Year 1 actions
Hold two community open meetings. (ongoing)
Publish four newsletters. (ongoing)
Keep web site up-to-date. (ongoing)
Review and update Health and Safety policy and other Assynt Foundation policies. (ongoing)
Carry out a risk assessment of all Assynt Foundation activities.
Prepare a general information leaflet.
Recruit 20 new members of Assynt Foundation. (ongoing)
Set up culture and communications subgroups.
Set up a Friends of Assynt scheme.
Employ an administrative assistant.
Hold regular line management meetings with staff. (ongoing)
Set up and meet with a liaison group of our partners (SNH, FCS, DCS, JMT, ACC and HC). (ongoing)
Review and reflect on implementation of this management plan and record the results. (ongoing)
Develop detailed management plan for year 2. (ongoing)
Year 2 actions
Hold two community open meeting to review activities and progress towards objectives (ongoing)
Commission a plan (including objectives) for high-quality interpretation about the land, wildlife, paths and history.
Update the information about Assynt Foundation in the visitor centre.
Finance and economic activity
Long term aims
Ensure financial competence. Meet Assynt Foundation’s revenue needs through sensitive and sustainable economic activity managed by Assynt.biz. Ensure sufficient income to support core staff. Develop a stable market for Glencanisp Lodge and other properties.
Year 1 actions
Produce monthly budgets and statements, quarterly cash-flow analyses and annual return and accounts. (ongoing)
Develop a stable market for stalking (including camera stalking) spread across the season (Assynt.biz).
Meet with Wilderness Scotland about the potential for ecotourism.
Year 2 actions
Investigate ways to add value to venison produced from stalking. (Assynt.biz)
Market Glencanisp Lodge particularly for corporate and commercial clients. (Assynt.biz)
Promote the use of the boathouse as bunkhouse accommodation. (Assynt.biz)
Identify a source of revenue to complete Development Manager funding package.
Meet with Assynt Tourism Group and Wilderness Scotland about developing ecotourism.
Community
Youth
Long term aims
Encourage young people to access and use our land responsibly. Engage youth in the community in the management of the land. Develop water sports and other outdoor facilities, with local tourism operators and the Assynt Leisure Centre. Work towards a multi-day outdoor sports event including a Suilven hill race. Develop an outdoor centre at Cnocnaneach, linked to facilities for trail bikes, paintball and other outdoor activities.
Year 1 actions
Create employment for a young local person with learning disabilities. (ongoing)
Create opportunity for young local people to be trained as stalkers. (ongoing)
Buy 12 kayaks and safety boats for use by visitors and locals.
Run training in use of canoes and water sport safety.
Organise a triathlon terminating at Glencanisp with Assynt Leisure.
Make plans with local entrepreneurs for establishing an outdoor activity centre at Cnoceaneach.
Year 2 actions
Create more employment for young people with disabilities.
Seek funding for sailing dinghies, trailer and boathouse.
Develop triathlon, to cater for several skill/age levels.
Support local entrepreneurs developing outdoor activities at Cnocnaneach, and implement plans agreed in year 1.
Organise a mini land-use seminar for local young people, involving walk-and-talk to envision long term landscape and vegetation dynamics.
Housing
Long term aims
Help meet Assynt’s housing needs with ecologically sensitive housing most of which is retained as affordable to those in most need. Make land available for affordable housing for local people.
Year 1 actions
Meet with Highland Council Housing Development group and other potential partners to identify the best approach and identify a partner for taking this project forwards.
Input to local plan seeking for the site identified as most appropriate to be zoned for housing.
Commission a technical report on foul water disposal at the housing site.
Commission a landscape assessment and design for the site.
Year 2 actions
Consider findings of advisors and work with partners to take affordable housing forward.
Undertake a full technical site study of the site, with partners.
Refine understanding of local demand for houses.
Year 3 actions
Prepare a programme for the delivery of affordable houses.
Consider a land release policy for sale of individual house plots
Crofting
Long term aims
Establish crofts on Assynt Foundation or nearby land and let them to local tenants.
Year 1 actions
Discuss with FCS the potential for woodland crofts on Forestry Commission land in Ledmore Forest.
Year 2 actions
Discuss with people in Ledmore, Elphin and Knockan the possibility of creating crofts on Ledbeg farm.
Prepare proposals for the creation of crofts.
Prepare criteria and process for the letting of new crofts
Year 3 actions
Apply to Crofters Commission for permission to create new crofts.
Let crofts to suitable tenants.
Social, Cultural and recreational benefits
Long term aims
Create and take opportunities to use Assynt Foundation’s assets to improve services for the local community. Develop Glencanisp as a hub of arts, crafts and cultural activity, involving the local community. Help meet Assynt’s health needs by providing good access and recreational opportunities. Support the entrepreneurial and social aspirations of the people of Assynt, and enhance local skills with local training providers. Develop recreational use of whole estate by clients based at Glencanisp Lodge. Involve people with learning and physical disabilities and elderly people in an all-abilities garden at Glencanisp,
Year 1 actions
Discuss with Highland Council and other potential partners about ways of co-operating with them to enhance social services for people in the Highlands.
Discuss with Health and Happiness and the current tenant about using of part of the walled garden, including potential use of pigs to clear the ground.
Set up an arts/culture subgroup within Assynt Foundation.
Organise two fun days for the local community at Glencanisp. (ongoing)
Continue trial of writers retreats and develop a creative writing course.
Trial other arts-based residential weeks at Glencanisp Lodge.
Establish opportunity for a writer/artist in residence at Glencanisp.
Host a craft event (such as wine-making workshops) at Glencanisp. (ongoing)
Year 2 actions
Run training in risk assessment for outdoor activities.
Carry out consultation with the community about Glencanisp developing as an arts and crafts centre.
Develop a programme of arts and crafts activities. (ongoing)
Discuss with Comunn Eachdraidh Asainte and Historic Assynt about their potential interest in the old buildings.
Continue writing retreats in refurbished lodge.
Promote opportunity for writer/artist in residence. (ongoing)
Land
Landscape and habitats
Long term aims
Safeguard the exceptional landscape qualities. Protect and enhance habitats, ensuring no projects are detrimental to the biodiversity of the estate. Bring the designated habitats to ‘favourable status’. Ensure all activities on Drumrunie give primacy to nature conservation. Achieve a biodiverse and resource rich land and enhance the exceptional environmental qualities through the restoration of damaged habitats and ecosystems. Encourage the local community and wider public’s enjoyment of the natural heritage of Glencanisp and Drumrunie. Develop a vision for the most appropriate land use for the estates into the very long term.
Year 1 actions
Collaborate with the DCS on monitoring each May of the seedling response to deer reductions on Drumrunie, as detailed in the deer management plan. (ongoing)
Establish a regime in collaboration with SNH for site condition monitoring on SSSIs.
Devise a programme of monitoring activity on UK BAP species and habitats, to begin with selected baseline surveys.
Visit Drumrunie SWGS exclosure with Forestry Commission Scotland and local community and SNH (including investigating wood ants).
Liaise with MacAulay Land Use Research Institute about research into detailed monitoring of grazing impacts.
Year 2 actions
Set up a site condition monitoring regime involving 1km transcripts of dry and wet heath on Glencanisp.
Organise monitoring training for stalkers and other staff.
Seek and develop input from the community into a long-term vision for the landscape and land use.
Begin a programme of drain blocking between Knockan and Drumrunie corner. (ongoing)
Woods
Long term aims
Encourage regeneration of woods at key areas of the estate, particularly on Drumrunie and along the South shore of Loch Assynt, aiming ultimately for continuous woods along the shore. Plant useful timber species in suitable areas.
Year 1 actions
Carry out fixed point photographic record of existing woods. This will be repeated at five year intervals.
Visit the Drumrunie exclosures with SNH advisors and local staff.
Visit the three woodland grant scheme exclosures with FCS.
Meet with Forest Enterprise to get advice on wind blown timber around Glencanisp Lodge.
Carry out tree regeneration monitoring in the South Loch Assynt woods. (ongoing)
Identify some control plots for monitoring to compare with areas where active intervention will take place and carry out baseline monitoring.
Apply for funding from Highland Council to support experimental interventions on the South shore of Loch Assynt with pigs to poach ground, disturb deer and thereby speed up woodland regeneration.
Carry out and review impacts of a first pig trial.
Year 2 actions
Develop a plan of action for the Drumrunie exclosures, taking into consideration the original purpose of each one.
Establish and improve woodland monitoring regime, including small plot exclosures.
Continue experiments in regeneration. (ongoing)
Plan for removal of wind blown timber around Glencanisp Lodge, linked to contract for wood fuel heating system if possible.
Prepare a planting programme for useful timber close to Glencanisp Lodge and other suitable areas.
Check condition of exclosure fences and repair if needed (ongoing)
Deer
Long term aims
Have a healthy herd such that vegetation regeneration is taking place. Manage the deer population in accordance with the Deer Management Plan and Deer Commission Scotland (DCS) ‘Best Practice’.
Year 1 actions
Carry out deer management plan actions: culling and reviewing progress. (ongoing)
Meet with DCS and SNH and neighbouring landowners twice. (ongoing)
Attend Deer Management Group and involve neighbouring landlords in management activity. (ongoing)
Work with DCS on monitoring on Drumrunie. (ongoing)
Carry out annual deer count by helicopter on both estates. (ongoing)
Attend DCS ‘Best Practice’ events and training. (ongoing)
Provide annual deer management records and an annual record of management to SNH. (ongoing)
Investigate out-of-season hind shooting in sensitive areas.
Discuss with MLURI about setting up research project incorporating DeerMap and inter-species interactions.
Year 2 actions
Use results of MLURI DeerMap project (if applicable) to inform and update deer management plan.
Refurbish and extend deer larder including installation of chiller and processing facilities
Livestock
Long term aims
To use livestock to enhance biodiversity of the estate and provide food for the local community. Establish the optimum grazing regime to achieve a healthy and resource-rich land. Endeavour to accommodate individuals in the community wanting to use the land for stock.
Year 1 actions
Assess fence repair and maintenance needs to prepare old parks around Glencanisp Lodge for cattle.
Commission a feasibility study into a community cattle herd, with North West Cattle Producers Association and Scottish Agriculture College.
Hold a public meeting with local community on a community cattle scheme.
Meet with residents and crofters at Elphin about land management and particularly livestock.
Consult with SNH over the possible use of livestock in the Drumrunie exclosures.
Year 2 actions
Follow through on the results of local meetings, consultations and feasibility study.
Fish
Long term aims
Maintain the trout fisheries and keep them available to the public through the Assynt Angling Group.
Enhance salmon stocks. Enhance riparian zone consistent with the Culag River Management Plan.
Year 1 actions
Carry out spring and autumn survey of salmon and brown trout stocks in Loch Druim Suardlain. (ongoing)
Join West Sutherland Fisheries Trust.
Year 2 actions
Open Abhainn Bad na h-Achlaise system to the inland lochs.
Stock Abhainn Bad na h-Achlaise with indigenous salmon.
Explore potential for developing a hatchery.
Increase number of boats on lochs.
Infrastructure
Access
Long term aims
Enhance access to the estate by developing and maintaining paths.
Year 1 actions
Carry out path maintenance as in the Land Management Contract paths plan. (ongoing)
Establish and carry out a maintenance schedule for fences, paths, bridges etc. (ongoing)
Year 2 actions
Apply for Rural Development Contracts to support further pathwork.
Develop a programme of pathwork in conjunction with Assynt Footpath Group and SNH local staff.
Resurface Glencanisp Lodge driveway.
Review use of all terrain vehicle access to Gleann Laoigh for stalking.
Assess the impacts of recreation and all terrain vehicle use.
Buildings
Long term aims
Renovate Glencanisp Lodge. Let Glencanisp Lodge commercially 50% of the year, and 50% of the year for social and community users. Develop bunkhouse and bothy accommodation to complement the Lodge. Make optimum use of other buildings, including Ledbeg House.
Year 1 actions
Apply for funds for lodge refurbishment.
Get renovation well under way.
Build log boiler house, laundry and community woodfuel energy building, involving training of local people in chain-saw skills, post-and-beam building and log scribing.
Carry out building survey of Ledbeg House.
Draw up and carry out maintenance schedule for all buildings. (ongoing)
Carry out maintenance and install woodfuel stoves in Gardener’s cottage and Stalkers Bothy.
Upgrade the ‘old boathouse’ to bunkhouse standard.
Explore with Scottish Mountain Bothy Association the potential for developing bothies at old buildings on the estate.
Year 2 actions
Complete Lodge renovation.
Hold a grand community re-opening of the Lodge.
Set up a community interest company to develop and use wood building skills.
Facilitate the development of laundry and catering businesses based at the Lodge.
Produce a strategy for the use of all buildings behind the Lodge.
Identify suitable locations and funding for eco huts including a multi-purpose bothy in Drumrunie for environmental/educational experiences for locals.
Year 3 actions
Build a multi-purpose bothy in Drumrunie.
Energy
Long term aims
Ensure the lodge and other buildings are energy efficient and use renewable energy. Help to meet Assynt’s energy needs from renewable resources. Work to develop an Assynt Community Renewable Energy Company.
Year 1 actions
Carry out Energy Savings Trust audit of lodge.
Upgrade the Lodge’s windows, insulation and install solar water heating.
Install woodfuel heating in the lodge, Gardener’s cottage and Stalkers’ bothy.
Explore the establishment of a woodfuel business by a local entrepreneur.
Engage with the local community on how to take forwards the results of the wind generation feasibility study.
Engage with the wider Assynt renewable energy initiative.
Hold regular meetings of the renewables subgroup and attend other relevant community meetings.(ongoing)
Year 2 actions
Carry out Energy Savings Trust audit of other buildings.
Support a local entrepreneur in setting up a woodfuel business.
Follow up on the results of consultation with community on developing renewable energy generation.
Backwords
Assynt Foundation
Climate – Peter Kohn
Geology - Fiona Saywell
Landscape – Mick Blunt
Historic sites - Malcolm Bangor- Jones
Socio-economics and demographics – Kirsty Macleod
Education and youth - Rosmarie Shairp
Crofting - Bill Ritchie
Housing - Peter Hardwick
Business start-ups – Derek Louden
Renewable energy – Derek Louden
[Tourism – Nick Gorton - awaiting submission]
Glencanisp Lodge – Derek Louden
Habitats - Viv Halcrow
Designations and BAPs – Bill Ritchie
Flora – Viv Halcrow
Existing woodlands - Robin Noble
Woodland schemes - Robin Noble
Drumrunie exclosures – with notes from SNH
Birds - Andy Summers
Animals – Ian Evans
Fisheries - Duncan May
Stalking – Bill Ritchie
Grazing Impact on Drumrunie – Rory Putnam
Paths – Andy Summers
[Interpretation – Bill Ritchie - awaiting submission]
[Land Management – Claire Belshaw – awaiting submission]
Maps referred to in text
1. Historic sites
2. Management zones
3. Geology
4. National Scenic Area
5. Wild Land recognised in Sutherland Local Area Plan
6. Croft lands
7. Proposed site for affordable housing
8. Glencanisp Lodge Renovation plan
9. Habitats
10. Boundaries
11. Footpaths
12. Great Wood of Assynt
Other maps
SWGS woodlands
South Loch Assynt woodlands
Drumrunie woodlands
Drumrunie exclosures
Proposed core footpaths
Access points
Fisheries Protection Area
Neighbouring community owned land
Nearby social assets (schools, community buildings, etc)
Plans and Agreements
Assynt Foundation Business Plan 2007
Glencanisp and Drumrunie Deer Management Plan 2005
South Side of Loch Assynt Plan 2007
DCS Drumrunie Estate- Section 7 Control Agreement 2006
Management agreement with SNH
Agreement with JMT
Other information held by Assynt Foundation
Memorandom and Articles
Assynt Foundation
Assynt Foundation is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status established in August 2004. Membership is limited to those living in the parish of Assynt and on the electoral role. (NB: Throughout these documents, although Drumrunie strictly speaking falls in Loch Broom parish, ‘Assynt’ should be read to cover the parish of Assynt and include the area of Drumrunie.) Directors are appointed by the members under the rules of the Memorandon and Articles. AF purchased Glencanisp and Drumrunie Estates on 14th June 2005 under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Funding was provided by The Scottish Land Fund, HIE Community Land Unit, Tubney Charitable Trust, Scottish Natural Heritage and John Muir Trust.
As a charity Assynt Foundation cannot carry on any profit making activity. In order to maximise revenue raising activities from its assets Assynt Foundation has set up Assynt.biz as a trading company wholly owned by Assynt Foundation. It is a separate legal body with independent directors appointed by Assynt Foundation set up to carry out profit making activities. Any profits are gifted to Assynt Foundation to allow the Assynt Foundation to carry out its charitable activities. Current activities of Assynt.biz include managing the letting of Glencanisp Lodge as a self-catering facility and the management of the let red deer stalking.
Glencanisp and Drumrunie – summary description.
The 13,150 ha (32,500acres) Glencanisp Estate lies in the parish of Assynt in Sutherland. At the time of purchase nobody lived full time on the estate. It has been managed as a traditional sporting estate for over 100 years and includes the mountains of Suilven (731m) and Canisp (846m). It includes Glencanisp Lodge, a 14 bedroom Victorian house, one mile east of Lochinver up a single track road. It also includes Ledbeg, the oldest inhabited house in Assynt. There is also a 2 bedroom house and a bothy along with various out buildings near the lodge. The upper storey of the former stable building is used as Assynt Foundation’s office.
The 4,800 ha (11,900acres) Drumrunie Estate lies in the parish of Loch Broom in Ross and Cromarty. It has been managed along with Glencanisp Estate as a sporting estate for over 100 years. It includes the mountains of Cul Mor (849m) and Cul Beag (769m). There are no houses on Drumrunie estate.
The vegetation on both Glencanisp and Drumrunie is mainly upland heath with small fragmented areas of semi-natural ancient native woods. Glencanisp and Drumrunie contain four Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The entire estate of Drumrunie has been designated as part of the Inverpolly Special Area of Conservation. Many of the lochs are designated under the Inverpolly, Loch Urigil and nearby Lochs Special Protection Area for the breeding birds. These lochs form part of the core breeding range of Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica in the UK. Loch Assynt is part of the Assynt Lochs SPA. Both estates form a significant core of the Assynt – Coigeach National Scenic Area. In 2004 in recognition of its outstanding geology and landscape, the North West Highlands including Assynt was awarded European Geopark status by UNESCO.
Climate
Being on the western seaboard of Scotland, the parish of Assynt enjoys a maritime climate: rainfall is high and the range of temperatures is quite limited with comparatively mild winters and cool summers. The Meteorological Office has never had a full weather station within the parish but there are three stations just outside the boundaries: to the north at Duartmore Bridge; to the south at Inverpolly; and to the southeast at Knockanrock. There are also long term records of rainfall at Strathcanaird Power Station and Inchnadamph and short term records for Stoer, Lochinver and Kerrachar. None of these stations has records for more than about thirty years. Making allowances for altitude, the records for Inverpolly and Knockanrock are particularly relevant to the Drumrunie and Glencanisp Estates.
The high rainfall arises from the moist air brought from the sea by the prevailing (SW-W) winds. As this air hits the land, and particularly as it is lifted by the hills, it cools and moisture is lost as rain, hail or snow. The driest part of the parish is the Stoer peninsula with only 1230 mm of rain per year whereas 2080mm falls at Knockanrock. Almost certainly rainfall will be even higher on the hill tops and especially on the eastern boundary of the estates. Although the records are somewhat incomplete, and sometimes cover only a few years, the general pattern of variation through the year is quite clear. Everywhere May is the driest month and November (or December) the wettest: rainfall in the driest month is around 40% of that in the wettest month.
As expected, the inland (and higher) recording station at Knockan is noticeably colder than Duartmore or Inverpolly. The daily fluctuation in temperature is four or five degrees Celsius in winter and six or seven degrees in summer. Typical summer temperatures are 16 at Knockan and 17 at Inverpolly though 20?C will be exceeded in most years in any month between May and September.
Assynt is also a windy parish. The far north-west of Scotland is acknowledged to be one of the windiest parts of Europe. Although the hurricane of January 12th/13th 2005 was exceptional, gale force winds are quite common. At Duartmore Bridge gales (above about 40mph) are only recorded on nine days each year. Nevertheless, there is an average wind speed of nearly 10mph and the calmest month (August) still has winds of two-thirds the strength of those in the windiest month (January).
Winter days are short and the number of days with no sunshine at all is also much higher in winter - these account for two days out of three in December but less than one in ten in May. May is the sunniest month, well ahead of June and then April.
Although relatively temperate, Assynt still experiences frosts on up to 50 days a year at Duartmore (this figure will be much lower right on the coast but much higher at Knockan), and lying snow was observed on 13 days per year on average.
A fuller summary of the Assynt climate has been presented in “The Flora of Assynt” written and published by P.A. and I.M. Evans (with G.P. Rothero)
Note by Bill Ritchie: average wind speed around the coast and on higher ground range from 7 – 10 m per second, around 26kph or 16mph. The coastal and mountains also have many more gales than recoded at Duartmore Bridge with frequent severe gales on the mountain summits. The wind speed on the summits can be estimated as on average nearly double that at sea level.
Geology
Introduction
The geology of Glencanisp and Drumrunie estates spans over 2.5 billion years of earth history. The majority of the land lies within the Lewisian Gneiss, a metamorphic complex dating back to approximately 3 billion years. These rocks have been repeatedly heated and compressed to form the distinctive low-lying landscape of the western sections of Glencanisp and Drumrunie. Moving east, the gneiss is overlain by the Torridonian Sandstones, comprising several thick layers of sandstones, mudstones and conglomerates. A sequence of pure quartz sandstone, worm burrowed sandstone, calcareous siltstones and grits and dolomitised limestones form the eastern fringes of the estates. This last sequence was formed at around 550 million years. Up to this point in Earth history Assynt and the rest of Scotland lay on a separate piece of crust to England. At around 450 million years ago these two separate pieces of crust collided and formed a mountain chain to the southwest. The compressive forces were far reaching and although Assynt lies on the foreland region to this mountain chain, the rocks were affected by a major low angle fault or thrust, known as the Moine Thrust, which dips down to the southwest. As a result much older rocks of the Moine succession have been brought up from depth and from the east to the surface to lie on top of the youngest sequence of rocks in Assynt. These Moine rocks lie at the southeastern corner of the Drumrunie estate and consist of a series of metamorphosed sandstones and mudstones. Other rock types found in the area are sills and dykes composed of rare types of igneous rocks, the emplacement of which are all linked to the movement on the Moine Thrust.
The Lewisian Complex
The Lewisian Complex was originally a series of granite type rocks, fragments of ocean crust and some sedimentary rocks which underwent several phases of metamorphism and deformation to produce typically grey and banded gneiss grade rocks. The oldest parts of the complex have been dated as 3.03Ga (billion years) with the youngest phase of deformation occurring at 1.63 to 1.86Ga. These gneisses are crosscut by WNW to ESE trending basic and ultra basic dykes which were emplaced around 2.0 to 2.4Ga.
The Torridonian Sandstone
Following formation of the Lewisian Complex a time gap of circa 600 Ma (million years) allowed the exposure and weathering of the gneiss to take place. At around 1000Ma (1Ga) the Torridonian Sandstone was laid down on this exposed land surface in rift valleys by large river systems. This time gap is known as an unconformity and can be traced through Glencanisp estate along the base of Suilven, Canisp, Beinn Reidh and Beinn Gharbh. The Torridonian sandstone comprises the majority of Drumrunie estate and the unconformity is not as extensive in this vicinity.
Cambrian Rocks
A second unconformity of circa 300 Ma occurs between the Torridonian and the overlying quartzite. In a few small areas the quartzite lies directly on the on the Lewisian, the largest section of which can be traced northwards from Cam Loch. The quartzite beds were laid down as beach sands and pass up into a sequence formed at the opening ocean to the southeast. This sequence finishes with limestones which were dolomitised after burial. Some of these limestones have also been altered to marble where contact to large igneous bodies is close providing heat for this change to occur.
Moine Thrust Zone (MTZ)
A period of mountain building forming the Caledonian Mountains to the east of Assynt took place 450 Ma with the closure of the Iapetus Ocean which lay between present day Scotland and England. Assynt lies on the western edge of the Caledonian mountain belt. This western edge is characterised by low angle thrust/reverse faults. These faults transport rocks from lower levels to higher levels of the crust, emplacing older rocks onto younger.
The structural geology in this area is dominated by the Moine Thrust Belt where older Moine rocks (1000 Ma) have been transported westwards to lie on top of the foreland rocks. Complications arise where the locking up of thrusts occur and the subsequent forward propagation of thrust faults creates complex sequences of thrust bound sections.
Along the west coast from Skye to Durness the Moine Thrust zone is usually quite narrow. However in Assynt, due to the intrusion of large igneous bodies at similar times to the thrusting, the thrust planes created a bulge that has since been eroded and has exposed the complex sequence of events below. The oldest thrust is the Moine thrust, which then locked up and propagated forward to form the Ben More Thrust, followed by the Glencoul Thrust which is mainly exposed in the north of Assynt and finally the Sole Thrust is the most westerly exposed thrust in this area.
Igneous Rocks
Closely associated with movements in this thrust zone are several types of igneous intrusions, which are linked by their mode of formation and composition. The Loch Borrolan intrusion is the largest area of igneous rock in Assynt. It was emplaced during movement along the MTZ and dating of this intrusion has been integral to establishing the date of movement along the MTZ in Assynt. Other minor intrusions are dykes and sills, which cut both rocks of the foreland and those involved in thrusting. Two main types are Canisp Porphyry and grorudite. Canisp Porphyry is confined to the unmoved foreland rocks, and grorudite is only found in the Ben More and Glencoul Nappes (which are outwith Glencanisp and Drumrunie).
Quaternary
The cooling in the quaternary, which resulted in the ice ages, started at 35-40 Ma. However the last major glacial event was at a maximum 20,000 years ago. When the ice sheet was at its thickest it is believed that the summits of some of the mountains which are at present covered with extensive block fields were exposed above the level of the ice. Block fields occur where freeze thaw processes can operate to weather the rock by frost shattering. A later glacial period called the Loch Lomond readvance, about 10,000 years ago, reintroduced corrie glaciers to the area on some of the higher peaks. The ice ages have left a landscape legacy creating deepened valleys and sea lochs.
Geological Conservation Review Sites (GCR sites)
GCR sites are earth science sites identified as at least nationally important for Earth heritage conservation. Many of these sites are also of international importance. There are 5 GCR sites within the Glencanisp estate, 3 of which lie within the Cam Loch Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
In the southeast corner of the Glencanisp estate there is an isolated part of the Ben More thrust nappe known as the Cam Loch Klippe. The thrust plane carried older rocks up above it and bulged upwards in this area as repeated stacking and folding of the rocks in the overlying nappe took place, following erosion this section was left isolated away from the main Ben More Thrust. This area has been identified as a Geological Conservation Review Site (GCR site) and shown on map 3 as site 1.
The exposures of Canisp Porphyry are particularly spectacular on Beinn Gharbh and have been assigned as a GCR site (GCR site 2). Another GCR site (3) shows the relationship between the Canisp Porphyry and the Sole Thrust plane and is important as the porphyry does not cut across the Sole Thrust plane and appears to be terminated by it. This indicates the confinement of this particular rock type to the foreland sequence of rocks. GCR site 4 is a good example of a grorudite dyke within the Cam Loch Klippe illustrating the confinement of this rock type to the Ben More (and Glencoul) Nappes.
The fifth GCR site is associated with the quaternary deposits of sediment on the floor of Cam Loch, which contain a valuable record of environmental changes between 13,000 and 10,000 years ago. The sediments have been analysed and indicate significant periods of cooling at the end of the last glacial period.
Other areas of interest
An important geological structure within the Lewisian Gneiss is the WNW to ESE trending Canisp Shear Zone. A shear zone is a linear area of dislocation, which is formed at depths in excess of 10km. At this depth the temperatures and pressures are high therefore movement along a shear zone occurs in a ductile fashion resulting in a wide zone of deformation. This is different to a fault, which fractures in a brittle fashion and produces a much narrower zone of deformation. In the case of the Canisp Shear Zone the width has been established as 1-2 km. This area forms the northern limb of the Lochinver Antiform, a large fold in the gneiss banding which forms the bay at Achmelvich to the northwest of Glencanisp Estate. Although the exposure of the shear zone is significantly clearer on the coast between Achmelvich and Clachtoll, it does pass through Glencanisp estate to the north of the lodge east-southeastwards to the southern side of Canisp.
A new landform associated with the Minch palaeo ice stream was discovered in 2006 during remapping of the area by the British Geological Survey. They have been termed glacial megagrooves and are large trough like features cutting across the rock types, which were eroded beneath the ice by water under high pressure. Several examples lie within an area of the Drumrunie estate between Cul Mor and Elphin. These exposures along with examples in the vicinity of Ullapool are the only known examples at present in Britain and may become significantly important in the future.
Landscape
Drumrunie and Glencanisp lie between Knockan and Lochinver (to the south and west of the A835 and A837, from the Achiltibuie turn off to Lochinver), and both estates contribute greatly to the spectacular Assynt landscape, with isolated mountains rising from a broken and rocky, loch smattered moor land. The peaks of Assynt rise as striking individuals from the low-lying moor and act as powerful landmarks. The hills are unique geologically and form part of an iconic landscape valued by a national scenic designation and eulogised in poetry and song, literature and art.
Drumrunie and Glencanisp lie entirely within the Assynt-Coigach National Scenic Area (NSA), see map 4. Cul Beg, Cul Mor, Suilven and Canisp lie within Glencanisp and Drumrunie Estates, a reflection of the national significance of the area in landscape terms. Part of the description in Scotland’s Scenic Heritage (Countryside Commission for Scotland, 1978) runs ‘The area contains seven well known mountains: Ben More Coigach, Stac Pollaidh, Cul Beg, Cul Mor, Suilven, Canisp and Quinag… They are famed for their strange spectacular shapes, which are thrown into relief, higher than their statistical height would indicate, by the comparatively uniform ground of moorland and loch out of which they rise. Some of them have knife-edged ridges of white quartz and grey scree slopes that contrast with the weathered red sandstone that forms the core of their structure. The contrasting lowlands are a jumble of morainic hillocks and pink-grey rock, interspersed with lochans and peaty hollows.’
Much of the estate lies within the search areas for wild land, as identified in Scottish Natural Heritage’s (SNH) policy statement ‘Wildness in Scotland’s Countryside’. Highland Council has produced a detailed draft map (map 5) showing the extent of those parts of Assynt it has recognised as wild land, as part of the latest draft Sutherland Local Plan. This new recognition of wild land covers large parts of both Drumrunie and Glencanisp estates.
The character and experience of this landscape are a crucial part of the area’s identity and a resource that underpins the tourist economy. SNH has identified its key characteristics as:
Sense of mass and scale
The vertical faces of the hills reinforce the sense of drama, especially Cul Mor and Suilven. The free-standing peaks cast shadows emphasising their individuality.
Sense of wildness
The dominance of landforms and processes gives the area a profound sense of naturalness. There are few regular shapes, no cultivation, extensive areas of semi-natural vegetation and very little in the way of human artefacts to interrupt the skyline and reduce the sense of scales by providing visual reference points. There are few paths and tracks crossing through the area and the relatively little-visited hinterland provides a unique wild land experience.
Richness of detail
The generally expansive nature of the landscape belies the small scale and rich detail which can be found towards the coast, and in sheltered pockets of fertile limestone rich land, within the area of more intimate cnocan landscape and along rivers and burns. The texture and colour of this rock-strewn landscape is a key characteristic of the area.
Historic Sites
As a cultural landscape, Glencanisp and Drumrunie are dotted with sites of former habitations, many of which are gazeteered below and shown on map 1.
Glencanisp
Cnoc Bad na Cleithe NC 240 146
Chambered cairn on north east facing slope of Cnoc Bad na Cleithe within area of former enclosed sheiling. Scheduled Ancient Monument described as 400m W of S end of Loch Awe. Scheduled area measures 50m in diameter. Described with plan in Henshall, A S & Ritchie, J N G (1995) The Chambered Cairns of Sutherland pp.114-115.
Ledbeg NC 234 131
Chambered cairn with central chamber and entrance passage. Described with plan in Henshall, A S & Ritchie, J N G (1995) The Chambered Cairns of Sutherland p.141. A cairn nearby NC 235 131.
Loch Awe NC 248 159
Possible crannog site in Loch Awe.
Eilean Assynt NC 195 250
Small low-lying island which has traces of a low dry-stone wall around its perimeter. Possibly a place of temporary refuge or habitation in the historical period, and recorded during the 17th century (though events which are said to have taken place on the “Isle of Assynt” refer to Ardvreck). A quern was found in the loch nearby. The plant Peucedanum ostruthium or Masterwort, known for its medicinal and other uses, occurs on the island and was no doubt introduced.
Ledbeg NC 242 134 approx for house
Ledbeg is a category C-listed building. It is, however, earlier than its attribution of early 19th century, and indeed is probably the oldest inhabited house in Assynt.Described in Home’s survey of 1774 as “the House possess’d by Ardloch the factor, which is the Principal one in the Parish, consisting of two Stories.” It is depicted on the plan of Ledbeg. It was built in about 1740 by Alexander Mackenzie of Ardloch who belonged to a branch of the Mackenzies of Cromartie. John Mackenzie of Ardloch, had received a mortgage of more than 10 farms in Assynt from the Mackenzies of Assynt in 1726 and moved to Ledbeg from Achnahaird in Coigach. The mortgage was redeemed in 1757 but Alexander continued as one of the leading tacksmen farmers and for a time acted as local factor for the Sutherland family. The family, traditional tacksmen, were among the leading families in Assynt, and active in introducing sheep in the 1790s. They went bankrupt in the 1820s. It was not subsequently used a sheep farmer’s house nor shooting lodge, and has remained remarkably unaltered.
In the vicinity of Ledbeg may be seen various footings of pre-Clearance structures and cultivation remains. These include a structure at Badair Chrag, probably a large byre (NC 235 140), with later nearly fank, and probable small pre-Clearance house at Bad a Ghille Dhuibh.
Cnocnaneach
Multi-period site. Structures dating from pre-Clearance period include footings of buildings (eg NC 109 210; NC 110 211), kailyards, and dykes. Later shepherd/keeper’s house with datestone of 1870 abandoned 1980s. Dry-stone walled enclosure.
Dubh Chlais NC 121 229 (centre)
Pre-clearance settlement. Most of the settlement, including a prehistoric round-house, lies outwith the Glencanisp estate. However, the footings of several pre-Clearance structures are within the property.
Druimsuardalain (Glencanisp) NC 116 221 (Lodge)
Footings of probable pre-Clearance structures lie within the enclosed area (eg NC 119 220). Pre and post- Clearance enclosures and cultivated areas in the vicinity. Achadh a’ Braghad, for instance, (NC 125 217) comprises two dykes enclosures with superimposed dry stone walled square enclosure.
Glencanisp Lodge and associated buildings: although commonly referred to as a shooting lodge, Glencanisp Lodge is of two periods. The earliest dates from 1848-49 and was built as the dwelling house for the sheep farmer, John Scobie. It was unusually opulent for such a house of this period and it is clear that normal estate policy was waived in this instance. It is probable that the house was designed by Charles Wilson, the eminent Glasgow architect. If this attribution is correct, the earliest part of the Lodge is of particular significance. A corrugated iron extension, or ‘iron house’, added when the house became a shooting lodge, was demolished to make way for the considerable 1935-36 addition designed by Horne and Murray of Golspie. Some alterations were also made to the 1848-49 house including a bay window. The former corrugated iron servants’ quarters still remains. Walled garden of 1848-49 and outbuildings associated with sheep farm, including sheepfold or fank (NC 119 219). Two corrugated iron deer larders.
Poll a’ Gharbh Bhair NC 148 243
Structures of both pre-Clearance (long-house footings and field boundaries) and post-Clearance periods (large enclosure and shepherd’s house). Poll a’ Gharbh Bhair was a small pre-Clearance township later inhabited by a shepherd. The township of ‘Polgarvier’ is depicted on Home’s survey of 1774: it was then possessed by the tenant of Dubh Chlais. It was said that “The Infields [arable lands] of it are much broke with steep stony Baulks having a North Aspect and declivity.” There were two families living there in 1774. In 1811, it was inhabited by Mr Alexander Mackenzie, son of tacksman of Stronechrubie, and the land was already under sheep.
Clach Airigh NC 170 200
Abandoned shepherd’s house, outbuildings and enclosures. Early generation shepherd’s house with, according to valuation, hingin’ lum against gable wall. Shieling site on 1774 survey belonging to farm of Druimsuardalain.
Loch na Gainimh NC 183 183 approx
Shieling shown on 1774 survey belonging to farm of Druimsuardalain.
Loch Feith an Leothaid NC 188 220 approx
Shieling at head of loch shown on 1774 survey belonging to farm of Dubh Chlais and Poll a’ Gharbh Bhair.
Airigh nan Greassaichean NC 207 207 approx
Shieling on east bank of burn shown on 1774 survey belonging to farm of Inchnadamph.
Loch Assynt NC 226 233 approx
Shieling shown on 1774 survey belonging to farm of Inchnadamph.
Loch Assynt NC 235 225 approx
Shieling shown on 1774 survey belonging to farm of Inchnadamph.
Airigh Shomairle
Footings of sub rectangular shieling hut near to burn. One of three small shielings within a detached portion of the farm of Inverkirkaig which was described in 1774 as “a large Tract of Pasture detach’d from the Farm lying upon the South Side of the Soalving or Sugar Loaf Mountain and betwixt the Marches of Culack and Ledbeg, which tho’ the greatest part be remarkably rocky, yet it affords a pretty good variety of pasture for Goats, Sheep, and all sorts of Bestial.”
Achadh an Ruighe Choinich NC 145 228
Shieling site with clear evidence of cultivation which extended in north westerly direction to outlet of Allt na h-Airbhe. Shown on 1774 survey belonging to farm of Dubh Chlais and Poll a’ Gharbh Bhair.
Achadh Mor NC 147 224
Shieling site with clear evidence of cultivation. Shown on 1774 survey belonging to farm of Dubh Chlais and Poll a’ Gharbh Bhair.
Bad an t-Sluic NC 158 224 approx
Shieling site shown on 1774 survey belonging to farm of Dubh Chlais and Poll a’ Gharbh Bhair.
Gleann a’ Mhadaidh NC 144 168 approx
Faint footings of rectangular structure and remnants of head dyke on north side near the entrance to Gleann A’ Mhadaidh. Possible site of early 19th century shepherd’s house.
Gleann a’ Mhadaidh NC 145 167
Roughly built small fank or gathering enclosure for sheep (not an unroofed shieling hut as suggested by NMRS).
Stronechrubie NC 243 194 approx
Substantial hut (for herd) on north bank of burn near formerly cultivated area.
Cul na h-Innse Ruadh NC 222 136 approx
Shielings shown on 1774 survey belonging to farm of Ledbeg.
Bad na h-Achlaise NC 122 209
Complex site structure of pre-Clearance and post Clearance periods. In the pre-Clearance period it was within the farm of Cnocaneach. Horizontal mill on east bank of burn (NC123 211) and dam and evidence of raised water level on Loch na Circe. Probable shepherd’s house of early 19th century (NC 122 209) and outbuilding later converted into a small sheep fank. House has buttressing. Small late 18th century settlement. Depicted as a shieling on Home’s survey of 1774. Mentioned as inhabited 1790s. Cleared before 1811 in early 1800s by George Ross, tacksman of Cnocaneach.
Bracklach NC 187 150
Roofless shepherd’s house of mid-19th century date abandoned after the creation of Glencanisp Deer Forest. Nearby evidence of pre-Clearance settlement, including head-dyke. Bracklach was a small settlement within the farm of Ledbeg which enabled exploitation of the distant grazings. In Home’s survey of 1774 it was described as “Brackloch subset to John Mackinzie who herds Ardloch’s Cattle in the Western parts of the Farm”. There were two households in 1811: a John Mackenzie and a single woman, Margaret Mackenzie. Afterwards a shepherd’s residence. It was known as Bracklach of Ledbeg to distinguish it from small farm of Brackloch of Inver (near Lochinver).
Tubeg including Easter Tubeg NC 189 252
Roofless shepherd’s house of mid-19th century date at Easter Tubeg abandoned after creation of Glencanisp Deer Forest. Structures of pre-Clearance settlement, including site of horizontal mill with extensive lead off burn from Loch a’ Mhuilinn. Several shieling sites associated with farm not (as yet) listed separately. The pre-Clearance settlement of Tubeg consisted of three detached areas. In 1774 it was stated that there were “three Tenaments of Houses lying detached from each other upon the South side of Loch Assint, the Corn Lands about which have a North Aspect and declivity.” In 1691 Tubeg comprised six hearths. In the 18th century the farm tended to be possessed in conjunction with Inchnadamph, with an emphasis on the grazings. In 1774 Tubeg was possessed by tacksman of Inchnadamph. There may have been only one household on the farm in 1774 – at Lower Tubeg, Upper Tubeg being uninhabited.
In 1811 there were three households, at least one of which was a shepherd. Shepherd’s house at Easter Tubeg abandoned after creation of Glencanisp Deer Forest.
Suileag NC 149 211 approx
Former shepherd’s house, abandoned 1882. In 1910 used as ‘roadman’s bothy’ (for repairing stalker’s tracks). Restored as mountain bothy.
Suilven NC 157 182 approx
Dry-stone wall crossing the ridge of Suilven. A well known feature. Late 19th century.
Iron fence
Iron fence marking the boundary between the Strathan and Inverkirkaig crofters’ grazings enlargement and the Glencanisp Deer Forest. It was constructed after the estate was bought by the Vestey family in 1936 and damaged soon afterwards in what was probably the last anti-landlord action by crofters in Assynt (until the 1990s).
Drumrunie
Lochan Gainmheich NC 147 109 approx
Pre-Clearance settlement. Occupied by shepherd(s) in immediate pre-Clearance period (ie pre 1810) and in Clearance period until late 1820s. Abandoned shepherd’s houses.
Clais (added by plan authors) NC 138 138 approx
Farmstead
Cul Mor (added by plan authors) NC 150 112 approx
Stones
Na Leitrichean (added by plan authors) NC 181 132 approx
Shieling
Assynt Area Socio-Economic Profile
An Area Profile summarises the key social, economic and environmental aspects of the local area and compares these local aspects with patterns and trends at the county, regional and national level. The purpose of this is to see in what ways local circumstances, strengths and challenges differ from or mirror regional and national concerns. With this information it is possible to develop projects and activities which fit local circumstances and to explain using statistics, when applying for funding, why and in what ways local circumstances merit local solutions. By providing information in this form, it makes it easier for policy makers and public agencies to quickly understand the local circumstances as local knowledge has been translated into a form which is more familiar to them. It also acts as a base for the group to track changes in those local circumstances by referring back to the Area Profile as time goes on. This will put Assynt Foundation in a good position to make representations on behalf of the community if circumstances do not change for the better, or to take action on behalf of the community to change things for the better.
What is a ‘Fragile Area’?
Across the HIE and Highland Region areas, a range of aspects characteristic of fragile rural areas are regularly examined to establish the relative fragility of each sub area. The seven indicators used by Highland Council are:
• population density, by Highland Council settlement zone
• % population change between 1981-1991, by Highland Council settlement zone
• % change in population aged 0-15 years, between 1981-1991, by Highland Council settlement zone
• % people aged over 18 claiming income support, by 1996 Ward
• % of long term unemployment, by District Ward
• 10 minute drive time to 5 key services – PO, Food Shop, GP, Primary school, Petrol facility
• areas more than 1.5 hr drive from Inverness
Figure 1.1 shows the pattern across Highland Region. In the 1999 map, within the Assynt Community Council area, Lochinver and Loch Assynt have three of the seven Indicators, while Stoer has four and Drumbeg and Unapool have five. The 2003 map alongside shows fragility having increased in Assynt, with all areas having between four and six of the seven indicators.
HIE uses a slightly different method of ascertaining fragility, but the same core areas emerge as most fragile. HIE’s Network Strategy Office uses the following to define fragility:
Geographic
• Islands which lie off other islands and are not linked by a causeway
• A distance of more than 50 miles from a population centre of 5000
• Over 70% of roads are single track
Demographic
• Islands with a population of less than 2,500
• Population density less than the HIE area average (9 persons per square kilometre)
• More than 20% of the population is of pensionable age
• Population loss between last two censuses
• In-migration of economically active below the HIE average
Economic
• Economic activity rate below the HIE area average
• High average and/or seasonal unemployment
• Long term unemployment more than 25% above the HIE average
• High dependency on primary sector employment
Figure 1.1: Fragile Areas: HC Areas with 7 Rural Indicators
Source: Highland Council Planning & Development Service
(graphic to be added here soon)
Demography
Demography involves recording and analysing information about the local population - what sort of work people do, what sort of housing people live in and what number of people are retired, of school age or of working age. Demographic information illustrates very simply the key issues and challenges faced by the local communities.
At the time of the 2001 census the population of the Assynt Community Council area was 953 people living in 466 households, giving an average household size of 2.05 people in 2001. The population decreased since the 1991 census by nearly 10% from 1,047, while Highland has seen an increase of 2.4%.
Figure 1.2 shows the area’s age structure in 2001 compared to the Highland area. It is worrying that in Assynt the percentage of the population of school age is lower than Highland Region at 11.1% of the population compared to 12.9% in Highland. This reflects the trend in certain areas of the north and west coast, which is characterised by an ageing population and depopulation historically.
In comparing the 2001 population to that of 1991, it is noticeable that the population has become older. The main differences are an increase in the 45-64 age group from 19% to 33.7%, while the proportion of the population in the 0-14 age group fell from 20.6% to 16%.
Housing and Households
In 1991, 28.5% of houses were second homes or holiday homes. By 2001 this had risen to 36.1% of houses in the Assynt area. Broken down into smaller areas, there are striking differences, with Lochinver at 22.4%, Loch Assynt 32.4%, Unapool 32.4%, Drumbeg 38.2%, and Stoer very high at 51%.
By 2001, a much higher percentage of households were living in owner occupied properties (65% in 2001 compared to 55% in 1991). Far fewer households were living in private rented accommodation (8.8% in 2001 compared to 19.7% in 1991). Housing Association Rentals rose from 3.3% to 5.2%, while Local Authority/Scottish Homes fell from 21.7% in 1991 to 12% in 2001. Since 2001, four new two and three bedroom homes for rental have been built in Stoer and a further eight in Lochinver, both Albyn Housing, whose allocation criteria take into account the “Local Lettings Initiative”.
Figure 1.2 : Age Structure 2001 (Source: Census)
(graphic to be added here soon)
Essential Services
There are three Post Offices locally, two of which operate on part-time hours – Lochinver, Drumbeg and Kylesku. The Post Office and shop in Stoer ceased operating in 2000. There is a Royal Bank of Scotland in Lochinver, and on Mondays the Royal bank of Scotland Mobile Bank calls at Kylesku, Drumbeg and Stoer. There is an ATM at the bank in Lochinver, and more recently one in the Post Office in Lochinver. A vet and solicitor are available once a month in Lochinver. In terms of shops, the area is served by two grocers, a butcher and a newsagent in Lochinver, and a grocer in Drumbeg. Also in Lochinver are the chandlery and general stores at Lochinver Fishselling Co., and MacKay Brothers fish counter (part-time). Fuel was available at Inchnadamph Hotel in the past, but the only petrol station now is in Lochinver. The nearest alternatives are in Scourie, Ullapool or Lairg.
The Health Centre in Lochinver has two full-time GPs and one part-time, Community Nurses, Midwife and Health Visitor services. Visiting services available are Physiotherapy, Chiropody, Community Psychiatric Nurse, Addiction Counselling and Diabetic Specialist Nurse. Optician services are provided quarterly, and Occupational Therapy and Speech therapy are provided at the centre if required. Two NHS Dentists visit the practice at present.
There is a Post Bus from Drumbeg to Lochinver and from Lochinver to Lairg six days per week. In 2002, a Community Taxi Service was introduced. The subsidised Taxi service has expanded and is now available Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5:30pm (70p one way or £1.40 return, plus 10p per mile), and from 4:30pm to 6:30pm on Fridays. The taxi operates at normal rates outwith these times.
Until the upgrading of the Lochinver to Inverness road in the 1970s, the Lairg road was the main route ‘south’ for people on this coast and many key services were available in Lairg. Since that time Lairg has suffered decline as Ullapool has grown.
There are Primary Schools at Lochinver and Stoer. Both have pre-schools, but the Pre-school at Stoer currently operates two days per week only. High school age children attend Ullapool High School, travelling daily from Lochinver by bus.
The Assynt Centre in Lochinver provides day care. Sheltered housing, formerly managed by the Assynt Centre, is now run by Trust Housing Association. Care needs in the area are increasing due to the fact that people are living longer, there is often reduced family support available compared to years ago, and elderly people now retire into the area and have no family support at all. There is an increasing need for local residential care, local respite care and sheltered housing. The Assynt Centre provides the only residential care in north west Sutherland, and the decision by Highland Council in November 2005 axing the two residential beds and one respite bed was strongly opposed locally. Two respite beds were reinstated, but restricted to weekdays and six weekends of the year. The Council agreed at its last meeting in June 2007 that a review of small care homes should be undertaken in conjunction with NHS colleagues, with a further report back in due course. A network of Home Helps, either provided by Highland Council or employed privately, some through the Direct Payments Scheme, support elderly residents in their homes.
The Highland Council Service Point, based in the Harbour Offices by the Culag Hotel, acts as a ‘one stop shop’ for information, advice and access to Council services.
The R.N.M.D.S.F. (Fishermens Mission) provides meals and other services to fishermen and the general public, including laundry facilities. It is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 9pm. However, many of the foreign fishing vessels land at weekends, when the Mission is closed.
Local Economy
At the time of the 2001 census 66.9% of the local population were economically active, compared to 62.2% in 1991. It should be noted that ‘Economically active’ means of age to economically active (16-74). In 1991 some 24.8% of the economically active population were self-employed, but this figure had fallen to 18.9% by 2001. This is still high compared to the rate of self-employment for Highland Region, which also fell in that time from 13.3% in 1991 to 10.2% in 2001.
Figure 1.3 Unemployment Rates for North, West & Central Sutherland
(source: Highland Council Unemployment Monitoring Service, Department for Work and Pensions date from NOMIS
(graphic to be added here soon)
At the time of the 2001 census, 6.6% of the population were unemployed in April, although this fell to 4.6% in May and 4% in June 2001. Not surprisingly, given the number of seasonal jobs in the area, lower rates occur in the period between April and October. In the year from April 2002 to March 2003, the rate of unemployment ranged from 1.9% to 5.4%. Since then, unemployment figures have been calculated using the new council wards and economically active numbers, so the figures are not directly comparable. The rate for North, West & Central Sutherland was 4.0% in December 2006, falling to 3.0% in April and 2.6% in May 2007. The recent trend can be seen in Figure 1.3.
The number of households in the Assynt area with no car fell between the censuses from 28.3% in 1991 to 19.7% in 2001. In 2001, 25.5% of households in the area had two or more cars. Households in the more remote rural areas tend to sacrifice a great deal in order to own a car because other forms of transport are scarce.
Figure 1.4 illustrates the employment pattern in the area at the time of the 2001 census. The largest category is ‘Hotels & Catering’ at 17.4%, compared to a Highland level of 9.3%. Fishing and aquaculture account for 10.6% of local employment, the third largest sector in the area, compared to a Highland average of 1.4%. In this sector, self-employment in inshore creel boat fishing, packing and grading on the pier for French company Euroscot, Highland Council harbour staff and jobs at Ardvar Salmon were included. Ardvar Salmon was taken over by Loch Duart of Scourie in 2001, and the number of Assynt residents employed has fallen significantly since. The number of jobs in sea fishing has declined significantly over the last 20-30 years. Although Lochinver still has a relatively large tonnage of fish landings, it does not get the number of jobs attached to it as in the majority of the fish landed goes elsewhere for processing, mainly to France and Spain. It should be noted that the activities of the Lochinver Fish Selling Company will have been included in the category of ‘Wholesale, Retail & Motor vehicle repair’ which comes second largest at 11.3%. The fourth largest is Health & Social Work at 10.0%, closely followed by Manufacturing at 9.9%, then Construction at 7%.
The categories were slightly different in the 1991 census. Since then, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing combined fell from 25.6% to 15.5% and Mining & Quarrying fell from 4.2% to 0.8%. Meanwhile Construction rose from 1.4% to 7% and Public Admin, Education & Health increased from 12.3% to 20.8%. Distribution, Hotels & Catering, which was the second largest category in 1991, rose from 24% to 28.6% over the same period.
Figure 1.4: Employment Profile 2001
Source: 2001 Census
(graphic to be added here soon)
Youth and Education
We live in a nation where one in five young people leave school labelled as ‘under achievers’. In Assynt and Ullapool much work and dedication continues day by day to see that we serve our young people better than this.
In 2007 Lochinver Primary has 54 pupils with 3 full time members of staff and 4 specialist teachers. Stoer Primary has 21 pupils, 1 full time teacher and 2 part time teachers. There is Pre-school education at Lochinver and Stoer with 13 and 4 pupils respectively. Secondary education is at Ullapool.
Looking at the three schools in their local settings and thinking about how they are influenced by, enjoy, and make use of their environment, we see the two primary schools set in surroundings that many would describe as idyllic. They are schools where the young can develop in an atmosphere that keeps them aware of their surroundings and natural heritage. Children are encouraged to be ‘out of the building’ as much as possible and both schools encourage walking to school when practical. Various projects see that they are familiar with their area such as an investigating work entitled ‘the Sea’ and ‘Land Use of the Local Area - past and present’. The help of the Highland Ranger Service is valuable here. Children have also been taken to a ‘Forest Quest’ at Rosehall which is an adventure day of problem solving, and visited Knocken Crag as part of the Geo-park experience. Listening to the Story Tellers in Ullapool, promoting Highland Book week, was yet another visit. More would be done in this line and more work undertaken by the two schools together if transport were not the problem that it is: both schools would like to have a dedicated schools bus.
The two schools are closely connected to the communities that they serve. Schools benefit from a School Board who are seen as an asset to the school particularly as a ‘lobbying tool’ when further services or skills are needed. Parent open days achieve 100% attendance at Stoer - a consultation time where parents are shown the children’s work by the children themselves.
When the two head teachers were asked what they would particularly like to see happen in the future, Claire Warwick, head of Lochinver Primary, said that she would like to see the roof blow off her school! Lochinver school is old and much patched up. Angela Macleod, head at Stoer, expressed concern about lack of space, no staff room and a playground that is unsuitable for play. .
Ullapool High School, which involves a journey of at least 37 miles twice a day for Assynt pupils, is a school with a growing reputation for excellence for the way in which it serves the young people of a wide area. There are 259 pupils and 30 members of staff. The school has an IT network that links all classrooms and the library, which acts as a community as well as a school facility. The school is very much a community resource with the Macphail Centre working in co-operation with the school. This has allowed many visiting drama groups,dancers and musicians to perform to the community and at times interact with the pupils. The community is very supportive of the school. The school and staff have to be very flexible in terms of the range of groups and the composition of the groups that they work with. It currently has a wide range of pupils with special needs.
Ullapool High School has a tremendous team spirit which includes staff and pupils as part of the same team. Staff dedication is exceptional. The examination attainment reflects the hard work put in by all the staff and pupils – in 2006, for example, the percentage getting 3 plus highers in S5 was third highest in Scotland.
Since it was founded in 1997, Assynt Community Christian Youth Project (ACCYP) has held a vision to support young people, building confidence in the individual rather than just using youth work as a means to keep young folk occupied.
Youth Work in Assynt is seen by ACCYP as being more involved with education than recreation, although the latter is often the contact point and a useful means to form relationships and establish strong and vibrant youth work. It is for this reason that the newly appointed Youth Worker for Assynt, Erick Olsen, spends two days a week at Ullapool High School as well as being available to help and encourage at supported study sessions in the evenings. Erick Olsen will also be visiting the two Primary Schools on occasions to get to know the older pupils and help to encourage confidence building as they prepare for High School.
Assynt Foundation and ACCYP will be increasingly working together to develop educational/recreational youth work. During the summer holiday, in conjunction with Assynt Foundation, work is developing to set up many challenging recreational activities, some which help to develop leadership skills. On Glencanisp estate it is hoped to establish kayaking, swimming, paint ball, a permanent campfire site, ‘capture the flag’ and a ropes challenge course.
The recent addition of a Learning Centre for Assynt, housed within the Assynt Leisure building, means that education in Assynt does not stop when young people leave school. Lifelong Learning is for all ages but particularly useful for those young adults who struggled at school or college and prefer to live and work in Assynt.
Crofting
Background
Crofting is a form of land tenure in which an individual has heritable rights to dwell on and manage a small area of land, called the croft. Both the crofter (tenant) and the owner of the land (landlord) have rights and responsibilities towards each other and over the land. These rights and responsibilities were originally enshrined legally in the 1886 Crofting Act. There have been several reforms to the Crofting Act and the Crofting Reform Act was passed in early 2007 by the Scottish Parliament.
In addition to their personal ‘in-bye’ croft, most crofters also have a legal share in an area of common grazings. This too is heritable. Each common grazing is managed by an elected grazings committee, and administered by the grazings clerk. Each area of common grazings has a set of grazings regulations which regulate land use, for example, the number of stock each individual crofter may graze on the land (the souming). Crofters with rights in common grazings have rights to graze livestock, but no rights to exploit fish, game, minerals, water or other resources of the land. These rights belong the landowner.
Since 1991 crofters have rights to establish and manage woodlands. There is a question of who actually owns trees planted by crofters on their common grazings. Currently, legal contracts must be drawn up between landlords and crofters for each crofter forestry scheme in order to safeguard the crofters’ use of their trees.
Crofters with rights in the common grazings can apply to have their share apportioned for their exclusive use. This normally requires the agreement of the land owner. A crofter has a discretionary right to buy an apportionment. The agreement of the land owner is also required for the establishment of crofter forestry. Crofters with rights in the grazings also have rights to share in the development value if the landowner resumes (takes out) land from crofting tenure for development purposes. The value of these rights can be agreed by the tenants and the landowner or failing agreement can be decided by the Scottish Land Court.
Current crofting activity
In-bye croft land
There are no crofts on land owned by Assynt Foundation. However there are several crofting townships adjacent to Assynt Foundation land. These are, to the south and west, Inverkirkaig with 12 tenants, Badnaban with 8 tenants, Strathan with 11 tenants, all with trustees of E H Vestey as the landowner. To the north are the townships of Inver with 1 tenant and Baddidarroch with 9 tenants, both with the trustees of E H Vestey as land owner. To the east are Elphin with 10 tenants and Knockan with 7 tenants both with trustees of D E Bulmer as the land owner. The level of crofting activity in these townships varies, with Elphin and Knockan being the most active with both cattle and sheep. Few of the crofts are currently used to grow fodder crops and most of the in-bye is used as rough grazing. Some of this is improved grass land especially in Elphin and Knockan.
Common Grazing
Assynt Foundation is the land owner of approximately 93 ha of common grazing land. This is an extension to the Badnaban common grazings. Only 6 of the 8 Badnaban tenants appear to have shares in this area of common grazing. The access road from Lochinver to Glencanisp Lodge goes through the middle of this common grazings. This is also the area (to the south of the road) being considered by Assynt Foundation for the development of Social Housing. Currently none of the Badnaban crofters exercise their rights to graze this area. Inverkirkaig, Badnaban, Strathan, Elphin, Knockan and Inver all have common grazings adjacent to Assynt Foundation land. Most of it, with the exception of Elphin and Knockan is currently under stocked (i.e. livestock well under the souming). At this time we are unaware of any proposals to establish crofter forestry on the common grazings owned by Assynt Foundation but that option remains open to the crofters of Badnaban.
Opportunities for joint working
There is a need to cooperate with the tenants of Badnaban over the proposals for affordable housing on the Badnaban common grazing. If the land is resumed from crofting by Assynt Foundation the shareholders will be entitled to a share in the value of the development. Assynt Foundation will get their support in principle for the proposal and ensure they are represented at any discussions and meetings with planners, potential development partners etc., as early and as often as possible.
The demand for new crofts
It is impossible to detail the demand for crofts in Assynt or indeed anywhere. At the time of writing the Crofters Commission’s demand database shows 80 people have registered their interest in obtaining a croft in West Sutherland, of these 25 are specifically looking for a croft in Assynt and 16 people looking for a croft in the Parish of Lochbroom. When Assynt Crofters Trust and the Crofters Commission ran a young entrants scheme in the area a few years ago there was strong demand from local people. Whenever a croft tenancy or title becomes available on the open market in Assynt there is strong demand. One of the problems is that strong demand from outwith the area pushes the price of crofts way beyond the reach of local young people. This is one of the reasons behind the proposal to create new crofts and to regulate them in a way that keeps them affordable for future occupation.
Establishing new crofts
Assynt Foundation is committed to establishing new crofts and common land under the regulations in the Croft Reform (Scotland) Act 2007. The intention is to create affordable access to land and to housing for young people in particular. Though no firm decision has been made Assynt Foundation has identified Lebeg farm as being a potential site for new crofts. It is currently grazing land that has fewer designations or biodiversity interest than some areas of the estate, close to the crofting townships of Elphin and Knockan, close to site services and mid-way between the service centres of Lochinver and Ullapool. Much of Ledbeg is currently let to Roddy Watt for grazing under an informal arrangement. Informal discussions have been had with staff from the Crofters Commission who have expressed support for the idea of new crofts at Ledbeg.
There is also the possibility of creating new crofts at Glencanisp and the farm at Cnocnaneach. There is an issue of access, housing and services in these areas but the creation of new croft land could be tied in to the creation of new affordable housing being proposed for Glencanisp.
Informal discussions have also been held with FC /FE on the possibility of creating woodland crofts on the Ledmore forest to the east of Ledbeg through a community purchase of forest land under the National Forest Land Scheme. Discussions on this are ongoing.
Two models for the creation of new crofts at Ledbeg have been considered in these informal discussions. The first is an ‘open’ township with a croft house on each area of croft in-bye together with an area of common land. The second is a cluster of croft houses separate from but near to the croft in-bye lands with an area of common grazings. It is too early to decide which model is preferable and the matter may well be dictated by access, planning and service requirements.
In creating new crofts consideration will need to be given to setting in place measures which will ensure that the housing and the lands remain as affordable crofts. Two measures in the Croft Reform (Scotland) Act 2007 will help. First is the measure to allow the landlord to let the crofts without the right to buy (a right enjoyed by current crofters). The second measure is to restrict the absolute right to assign croft tenancies to close members of the family only. These together would mean that if a tenant wishes to relinquish the tenancy and not assign to a close member of the family then the landowner would compensate the outgoing tenant at a value agreed between the tenant and the landowner or, failing agreement, a value set by an independent valuer. The landowner could then relet the vacant croft with the incoming crofter paying the valuation. The details of how this would work in practice need to be worked out with the relevant agencies but the above is indicative of the issues that will need to be addressed when Assynt Foundation goes ahead with the proposals to create new affordable crofts.
The Crofters Commission has produced an application form and guidance notes for landowners who wish to create new crofts under the Croft Reform (Scotland) Act 2007. These are available on the Crofters Commission website. The Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) is producing guidelines for the creation of new woodland crofts under the National Forest Land Scheme together with guidance notes on some of the issues that need to be addressed by landowners and prospective tenants in the creation of new crofts. These are available on the FCS website.
A set of guidelines on crofting issues prepared by the crofters Commission is kept in the Assynt Foundation office. A list of current tenants in the adjacent crofting townships is also available in the office as is a list of tenants with grazing rights on the Badnaban common grazing extension owned by Assynt Foundation. Map 4 shows the relationship of the croft lands adjacent to Assynt Foundation land.
Housing
Main Conclusions
There is a considerable demand for houses at an affordable rent. Some people are forced onto the rental sector due to the high prices for purchase relative to average earnings in this area. In view of this, Assynt Foundation’s proposal to develop a site at Glencanisp Road for affordable housing, developed over a period of time to match demand, is entirely feasible. In order to keep prices affordable there may be an element of subsidy in which case the directors may feel that they should ensure that no one makes excessive profits at the expense of the Foundation. The foundation may have to take some legal steps to ensure its’ houses/sites etc remain in the affordable range and continue to be available to that section of the community that the Foundation desires to serve.
Preamble
The constitution of the Foundation together with one of the aims of providing housing sites are such that it is entitled to join the Highland Small Communities Housing Trust (HSCHT). Joining will give the Foundation access to a lot of information and valuable services. The Foundation is also entitled to nominate a candidate to stand for election as an elected director at the HSCHT AGM. Should the candidate be elected the experience gained by that person would be of immense value to the Foundation.
There is one overriding factor governing the purchase of housing in this and any other area: the availability of finance for the purchase, in most cases this is a mortgage. According to Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) the average wage for Sutherland is £16,500 per year and, with most lenders willing to advance 3 or 4 times earnings, this limits mortgages to £50,000 to £66,000, although this figure can be increased by taking into account a spouse’s or partner’s income. In addition there are schemes to assist would be purchases on low incomes: RHOGs (Rural Home Ownership Grants), Homestake, a shared equity scheme, and finally an interest only mortgage.
Reasons for pressure on house prices in Assynt
Most areas in the UK have some pressure on house prices making it very difficult for those on low incomes to get a foot on the housing ladder. In Assynt, with the possible exception of Lochinver, we have very low density housing, in other words we don’t have many houses in the first place. Competition for these scarce houses then forces up prices within the area, perhaps not up to levels seen in other parts of the UK but still above affordable levels of those on average earnings for our area. The existing housing stock can be split into Lochinver and the outlying townships, where pressure comes mainly from people wanting holiday homes or simply to retire up here. Both these classes of buyers will typically far outbid any of our local first time buyers. Assynt is not alone in having this problem. The situation is not likely to improve because if the rise in house prices stops or slows down then the existing price difference will still remain and if prices continue to increase the situation will get worse. The solution for our local needs probably lies in building new houses at prices our local first time buyers can afford. Assynt Foundation can help by providing sites for these houses.
A full and accurate survey of all the housing stock and the proportion of holiday homes in Assynt is beyond the scope of this paper. Most of the holiday home and retirement buyers seem to favour properties in the townships, as opposed to Lochinver, and although there are some holiday homes in Lochinver their effect is masked by the greater number of houses there. When looking at the effect of holiday homes it is safe to disregard chalets and other accommodation built specifically for the holiday market as they were never part of the local housing stock, and even among holiday homes there are different patterns of usage having different effects on individual townships. Where a holiday home is kept exclusively for family use the occupation rate could be very low but where the property is let out there will be some improvement. Where property is bought for retirement there is often a very positive effect and this can lead to the township gaining a new lease of life. It is reasonable to assume that, discounting Lochinver, up to 30-40% of the housing stock in Assynt could be holiday homes.
House Prices
The 2005 registers of Scotland showed average earnings of £23,000 with average house prices of £129,934. An average price for this area does not seem to exist. So few houses come onto the market at any one time that each sale has to be treated on an individual basis, however a modernised two bedroom croft house is likely to be on the market at offers over £130,000. If the property has spectacular views with two or more buyers competing the price can really be forced up well beyond most of our local first time buyers. In theory the RHOG grants, which should help our first time buyers, are available on existing and new build properties, however in practice these grants seem to go on new build. This effectively stops the purchase of a run-down property with the owner improving it over a period of time.
All the above seems to be pointing the way to new builds where the first requirement is to find a site. Unserviced sites are already being sold with planning permission at around £45,000, so add on site servicing and building and this option again will be too high for our local first time buyer. If you are a member of a crofting family then you may find a site on the croft, but it will still have to be serviced and grants for croft houses in this area have recently been reduced. This may lead to a crofter putting a further site on the market to finance a house build. It is noticeable that recently more sites have come on the market without prices being reduced. Another problem is that to keep costs down you need land suitable for multiple sites to gain economy of scale, but most privately available plots are only suitable for single houses.
What can Assynt Foundation do to help?
All the previous analysis suggests the best route for our local first time buyer is to find an affordable site and build a new house on it. The Foundation has identified a possible site on the land it owns alongside Glencanisp Road within a reasonable distance of Lochinver, so developing this site would appear to be the best way forward.
Is there a demand?
Unless you build a number of houses, put them up for sale at a given price and wait for the result there is no sure way of accurately assessing demand, however there are pointers from the letting market. Albyn Housing has recently been conducting interviews for the recently constructed eight units in Lochinver for which there is a local lettings policy. If they were to consider all applicants on their open list (a person willing to take an Albyn let anywhere) then the number would be 80-100 (though there is some question of the accuracy of these figures). Taking the local lettings policy into account the number is still 40, this is partially confirmed by Highland Council having 32 persons on their waiting list for Lochinver. Granted these are houses for rent but if houses were available to purchase at affordable prices a number wishing to rent would in fact buy. It is reasonable to assume that high purchase prices are forcing people into the rented sector. The Community Council carried out a housing survey in 2001 with the results being analysed by HSCHT. This survey showed a need for an additional 31 houses in Lochinver. These results were fed into a consultation document prepared by the Planning and Development Service of Highland Council in 2004, where they asked the question “Do you agree that the Council identify sites for 70 houses in Lochinver over the next ten years?” Some thought this was an over estimate, but a proposal for the Foundation to provide sites for up to 50 houses, developed over a number of years, would seem to be reasonable, particularly as this development can be slowed down or speeded up to match actual demand. A more detailed survey of housing demand is now underway by HSCHT.
How does the Foundation develop the site?
The first step would be a detailed survey of the site so that the Foundation knows exactly what is there, what the constraints are, how much of the site can be developed and at what sort of cost, remembering that Foundation’s aim is affordable housing. HSCHT is currently carrying out a feasibility study and may subsequently do a more detailed study to give some idea of development and servicing costs. If this were a commercial development then the entire site would be serviced, with drainage, water, sewage, estate roads and electricity laid on, simply because this would be the cheapest option in the long run, get it all done at once and benefit from economies of scale. The considerable amount of money required would have been borrowed with the interest charges and the cost of servicing factored into the selling prices of the finished houses or fully serviced plots. If, as proposed, the site is developed over a period of time to match demand the Foundation will still need a considerable amount of initial capital.
As the Foundation is not a commercial organisation, how does it raise the money? Unless there are grants available to cover the initial servicing (say 4-5 house plots) the directors will be faced with some stark choices. One alternative would be to sell off a limited number of sites on the open market, but the downside of this is loss of control of those sites, which may become holiday homes. There are very strong objections to this. The next alternative is still to sell on the open market but only to persons who are coming here to live. Unserviced sites with planning permission are currently changing hands at £45,000. Some of the sites along Glencanisp road have good views of the mountains and Suilven, even unserviced they would fetch over this figure. Two plots could raise £100,000+, 4 plots £200,000+ and with no need to service them, only get planning permission, no great capital outlay. Such a sale would provide the capital to service a first development (say 4 plots), selling those plots would in turn provide the capital to service further sites. The site is part of common grazings so the Foundation would not receive the full purchase price.
Some questions to consider are as follows. If Assynt Foundation can gain access, can land or sites at Ledbeg/Ledmore be sold to raise capital? Do you borrow the money against the security of the land? Are there any soft loans where you pay back without any interest being charged when you have sold sites? Due to the nature of the ground the cost of servicing may be well above average, which means Assynt Foundationn may only be able to sell at the cost of servicing the site. There is the distinct possibility that the land would have to be transferred at nil cost so that the Foundation would make no profit from the actual land. These decisions can only be made by the Foundation’s directors.
If sites are in effect being sold at subsidised prices the directors may feel they have to protect the Foundation against anyone making a large profit by subsequent re-sale. There are burdens that can be attached to the title deeds to give the Foundation some control and monetary claw back. These pre-emptions are complicated, however a simple one would require the owner to offer the property back to the Foundation, the price to be determined by a previously agreed formula that allowed the increase or decrease in the price of the property to be divided on an equitable basis. A snag is that the Foundation has no control over the timing of the sale, which would be solely in the hands of the owner and may occur at a time when the Foundation is short of funds and is financially unable to effect a purchase. Whatever happens there has to be some way of ensuring that this land remains as affordable housing. This should be discussed with HSCHT and with their solicitors for their professional advice.
What types of houses are suitable for the site
In effect any house which passes building and planning regulations should be suitable. The choice of house design is really going to lie with the eventual owner however the Foundation can exercise some control by deciding to whom it will lease or sell a plot. The directors have already had discussions on design and appear to have in mind the following. The design should be eco-friendly, but how eco-friendly may depend on cost. Some factors to consider follow.
• Well insulated: Global warming and other environmental matters are only going to lead to tightening regulations on energy efficiency. The steep rise in heating costs makes this a must both in the short and long term interests of the eventual owner. Not only that, any additional cost will easily and quickly be recovered out of savings on heating bills.
• South Facing: Simply by paying attention to siting, gains in heat generation and retention can be made at little cost. This can be achieved in the design and layout of the site by the Foundation’s architect.
• Renewable energy: Small wind turbines are worth exploring. When it comes to solar panels the pay back period is generally longer and may push the price up too much for the advantages gained,
• District heating: This is more difficult in that a lot of the infra-structure for this will have to go in right at the beginning. Where do you find the money? Wind generation may offer a partial solution. If each house had its own turbine it could look unsightly, one or two larger turbines may be better. This has the added advantage that initially one turbine might do, adding more as the site is developed, and with the push to renewable energy there could be grants.This could be the means of getting some form of district heating/lighting without the problem of too much up front capital.
• Construction: Timber framed with block or stone have been standard in this area for some time, choice could depend on cost. Timber may be the cheapest form of construction and has the added advantage that a team of local labour could be trained to carry out the erection. This meets the directors’ aims in training opportunities and use of local labour. Mortgages are available for an entire timber construction at standard rates, but mortgage companies have warned that fire insurance could be dearer. Straw bales/tyres are an option but may have difficulty in passing various local regulations and have the disadvantage of higher mortgage rates. The final word will probably lie with the eventual owner.
There has been mention of getting architects to come up with designs, but money would be needed to commission them. HSCHT have already commissioned some designs for all timber houses to be built on spec on forestry land with money borrowed from their bank backed by a joint guarantee from Highland Council and Communities Scotland. They are still not satisfied that the price has come down low enough. The Foundation should wait to see how this project develops.
Schemes to assist house purchase
• RHOG (Rural Home Ownership Grant): This could be very valuable and ideal where a serviced site is being bought from the foundation. Grants of £25,000 to £30,000 are available which in most cases do not have to be paid back. Not only that, this scheme still allows the Foundation to attach pre-emtions.
• Homestake. This allows someone to have as low as a 60% stake in the property thereby reducing the initial mortgage required. The scheme has provision for increasing this stake at a later date. The problem for the Foundation is that the grant that covers the other 40% is only available to Registered Social Landlords, like Albyn Housing. The Foundation would then lose control over this house/site on any resale. In addition the failure of the local lettings policy regarding the recent house lets in Lochinver may put directors off the idea.
• Interest only mortgage. This is a personal choice for the owner but it does reduce the monthly payments and may enable a larger mortgage to be taken out.
• Leasing. Leasing a site as opposed to selling would reduce the initial cost to the would-be owner but there may be legal implications; this should be checked. Also what are the financial implications to the Foundation’s cash flow, normally selling the serviced sites is the way of providing money for subsequent developments?
• Self Build. Self Build can substantially reduce the cost and possibly make a house affordable to those on average earnings. This can range from forming a self build group where within the membership there are sufficient skills to carry out the whole project, to an individual acting as the main contractor and sub contracting any work he feels incapable of doing themselves. This may be daunting but it can be done with considerable cost savings. There are special mortgages for self build with elements of advances to pay for materials.
Finance
Financing the project involves first the initial finance and then subsequent cash flow. The directors will have to sort this out very early on in the project. There could be some grants available but at best they will only cover a part of the initial cost. The Foundation is caught between two stools: in order to be financially successful it should sell at the highest prices possible, but the aims of the Foundation mean it has to keep prices down to fulfil its aims of providing affordable houses to buy.
A lot more information can be obtained on the possible cost of a finished house on the Glencanisp site. With this information the directors of the Foundation will have some idea of the price level at which they can sell a fully serviced site and still reach their target market. There will be a cost to getting this further information, as to be effective and accurate it would require visits to manufacturers, face to face meetings etc. This cost can be slit into two parts: payment to the person doing the research and money to cover necessary expenses. A possible source of funding for the expense part maybe Awards for All.
Thomas Mitchell Homes, based in Fife (phone 01592 774401) has offered to send someone up to talk to the Foundation about new build costs if required, and they have a show home and self build centre at Kirkcaldy. If grants can be obtained for expenses then this maybe worth a visit. Their smallest kit is a two bedroom house at just under £10,000 with a three bedroom at £18,000. The client has to supply foundation and underbuilding, external cladding, drainage and other services, DPC material, concrete lintels and sills to external skin, roof tiles and ancillary components, plumbing heating and rainwater goods, leadwork and electrical materials, kichen units and sanitary way and some on site labour. What the final finished cost would be up here is uncertain.
Business Start-ups
Assynt Foundation has set out to achieve economic, social and environmental goals for people living in the parish of Assynt. Encouraging new business start-ups will be key to achieving these aims. In the first year of ownership the Foundation has created four jobs. In addition to jobs created within the Foundation, three business start-ups have been accommodated and assisted by the community buy-out:
• Dorothea Standlick has started a catering & cleaning business centred around Glencanisp Lodge.
• Fergus Stewart has started a small pottery business in a former stable.
• Jenny Robertson has taken over the walled garden at Glencanisp with a view to establishing a market gardening operation on the premises there.
We wish all of the above every success with their ventures. We have also been able to locate some more socially orientated ventures around Glencanisp Lodge.
• Niall Robertson has started the Assynt Music Project, which seeks to provide a rehearsal space for local musicians as well as a studio for photography and occasional use for the exhibit of Fergus’ pots.
• Health & Happiness is run by Issie Macleod for the benefit of adults with learning disabilities. They are to be located in an area of ground within the walled garden, sharing it with Jenny Robertson, where they will undertake gardening tasks learning to grow produce which may be consumed or sold to earn a small amount of income. Funding from Lloyds TSB might be sought to provide tuition support and mentoring under this social inclusion proposal.
Future Proposals
In addition to the businesses already started, a whole host of opportunities await development. The Foundation will develop a small number of the larger projects on its own account, but it is particularly keen that, in the majority of cases the ideas come from and are developed by the people who live here. No ideas have been ruled out by the Foundation at the present time. We are keen to hear from anyone with a desire to start up a business in the area.
There is an idea in the early stages of planning for an Arts/Cultural/Heritage centre based in the garages at Glencanisp. Anyone wishing to become involved in the project should contact Agnes Dickson to discuss this & offer support.
Further Social Enterprises will be looked at in the future as we progress with income generating schemes. The loss of care facilities for the elderly is one area where the community might wish to establish a social enterprise to reverse recent trends.
There are a whole host of business ideas waiting for people to drive them forward. Some would be large schemes which would take time to put together. Other ideas are smaller scale and might be got going relatively quickly. Anyone can come to the Foundation’s Development Manager with an idea at any time and we will try to assist in getting it off the ground.
Procedures to be followed by Assynt Foundation and applicants for the exclusive use of Assynt Foundation assets.
Procedures to be followed by applicants.
All applications must be in writing.
The written application should address the following.
• A clear indication of the purpose of the application.
• What assets are to be used?
• What modification if any will be needed?
• A drawing if appropriate.
• A map if appropriate.
• State whether a purchase, lease or simple permission is being sought.
• State how long the lease or permission is to last.
• Whether appropriate insurance is held by applicant.
• Whether there are planning or other regulatory implications.
• Indicate what value if any the applicant considers appropriate for the purchase, lease or permission.
• Are there social or environmental implications?
Procedures to be followed by Assynt Foundation Directors.
Development Manager to guide the applicant on procedures / information required.
Development Manager to bring application to Board meeting or Directors with delegated powers with a recommendation.
In considering the application the DM and Directors will consider the following.
• Is the application consistent with the long term vision and objectives of Assynt Foundation?
• Are there competing applications or current uses of the same assets?
• Is the use of the asset appropriate?
• Are there planning or other regulatory implications?
• Are there insurance implications for AF?
• Are there financial implications for AF?
• What are the social and environmental implications?
• Does the applicant have the support of the wider community and or the agencies?
• Are there public image / perception implications?
The decision of the directors will be recorded in the minutes which are available to the public. This statement of procedures should be made available to all applicants to guide their application.
Some of the business ideas presented to Assynt Foundation so far are as follows:
| Business Idea | Lead person |
| Glencanisp Walled Garden – Market Garden | Jenny Robertson |
| Glen Garden of Glory – Social Enterprise | Issie Macleod |
| Forest Crofts | 7 different applicants |
| Assynt Arts Project | Agnes Dickson |
| Pony Trekking | |
| Assynt Music Project | Niall Robertson |
| Study Centre at Glencanisp | |
| Grazing Leases | |
| Ceramic Studio | Fergus Stewart |
| Micro Brewery | |
| Water Bottling | |
| Glencanisp Catering | Dorothea Standlick |
| Fishing | David Robb |
| Paths & Huts | Anna Mackay |
| Nursery | Claire Ford |
| Stalking with Cameras | |
| Writers Retreats | Mandy Haggith |
| Bushcraft Courses | Leon Durbin |
| Trails Biking | Duncan Hutchison |
| Local Food Production | NW Sutherland Food Group |
| Eco-tourism | Julie-ann Macleod |
| All abilities breaks | Sarah/Robin/John |
| Quarrying | Highland Council |
| Woodland Burial | |
| Non-Timber Forest Products | |
| Wood na Gael | Agnes Dickson |
Renewable Energy
There are prospects for a variety of renewable energy schemes to be undertaken on the Estates. The main aims of such a development would be to create a secure income stream by selling the energy or electricity generated (initially to the national grid but potentially direct to consumers in the future) and to replace fossil fuel generated power with an environmentally sustainable alternative. The smaller scale renewable projects whilst not capable of income generation would be suitable to offset electricity use and thus reduce costs and environmental damage. Potential schemes that are being investigated are:
• woodfuel
• wind turbines
• hydro-electric schemes
• solar power schemes
• biomass crops
Highland Council has produced a renewable energy strategy paper which sets out, in planning terms, what is and is not possible for potential developers. There are various categories of possible development:
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
Instrument: National Planning Framework
Decision Maker: Scottish Executive/Planning Authority
Decision Route: Planning Application/Call-in
Appeal: Courts Only
MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS
Instrument: Development Plan
Decision Maker: Planning Authority/Scottish Executive
Decision Route: Planning Application to agreed time scale/Call-in
Appeal: Scottish Ministers and Courts
LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS
Instrument: Development Plan
Decision Maker: Planning Authority
Either (A) Elected Member or (B) delegated to officers
Decision Route: Planning Application
Appeal: (A) to Scottish Ministers or (B) to a local review body
MINOR DEVELOPMENTS
Instrument: General Permitted Development Order/Development Handbook
Decision Maker: Planning Authority
Decision Route: Assess against regulations/handbook for scope of permitted development
Appeal: Court Only
Under the above categorisation, Hydro schemes are categorised differently from all other schemes. The Assynt Crofters Trust Loch Poll scheme (225kW) would now be classed as a Major Scheme. A 5MW onshore wind development would contrastingly be classed as Local/Community Scheme. The Highland Council, on page 23, Table 6.2.1 of its Strategy document effectively prohibits any Major/National wind developments > 5MW in our area. The strategy does allow local onshore wind developments such as the one the Foundation has been investigating, but falls short of stating that the council would favour such a development.
Woodfuel
Use of wood as a fuel is being seen increasingly as an efficient and environmental friendly alternative to gas, oil and coal. At its simplest level, wood or multi-fuel stoves are popular in the area and providing a reliable source of firewood will encourage their adoption still further. At a more sophisticated level there are high efficiency wood fuelled boilers that range in capacity from domestic (30 kW) to industrial (4mW). The larger boilers are eminently suitable for powering District Heating Schemes. Any proposed affordable housing scheme would fully investigate the potential of using wood fuel and communal heating. A woodchip supply business is being developed in conjunction with the redevelopment of the lodge to fuel its proposed new woodchip boiler and potentially other boilers in Lochinver as businesses replace oil-fired heating with cheaper and environmentally friendly wood.
Wind Turbines
Clearly not everyone likes wind turbines. For any person who sees them as an attractive alternative to new nuclear power stations there is someone else who would suggest that they are a most aesthetically unpleasant addition to the skyline.
In seeking to judge a planning application, the council would take cognisance of the positive and negative impacts of any proposed development.
Positive Impacts would be:
• local benefit
• community ownership
• reducing fuel poverty
• community involvement
• local content of works
Negative Impacts might be:
• conservation of natural heritage
• amenity interests
• pattern & scale of development
• visual impact on the landscape
Early initial investigations suggest that there is sufficient wind in the Assynt area and a suitable 33kV connection point to the national grid in Lochinver. For a total development cost of approximately £4.5M there may be the potential to generate some £1.2M of annual revenue. These initial figures would suggest that such a project could be economically viable and able to generate a significant income stream after servicing of loans and maintenance costs. To develop such a project would be a very significant undertaking and will only be instigated after thorough investigation and community consultation.
The Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust minimised the upfront costs in their ‘Dancing Ladies’ development by installing three small second hand turbines at considerably lower capital cost than new equipment. Their development rated at 675kw had a capital cost of £440,000 and delivered a profit in its first year of £100,000 whilst the loans are being repaid. When the loans are cleared after four years, the community hope to earn £150,000 profit per annum from this small-scale development.
A feasibility study of the potential for wind turbines on Glencanisp or Drumrunie identified the optimal site to be an 18ha site on Glencanisp, consisting of a broad ridge, Druim Suardalain, extending roughly east west. The ridge drops to Glencanisp to the south, and more gently to the River Inver to the north. The ridge has a fairly constant altitude of around 135 to 150m being slightly higher at the eastern end. At present, the land is mainly rough pasture used for sheep grazing with some stalking. There are no occupied dwellings on the site.
The Druim Suardalain site was selected following a full analysis of potential in the Assynt area to create an opportunity for local economic development through a community renewable energy project. This began with a wide initial search of the greater Assynt area.
The basic technical requirements for a wind energy scheme are proximity to electricity infrastructure and access, and a suitable wind resource. The Drumrunie area emerged as meeting these requirements, having existing 33kV electricity line, road and suitable wind resource. Despite this promise, Drumrunie was ruled out due to the environmental designations.
Ruling out designated areas, SSSIs, SACs, SPAs, focussed attention on the immediate area around Lochinver, north of the River Kirkaig (Inverpolly SSSI and Special Area of Conservation), west of Loch Assynt (Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Area) and south of the ‘Assynt Lochs’ (Lochs Poll, Beannach SSSI and SPA etc.).
This pull towards Lochinver was reinforced by the electricity infrastructure requirements. A suitable three phase electricity supply is a requirement for any project. This exists at Lochinver where a 33000 volt line from Grudie Bridge terminates at the small substation on the Canisp Road. This substation has existing capacity to connect a community renewable energy scheme and is a key location in relation to such a scheme. Proximity to this substation is a positive factor economically for a project, and proximity to existing infrastructure is recognised as a consideration under the new Highland Renewable Energy Strategy and Guidelines. An 11000 volt line runs from Lochinver substation north to Stoer and Drumbeg. This line may have some limited capacity for the connection of further generation, but this would be subject to electrical engineering studies and likely to be extremely limited due to presence of existing generation on the line, at Loch Poll.
Next, a margin of 1000 metres was taken to dwellings. This is the separation used in the Highland Renewable Energy Strategy and Guidelines as an indicator for wind energy constraint, and is considered appropriate to Lochinver, given the available space and the combined residential amenity and tourism interests in Lochinver.
Landscape, ornithology and wild land considerations were found to push development towards Lochinver, mirroring the technical and economic pull. Landscape guidelines suggest new development should be associated with existing settlements, and logically linked to the land form: the windy ridge of Druim Suardalain just outside the 1km separation may possibly meet this guidance. Known ornithological interests are concentrated in the interior area, so proximity to Lochinver is generally positive for ornithological interests. Further survey work to recognised standards is planned to identify the use local birds make of the site. ‘Wild land’ is not a statutory designation, and subject to some debate over its nature and location. The Suilven/ Canisp interior is certainly a place distant from roads. The Druim Suardalain site is sited as far as possible from the interior area and is within 500m of the existing road.
Therefore, Druim Suardalain represents the optimum site for wind energy development on Assynt Foundation land, based on all existing available information including wind resource, access, electricity connection, bird interests, landscape and amenity.
Following consultation with the wider community, in May 2007 this wind turbine proposal was put ‘in the deep freeze’ while a fuller assessment of the potential for renewable energy generation throughout the parish of Assynt is undertaken.
Hydro-electricity Schemes
Faber Maunsell undertook a survey of possible hydro-power sites that led us to conclude that it is unlikely that this technology would provide our first choice to earn income from generating electricity. Three schemes were investigated:
• Allt an Tiaghaich
• Culag
• Cam Loch
The Cam Loch site is not in our ownership, the Culag site is only partly owned, and the Allt an Taigheach site is several miles from a grid connection.
Hydroelectric opportunities were also given consideration in the renewable energy feasibility study. The River Inver, whilst holding potential, was judged sensitive as an important migratory salmonid river, also likely to be subject to ownership constraints. The River Culag holds some limited potential below Loch Druim Suardalain, though potential impact on loch levels might have the potential to affect sensitive birds there. Similarly, the Culag below Loch Culag offers some limited power but could affect loch levels. Burns draining north to the Inver, the Allt na h-Airbhe and Allt an Tiaghaich, offer some potential but would require a new electricity line from Lochinver substation, likely to render the projects unviable.
Solar Energy (Evacuated tube, Flat plate and Photovoltaics)
This method is most efficient use of this technology requires the fitting of panels to south facing roofing. We do not have a huge range of available options here to deploy this technology but panels will be fitted to the Lodge as part of the refurbishment. Any new build projects particularly affordable eco friendly housing will consider this as an option.
Biomass
The greatest potential for biomass use is as a fuel for heat generation, though large scale woodchip boilers of sufficient size to have potential for electricity generation do exist. Sources of biomass available to the Foundation are currently mature timber (for conversion to woodchip) only. Coppice production will offer and additional tried and tested fuel sources. Other possible sources for investigation in the future might include harvesting of bracken, heather, and miscanthus; though difficulties in harvesting these crops may preclude their viability.
Glencanisp Lodge
Background
Glencanisp Lodge is the main property acquired by Assynt Foundation through the purchase of Glencanisp & Drumrunie Estates. The Lodge is situated approximately two miles inland from Lochinver at the end of a private road, on the shores of Loch Drum Suardalain.
Following the acquisition, the Board of Directors decided to use the building as self-catering accommodation. It was felt that this was the least well provided for segment of the local tourist industry, as only one large self-catering establishment exists in Assynt, Inchnadamph Lodge, and this is fully booked for much of the year. It was decided, in line with the Feasibility Study prepared by Graeme Scott & Co, to market the property both directly and through an agency. George Goldsmith of Edinburgh was appointed to act as agent, and the Lodge was included in Goldsmith's 2006 brochure.
Following an inspection, Mr Goldsmith withdrew his support and the Lodge has since been advertised via the Foundation's website, through advertisements in the JMT magazine and by word of mouth.
The Directors recognised that it would be a requirement to upgrade the Lodge to a more acceptable standard, and the view was expressed that this should be at least a three-star level of provision. Funding was successfully applied for from HIE Community Land Unit for the employment of Thomas Munro & Co. Architects, Inverness to draw up plans and to provide detailed costings for the proposed works. The new layout for the building will provide improved heating, better facilities for disabled visitors, upgraded catering provision, improved fire protection, better insulation, improved furnishings and décor and an enhanced wastewater treatment system.
Clearly, all of the above will cost a great deal of money. A bid has been submitted to Growing Community Assets to meet the majority of the costs of upgrading the Lodge.
Similar Properties
George Goldsmith’s brochure on Houses, Castles & Sporting Estates 2006 gives details of the following properties which are of a similar size to Glencanisp Lodge:
| County | Property | Sleeps | Price per |
| week | |||
| £ | |||
| Sutherland | Glencanisp Lodge, Lochinver | 20 | £1,500 - £2,000 |
| Ross-Shire | Inverbroom Lodge, Ullapool | 16-18 | £2,200 |
| Ross-shire | Meall Mor Lodge, Evanton | 20 | £3,000 |
| Ross-shire | Rhidorroch House, Ullapool | 14 | £3,600 |
| Inverness-shire | Tomatin House, Tomatin | 15 | £3,000 |
| Ross-shire | Strathconon House | 14 | £2,800 |
Unfortunately most of the Properties in Sutherland are POA (Price on Application) but from those where prices are provided, it is clear that Glencanisp is under-performing due to the poor state of its repair, furniture and décor. We should be earning double what we are for every week sold. Following upgrading, we want to earn £3,000-£4,000 per week.
Feasibility Study Projections
Graeme Scott & Co.’s projections for income earned from Glencanisp Lodge are shown below:
| Year to | Year to | Year to | Year to | Year to | Year to | |
| 31/03/2006 | 31/03/2007 | 31/03/2008 | 31/03/2009 | 31/03/2010 | 31/03/2011 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Agency Lets | 0 | 35,700.00 | 40,800.00 | 45,900.00 | 51,000.00 | 51,000.00 |
| Direct Lets | 0 | 5,000.00 | 6,000.00 | 7,000.00 | 7,500.00 | 7,500.00 |
| Total Income | 0 | 40,700.00 | 46,800.00 | 52,900.00 | 58,500.00 | 58,500.00 |
| Less Commission | 0 | 7,140.00 | 8,160.00 | 9,180.00 | 10,200.00 | 10,200.00 |
| Net Income | 0 | 33,560.00 | 38,640.00 | 43,720.00 | 48,300.00 | 48,300.00 |
Source: Graeme Scott & Co. (2005) “Community Purchase of Glencanisp & Drumrunie Estates by Assynt Foundation - Feasibility Study”, Inverness, Graeme Scott & Co.
The budget v actual comparison for the first two years is shown below:
| Budget to | Actual to | Budget to | Projected to | |
| 31/03/06 | 31/03/06 | 31/03/07 | 31/03/07 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Agency Lets | 0 | 0 | 35,700.00 | 0 |
| Direct Lets | 0 | 3,000.00 | 5,000.00 | 13,750.00 |
| Total Income | 0 | 3,000.00 | 40,700.00 | 13,750.00 |
| Less Commission | 0 | 0 | 7,140.00 | 0 |
| Net Income | 0 | 3,000.00 | 33,560.00 | 13,750.00 |
Clearly, we are starting to fall well behind on our income target for the lodge. We hope that this can be corrected by our plans for the future.
Future Plans
Glencanisp Lodge will be re-developed whilst doing everything possible to maintain the character and integrity of the property. Figure 8 shows the proposed layout of the building, reducing the number of bedrooms from 14 to 12 but with nearly all the rooms being twins or doubles and nearly all en suite, the same number of people will be accommodated in much greater comfort than before. A downstairs bedroom will also be provided for disabled guests, and this will have en suite facilities attached. Conference and catering facilities will be very considerably upgraded, allowing the Lodge to cater for a much wider range of events at a much higher level of service and luxury than was previously the case. In particular, the building will be much better set up to handle weddings and to provide a training venue.
Financial Implications
See business plan.
Marketing Strategy
In addition to the physical upgrade, steps are being taken to enhance the profile of Glencanisp Lodge. A Project Officer was appointed early in 2007 to improve the marketing effort, ensuring that the website is attracting business, that adverts are prepared for press work, that a brochure is produced to market the lodge and that these are all being delivered to the right people in the right places. A new contract has just been let for a local person to develop and maintain the website as local input and content are seen as vital to the success of the website operation in attracting business for the lodge.
Acknowledgements
The Lodge Sub-Group formed by Agnes Dickson has done a huge amount of work over the last year to ensure that the building was ready and able to accept bookings. The group has dealt with many of the day-to-day tasks which would otherwise have fallen to the Development Manager and have got involved in the decision-making regarding future development plans. All the members of Assynt Foundation are in their debt for the effort they have put in.
When we acquired the Lodge, it was to all intents and purposes empty. Every room required to be furnished. Obviously, the Foundation did not have the wherewithal to undertake such an enormous task when its resources were very limited. The people of Assynt have responded to the challenge and the lodge is now a comfortable haven for all our guests. In particular, we thank Robin Vestey for the donations from Stronchrubie Lodge, the Glovers for those from Cathair Dubh and all the other people who made donations large and small. Without their help the lodge would not be providing the income it has earned over the last year.
Natural Heritage Designations
The estates contain four Sites of Special Scientific Interest. The entire estate of Drumrunie has been designated as part of the Inverpolly Special Area of Conservation. Many of the lochs are designated under the Inverpolly, Loch Urigil and nearby Lochs Special Protection Area for the breeding birds. Both estates form a significant core of the Assynt – Coigeach National Scenic Area. In 2004 in recognition of its outstanding geology and landscape, the area was awarded European Geopark status by UNESCO, and is currently under consideration as a World Heritage Site.
The 25-year key objectives for management of the Inverpolly SSSI, as set out in 1986, were:
1. To protect the upland, peatland, woodland, associated birds and other typical species from loss,
damage or disturbance.
2. To protect the fresh water lochs and diver nesting sites from loss or damage and so avoid
deterioration of the habitat condition.
3. To maintain the upland, peatland, woodland, and associated birds and other typical species in
favourable condition and where appropriate, enhance them further.
4. To maintain the fresh water lochs and diver nesting sites in favourable condition and where
appropriate, enhance them further.
5. To detect changes in the integrity and condition of the site and its associated species, and in the
condition of the breeding diver population.
6. To liaise with owners/occupiers in pursuance of the above objectives.
The whole of Drumrunie is covered by the Inverpolly Special Area of Conservation and is summarised as:
• Inland water bodies (standing water, running water) (20%).
• Bogs. Marshes. Water fringed vegetation. Fens (46.8%).
• Heath. Scrub. Maquis and garrigue. Phygrana (23%).
• Improved grassland (1%).
• Broad-leaved deciduous woodland (5.2%).
• Inland rocks. Screes. Sands. Permanent snow and ice (4%).
The conservation objectives for the Inverpolly SAC are:
a) To avoid deterioration of the qualifying habitats (listed below) thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and
b) To ensure for the qualifying habitats that the following are maintained in the long term:
• Extent of the habitat on site
• Distribution of the habitat within site
• Structure and function of the habitat
• Processes supporting the habitat
• Distribution of typical species of the habitat
• Viability of typical species as components of the habitat
• No significant disturbance of typical species of the habitat
c) To avoid deterioration of the habitats of the qualifying species (freshwater pearl and otter) or significant disturbance to the qualifying species, thus ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and the site makes an appropriate contribution to achieving favourable conservation status for each of the qualifying features; and
d) To ensure for the qualifying species that the following are maintained in the long term:
• Population of the species as a viable component of the site
• Distribution of the species within site
• Distribution and extent of habitats supporting the species
• Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting the species
• No significant disturbance of the species
• Distribution and viability of freshwater pearl mussel host species
• Structure, function and supporting processes of habitats supporting freshwater pearl mussel host species
The qualifying habitats for the Inverpolly SAC are:
• Acid peat-stained lakes and ponds
• Acidic scree
• Alpine and subalpine heaths
• Blanket bog
• Clear-water lakes or lochs with aquatic vegetation and poor to moderate nutrient levels
• Depressions on peat substrates
• Dry heaths
• Montane acid grasslands
• Plants in crevices on acid rocks
• Very wet mires often identified by an unstable ‘quaking’ surface Western acidic oak woodland
• Wet heathland with cross-leaved heath.
The Inverpolly SSSI designation means that for Drumrunie there are various Operations Requiring Consent, as follows.
1. Cultivation, including ploughing, rotovating, harrowing and reseeding.
2. Grazing, and changes in the grazing regime (including type of stock or intensity or seasonal pattern of grazing and cessation of grazing).
3. Changes in stock feeding practice.
4. Application of manure, fertlisers and lime.
5. Application of pesticides, including herbicides (weedkillers).
6. Dumping, spreading or discharge of any materials.
7. Burning and changes in the pattern or frequency of burning.
8. The release into the site of any wild, feral or domestic animal, plant or seed.
9. The killing or removal of any wild animal*, including pest control.
10. The destruction, displacement, removal or cutting of any plant or plant remains.
11. Changes in tree and/or woodland management (including afforestation, planting, clear and selective felling, thinning, coppicing, modification of the stand or underwood, changes in species composition, cessation of management.
12. Drainage (including moor-gripping and the use of mole, tile, tunnel or other artificial drains).
13. Modification of the structure of water courses (e.g. rivers, streams, springs, ditches, drains), including their banks and beds, as by realignment, regarding and dredging.
14. Management of aquatic and bank vegetation for drainage purposes.
15. The changing of water levels and tables and water utilisation (including irrigation, storage and abstraction from existing water bodies and through boreholes).
16. Infilling of ditches, drains, ponds, pools, marshes.
17. Changes in freshwater fishery production and/or management (including sporting fishing and angling).
18. The introduction of coastal fishing (including the use of traps or fish cages).
19. Reclamation of land from sea, estuary or marsh.
20. Extraction of minerals, including peat, shingle, sand and gravel, topsoil, subsoil and spoil.
21. Construction, removal or destruction of roads, tracks, walls, fences, hardstands, banks, ditches or other earthworks, or the laying, maintenance or removal of pipelines or cables, above or below ground.
22. Storage of materials.
23. Erection of permanent or temporary structures, or the undertaking of engineering works, including drilling.
24. Modification of natural or man-made features including clearance of boulders, large stones, loose rock or scree and battering, buttressing or grading rock faces or cuttings, infilling of pits and quarries.
25. Use of vehicles or craft likely to damage or disturb features of interst.
26. Recreational or other activities likely to damage flora and fauna.
27. Changes in game and waterfowl mnagement and hunting practice.
*‘animal’ includes any mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, fish or invertebrate.
Drumrunie also lies in the Inverpolly, Loch Urigil and Nearby Lochs Special Protection Area whose description states: “The lochs form part of the core breeding range of Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica in the UK.”
In addition there are 38 sites of SSSI standard for their botanical interest on the Glencanisp part of the property. Chris Ferreira, recognised as the pre-eminent expert on Highland flora, identified and published these in his report to SNH, A vegetation survey of North West Sutherland, in 1995.
Habitats
A range of distinct vegetation types, or habitats, typical of the local geology and climate, is present on Glencanisp and Drumrunie estates. Although many of these habitats are widespread in the northwest highlands, such as blanket bog or mire and wet heath, they may be rare in British or European terms. A few of the habitats found here, such as reedbeds, are unusual in terms of the northwest highlands. These habitats form the basis for the designation, and legal protection, of large areas of the property. In addition to their scientific importance, the habitats combine to make a visually fascinating mosaic of colour and texture, changing through the year, in the landscape.
The entire estate of Drumrunie has been designated as part of the Inverpolly Special Area for Conservation, a European designation, for its habitats. Many of the lochs on the property are designated under the Inverpolly, Loch Urigil and nearby Lochs Special Protection Area (SPA), another European designation, for breeding birds. The property contains four Sites of Special Scientific Interest, a national designation. All of the Drumrunie estate is included within Inverpolly SSSI. Whilst the Glencanisp estate contains areas with SPA and SSSI designations, the majority of the land is not under European or national nature conservation designation, although there are no fewer than 38 sites of SSSI standard for their botanical interest on the Glencanisp part of the property. (Chris Ferreira, recognised as the pre-eminent expert on Highland flora, identified these and published his report in 1995). NCC’s Upland Survey Team mapped habitat types on all upland SSSIs, including Inverpolly SSSI, in the 1980s, but comprehensive habitat survey and mapping of the property has not been carried out. The property forms a significant core of the Assynt – Coigach National Scenic Area. In 2004, in recognition of its outstanding geology and landscape, the area was awarded European Geopark status by UNESCO. The major vegetation zones and the interesting habitats within them are described below.
Montane and sub-montane zones
Glencanisp estate includes the individual peaks of Canisp, 846m, and Suilven, 723m, in addition to many lower summits. Drumrunie estate includes Cul Mor, at 849m the highest of the Assynt hills, and Cul Beag, 769m. These red sandstone hills, the highest with pale caps of quartzite, sit isolated on a plateau of ancient grey and pink Lewisian gneiss. Wet and windy climatic conditions result in montane habitats on the summits of the higher peaks of Canisp, Suilven, Cul Beag and Cul Mor, with sub-montane habitats on ground above the 300m contour. This accounts for a large area of the property, extending out from the higher hills to include lower summits and windswept ground. A complex of habitats is found in the montane and sub-montane zones. Underlying and exposed rocks and scree are mainly siliceous, i.e. containing a high proportion of silica, resulting in nutrient-poor growing conditions. On the exposed summits there is sparse vegetation of various alpine and northern (boreal) heath and grassland types, interspersed with rocks and bare areas of ground. Steep slopes below the summits have heath, grassland and scree. Rocky slopes can be important in providing sheltered niches for plant growth. These habitats grade into wet heath, blanket bog or dry heath in the moorland zone below 300m.
Two of the designations relating to the property have montane and sub-montane habitats which are qualifying features:
• Inverpolly SAC has alpine and boreal heath, siliceous alpine and boreal grasslands, siliceous scree of the montane to snow levels and siliceous rock slopes with chasmophytic vegetation.
• Inverpolly SSSI has a nationally important assemblage of upland vegetation types.
In addition to these qualifying interests, Ferreira identified 12 upland sites on Glencanisp as being of regional interest within northwest Sutherland.
Management issues
• Heavy grazing and trampling by red deer, causing direct damage.
• Uncontrolled muirburn, causing direct damage and long-term impoverishment of soils.
• Recreation by walkers and cyclists, causing localised erosion and degradation of habitats.
• ATV use, causing localised erosion and degradation of habitats.
• Unfavourable condition of habitat.
Management recommendations
• Reduce the number of red deer.
• Guard against muirburn and accidental fire.
• Assess the impacts of recreation and ATV use and take action if necessary.
Moorland zone
Below the sub-montane zone, lower altitude ground on the Lewisian gneiss plateau is of characteristic ‘cnoc and lochan’ structure. A myriad of lochans lies interspersed between knolls and small hills, resulting in a highly distinctive landscape.
In the waterlogged hollows between knolls, peat accumulates to a depth which has allowed blanket bog, also known as mire, vegetation to develop. This ground is permanently wet, with vegetation dominated by cotton-grass Eriophorum spp. and Sphagnum moss. There are several types of bog or mire: basin mire in hollows, valley mire where there is through-flow of water, patterned mire with open pools, quaking bogs and transition mires. All are dependant on high rainfall to maintain their structure, and globally are found only where rainfall exceeds evaporation in cool, wet climates. Comprehensive data for changes to the total UK resource of blanket bog are lacking, but studies in Scotland (where most of the resource lies and where it accounts for some 13% of the land area) suggest a 21% reduction in the extent of blanket bog between the 1940s and the 1980s. Blanket bogs support a range of species: some of these are widespread and common, some are much more local, and quite a number are of UK interest for either their rarity or for the densities of their breeding populations on blanket bogs, for example red-throated diver Gavia stellata and Eurasian golden plover Pluvialis apricaria (both present on the property).
Shallow peat on knolls and gently-sloping ground supports wet heath vegetation, a common habitat in northwest Scotland but rare in global terms. Well-drained steeply sloping ground supports dry heath vegetation on mineral, i.e. peat-free, soil. Both wet heath and dry heath can be rich in plant species in addition to heather, if flushed by base-rich (non-acidic) water, or located on base-rich rock. Crags, boulders and screes are also a feature of the moorland landscape. They offer protection from grazing animals, and provide niches for plants which are susceptible to grazing, such as trees, ferns and tall flowering plants.
Two of the designations relating to Glencanisp and Drumrunie have moorland habitats as qualifying features:
• Inverpolly SAC has blanket bog, transition mires and quaking bogs, depressions on peat, north Atlantic wet heaths and European dry heaths.
• Inverpolly SSSI has blanket bog.
In addition to these qualifying interests, other important features include:
• Upland heathland is a UK BAP habitat.
• Blanket bog is a UK BAP habitat.
• Ferreira identified 10 fen and bog sites of regional importance.
Management issues
• Heavy grazing and trampling by red deer, causing direct damage to plants.
• Muirburn, causing direct damage and long-term impoverishment of the soil.
• Localised drainage, intended to improve grazing, causing drying of bog habitat.
• Localised agricultural improvement, causing damage to heathland habitats.
• Recreation by walkers, cyclists and horse-riders, causing localised erosion and habitat degradation.
• ATV use, causing localised erosion and habitat degradation.
• Unfavourable condition of habitat.
Management recommendations
• Reduce numbers of red deer.
• Guard against muirburn and accidental fire.
• Continue to block drains to increase the wetness of bog and heathland.
• Guard against inappropriate agricultural improvement.
• Assess the impacts of recreation and ATV use and take action if necessary.
Freshwater
Water is a dramatic feature of the property and particularly of the Glencanisp estate; this is evident when the area is viewed from a height, e.g. from the top of Suilven. The three zones of montane, moorland and freshwater account for the vast majority of the property. Large freshwater lochs include Loch Assynt (the northern boundary of the property in part follows the mid-line of the loch), Cam Loch and Loch Veyatie (the boundary between the Glencanisp and Drumrunie estates follows the mid-line of Loch Veyatie). There are hundreds of smaller lochs and lochans, mostly on Lewisian gneiss, giving the area a distinct character. The acidity of the water in the lochs determines which aquatic plant species will thrive, and this depends on both the underlying rock and the inflowing water. The high-altitude lochans are very acid (dystrophic). Most lochs on the Lewisian gneiss plateau are fairly acid (mildly oligotrophic). The only alkaline, nutrient-rich (eutrophic) lochs on the property are Loch Awe and Cam Loch which receive alkaline inflowing water from limestone areas. Reedbeds are an important component of the mosaic of wetland vegetation found in lochs. Rivers and burns of all sizes drain the bogs, lochans and lochs. These are mostly shallow, fast-flowing and liable to spates. Ravines and waterfalls are interesting features and provide protected niches for plants.
Seven of the designations relating to Glencanisp and Drumrunie have freshwater habitats which are qualifying features.
• Inverpolly SAC has natural dystrophic lakes and ponds.
• Inverpolly SSSI has standing open water.
• Inverpolly, Loch Urigill and Nearby Lochs Special Protection Area (SPA) was designated primarily as breeding and feeding areas for black-throated diver Gavia arctica.
• Cam Loch SSSI has freshwater interest (macrophytes).
• Assynt Lochs SPA has black-throated diver.
• Assynt Lochs SSSI underpins the SPA detailed above.
• Loch Awe and Loch Ailsh SSSI has black-throated diver.
In addition to these qualifying interests, other important features include:
• Reedbeds are a UK BAP habitat.
• Ferreira identified 1 open water site as regionally important.
Management issues
• The current use of the sluice on the River Inver may prevent black-throated divers from establishing natural nest sites; Assynt Foundation has no control over this.
• Excessive water extraction, causing changes in water levels.
• Drainage and agricultural improvement, causing drying of wetland habitats.
• Recreation may be causing disturbance to important species.
Management recommendations
• Work with other parties to ensure timing of sluice operations is not detrimental to loch Assynt breeding divers.
• Guard against inappropriate water extraction.
• Guard against inappropriate drainage and agricultural improvement.
• Commission a survey to determine the exact amount and quality of the reedbed habitat: establish management guidelines.
• Assess recreational impacts and take action if necessary.
Woodland
Native woodland on Glencanisp and Drumrunie is very limited in extent. The larger remnants of native woodland are limited to sheltered ground along the shore of Loch Assynt, around Glencanisp lodge, south of Loch Veyatie, in Gleann Laoigh and near Drumrunie. There are also woods at Bad na h-Achlaise and Cnocnaneach. Smaller remnants occur in sheltered, steep rocky gullies and on crags. Most of the woods are classified as ancient semi-natural woodland, i.e. they have been continuously present in the areas mapped by William Roy in 1750. Although small in area, these woodlands are extremely important in terms of supporting a distinctive range of plant and animal species, and also for their landscape value. The majority of the woodland is classified as upland oakwood. Upland oakwoods are characterised by a predominance of oak and birch in the canopy, with varying amounts of holly, rowan and hazel as the main understorey species. In Britain, the amount of birch in the woods tends to increase in northwest Scotland; indeed the woodlands are dominated by downy birch. Hazel is rare except on base-rich (non-acid) ground, and rowan and holly are heavily browsed unless protection is afforded by boulders or crags. In Britain, upland semi-natural woods have declined by about 30-40% in area over the last 60 years. In the northwest of Scotland the most significant problem has been over-grazing by sheep and deer throughout much of the range of the woods. On the property, woodland areas which are open to deer and sheep are effectively moribund, with no young trees becoming established. The resulting open character means the loss of humid conditions essential for the interesting ferns, lichens, mosses and liverworts which should naturally occur in healthy woods in the locality. Overgrazing also prevents the development of healthy ground and shrub layers, reducing the value of the woods to wildlife. Very small remnant island woods show what the ground layer could be like. Thirteen exclosures have been erected on Inverpolly SSSI with the aim of re-establishing pockets of native woodland. In addition to native woodlands there are recent plantations, of native species, on the south shore of Loch Assynt and at Drumrunie.
Three of the designations relating to the Glencanisp and Drumrunie property have native woodland as one of the qualifying features.
• Inverpolly SAC has old sessile oak woods with Ilex (Holly) and Blechnum (hard fern).
• Cam Loch SSSI has ancient semi-natural woodland.
• Inverpolly SSSI has upland birch woodland.
In addition to these qualifying interests, other important features include the following.
• Birch-dominated oakwoods are a UK BAP habitat.
• Ancient Woodland Inventory sites.
• 4 woodland sites of regional importance listed by Ferreira.
Management issues
• Heavy grazing by red deer, resulting in a lack of regeneration and decline in woodland cover and vitality.
• Muirburn encroaching on woodland areas, causing direct damage and preventing regeneration.
• Lack of grazing in enclosed areas is limiting woodland development.
• Unfavourable condition of SSSI/SAC
Management recommendations
• Maintain the current extent and distribution of the native woodlands.
• Improve the condition of the existing native woodlands through the reduction in grazing pressure from red deer.
• Avoiding other habitats of high nature conservation value, expand the area of native woodlands through natural regeneration.
• Guard against muirburn and accidental fire.
• Introduce management to enclosed woodlands.
References
‘A vegetation survey of North West Sutherland’ REC Ferreira report to SNH 1995
‘Inventory of ancient, long-established and semi-natural woodlands (provisional)’ NCC 1985
Flora
The habitats present on Drumrunie and Glencanisp estates support a range of interesting plant species. Where plants are found depends on several factors including soil type, and therefore the underlying rock type, soil wetness, exposure to wind, aspect and altitude. Many plant species are found only in particular habitats, while some are more generally distributed.
On Drumrunie, Torridonian sandstone is the major rock type, with some Lewisian gneiss, and pipe-rock and basal quartzite on the eastern boundary. On Glencanisp, Lewisian gneiss is the major rock type, with many natural dykes of basic and ultrabasic rock. Pipe-rock and basal quartzite occur at the eastern boundary, marble at Ledbeg, and Torridonian sandstone forms the higher hills. Most of these rock types break down to yield acid soils poor in the mineral nutrients which are necessary for plant growth. Basic rock dykes yield soils richer in minerals, which may support a greater range of plant species. Both Torridonian sandstone and Lewisian gneiss are impermeable and soils tend to be waterlogged. The wet, generally acid conditions encourage growth of Sphagnum bog moss and lead to peat formation. In general, soils tend to be thin and patchy over exposed bedrock, with deep peat in waterlogged hollows. None of the hills is higher than 900m, but due to Assynt bearing the full force of gales and rain off the north Atlantic, even the lower summits are subject to extremely wet and windy conditions. This means that plants normally found at much higher altitude and categorised as ‘montane’ can be found.
Flowering plants, ferns, clubmosses and horsetails
The variety of habitats present on Glencanisp and Drumrunie ensures that a wide range of plant species typical of those habitats occurs. Most of these are common species which can be found throughout northwest Sutherland. In addition, many plant species are found on Glencanisp and Drumrunie estates which are present in few other locations in Assynt. A description of these follows, grouped according to the vegetation zone in which they are found.
*Nationally Rare = found in fewer than sixteen 10km squares in Britain
** Red Data Book = nationally rare species at risk or vulnerable
*** Nationally Scarce = found in 16-100 10km squares in Britain
Montane:
A variety of nationally rare and also locally interesting species is found in the montane habitats on Glencanisp and Drumrunie estates.
Norwegian mugwort Artemisia norvegica is a nationally rare* species occurring on Cul Mor; this was the first known and is the biggest population in the UK. It is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) species. The plant is found in exposed situations on only three summits in Britain, all in the northwest highlands, and is thought to be one of the first plant species in Britain which will show a response to climate change. Curved woodrush Luzula arcuata is a nationally rare species occurring on the summit of Canisp. Issler’s clubmoss Diphasiastrum complanatum is a Red Data Book** species, its largest British population occurring on Canisp.
Together, Suilven and Canisp support the following nationally scarce*** species: interrupted clubmoss Lycopodium annotinum, mossy cyphel Minuartia sedoides, glaucous meadow-grass Poa glauca, alpine saxifrage Saxifraga nivalis and eyebright Euphrasia frigida. Minuartia sedoides is also found on Cul Mor.
Species which are more common in the highlands but which are of interest in northwest Sutherland and are found on Canisp and Suilven are trailing azalea Loisleuria procumbens, three-flowered rush Juncus triglumis, small white orchid Pseudorchis albida, mossy saxifrage Saxifraga hypnoides, purple saxifrage Saxifraga oppositifolia, dwarf cudweed Gnaphalium supinum and alpine willowherb Epilobium anagallidifolium. Some of these species also occur on Cul Mor and Cul Beag, e.g. small white orchid Pseudorchis albida is found on the saddle above Loch na Claise, north of Cul Mor.
Other montane plants found on Glencanisp estate include the yellow-rattles Rhinanthus lintonii and R monticola, and six hawkweeds which occur mainly on crags: Hieracium strictiforme, H caesiomurorum, H camptopetalum, H nitidum, H languellense, H holosericeum.
Moorland
Three species typical of montane heath (which in this area occurs upwards of around 500m altitude) are found on Glencanisp estate. Meallan Liath, east of Canisp, supports montane heath with Arctostaphylos alpinus, a nationally scarce species, and northern blaeberry Vaccinium uliginosum. Juniper Juniperus communis is a UK BAP species which is found in montane heath on the eastern slopes of Canisp, and is fairly widespread on Drumrunie, where it is recovering due to cessation of muirburn (Alex Scott, pers. comm.).
Freshwater & wet habitats
The aquatic UK BAP fern species pillwort Pilularia globulifera is recorded from the inflow to Cam Loch but little is known about its distribution elsewhere on the property. Shetland pondweed Potamogeton rutilus is a Red Data Book species which occurs in Loch Awe. Lapland marsh orchid Dactylorhiza lapponica and D incarnata ssp cruenta are found in base-rich flushes in Mointeach na Dubh Chlaise by Loch Poll an Nigheidh; both are Red Data Book species.
Three nationally scarce species occur: bog orchid Hammarbya paludosa is found in two areas of mire on Glencanisp and near Feur Loch on Drumrunie, while flushes and damp sites support the variegated horsetail Equisetum variegatum. The aquatic fern spring quillwort Isoetes echinospora has been recorded from Lochan Fada and Clar Loch Mor west of the A835 and Lochan Dearg north of Cul Mor.
Water pepper Persicaria hydropiper is a species uncommon in north Scotland which occurs on gravel on the north side of Cam Loch. Another species rare in north Scotland is wood sedge Carex sylvatica, which is found by Allt an Taighaich.
Loch Druim Suardalain supports the ribbon-leaved pondweed Potamogeton x sparganiifolius, and intermediate water-starwort Callitriche hamulata is found in lochs and burns. Branched bur-reed Sparganium erectum occurs in the Ledmore River. Water sedge Carex aquatilis is found on the north side of the Ledmore River, bladder sedge C vesicaria in Allt na Braclaich, and brown sedge C disticha in damp ground by the track east of Glencanisp Lodge. Flushes and damp sites support the rough horsetail Equisetum hyemale.
Other habitats
Further nationally scarce species have been recorded from the property: whortle-leaved willow Salix myrsinites at its only non-limestone locality in Assynt on the north side of Beinn Gharbh, shady horsetail Equisetum pratense at its most northerly British location at Achadh Mor, pyramidal bugle Ajuga pyramidalis is found mainly near the coast and is apparently not affected by burning, forked spleenwort Asplenium septentrionale is found in Assynt only on south-facing basic dykes in Gleannan a Mhadaidh, and intermediate wintergreen Pyrola media is also found there. The hybrid willow Salix x ludificans (S aurita x S herbacea) is found on the bank of a burn west of Beinn Reidh. Masterwort Peucedanum ostruthium is a species which was introduced to Eilean Assynt in mediaeval times and still occurs there. Wilson’s filmy fern Hymenophyllum wilsonii occurs on a small crag in Gleann Laoigh, and creeping ladies tresses Goodyera repens is found in woodland south of Loch Veyatie.
(Source: Ian & Pat Evans, SNH Inverpolly card index)
Management issues
• The most important habitats for flowering plants and ferns are the higher hills, montane heath, freshwater and wet habitats, and river gorges.
• The main management issues concerning flowering plants and ferns are climate change, heavy grazing and trampling, muirburn, recreational impact and changes in the water level of lochs.
• Grazing damage can be attributed to high numbers of red deer; plants may be prevented from flowering, or have flowers or seedheads grazed off, reducing their chances of reproduction. Seedlings may be destroyed by grazing or trampling.
• Muirburn may cause direct damage, particularly to species found in montane heath. Soil fertility is gradually reduced with repeated muirburn as the mineral ash produced is blown or washed away.
• Recreation can cause localised damaging effects, e.g. erosion of soils around the summits of Canisp, Suilven and Cul Mor.
• The water level of lochs could be artificially affected by damming for hydro-power generation, causing damage to aquatic and marginal plants.
Management recommendations
• Reduce overall grazing pressure.
• Guard against burning.
• Assess recreational impacts and take action if required.
• Guard against artificial changes in loch levels.
• Gather information on the abundance and distribution of juniper and pillwort, and Red Data Book, nationally rare and nationally scarce species and assess management needs.
• Continue monitoring of the population of Artemisia norvegica on Cul Mor.
Bryophytes: liverworts and mosses
As with flowering plants and ferns, the variety of habitats on Glencanisp and Drumrunie ensures that a wide range of species typical of those habitats occurs. Most of these are common species which can be found throughout northwest Sutherland. In addition, many species are found on Glencanisp and Drumrunie estates which are present in few other locations in Assynt; the number of bryophyte species of interest far exceeds that of flowering plants and ferns. The most scientifically interesting feature of mosses and liverworts on the estates is where a mat of oceanic-montane species is found, e.g. at Meallan Liath Mor, east of Canisp. This mat consists of closely interwoven species, dominated by liverworts, which grow only in extreme climatic conditions. Many of the individual species occurring in the mat are of national or international interest. Interesting mosses are found in gorges, on hill summits and at the edges of burns and lochs, as well as in the bryophyte mat on the quartzite plateau. Below are listed the significant liverwort and moss species on Glencanisp estate.
Liverworts
Herbertus aduncus oceanic
Bazzania pearsonii oceanic; on Canisp and to southeast
Lophozia opacifolia top of higher hills; Canisp and Suilven
Leiocolea fitzgeraldiae Allt an Taighaich, Cnoc Ard na Seilge (the only 2 Assynt records)
Leiocolea heterocolpos Loch Gleannan na Gaoithe
Sphenolobopsis pearsonii oceanic; An Coimhleum
Anastrophyllum hellerianum An Coimhleum
(Anastrophyllum saxicola) continental; Meallan Liath Mor 1966, not refound
Anastrophyllum donnianum oceanic-montane; Canisp
Anastrophyllum joergensenii oceanic-montane; Canisp
Jungermannia paroica Gleann Dorcha, Meallan Liath Beag
Gymnomitrium concinnatum Canisp
Scapania irrigua gravel shores of larger lochs
Scapania uliginosa montane
Scapania ornithopodiodes oceanic-montane
Scapania nimbosa oceanic-montane; Meallan Liath Mor
Leptoscyphus cuneifolius old birch trunks; An Coimhleum
Plagiochila carringtonii oceanic-montane
Porella platyphylla north shore Loch Veyatie
Microlejeunia ulicina old birches; An Coimhleum, Allt an Taighaich
Fossombronia foveolata Loch na h-Airigh Fraoich, fine silt
Mosses
Grimmia ovalis base-rich gneiss, edges of lochs and burns; RDB Vulnerable
Pohlia scotica Loch nam Meallan Liatha; nationally rare endemic
Bryum dixonii Allt an Taighaich; Scottish endemic, one of two sites in Assynt
Sphagnum magellanicum least disturbed mires
Andreaea alpina higher hills
Polytrichum alpinum Canisp, Suilven
Ditrichum zonatum var zonatum Suilven
Rhabdoweisia crispata Ruighe Chnoc
Dicranoweisia crispula montane, but lower here; Cnoc Ard na Seilge, Allt an Taighaich (the only 2 Assynt records)
Kaieria blyttii higher hills
Dicranodontium uncinatum montane heath
Campylopus gracilis north side of Suilven, Canisp
Paraleptodontium recurvifolium oceanic-montane; Suilven
Cinclidotus fontinaloides base-rich lochs, e.g. Loch Awe
Schistidium agassizii Allt an Taighaich (the only Assynt record)
Racomitrium sudeticum montane; Canisp, Suilven
Pohlia elongata
Pohlia cruda
Pohlia drummondii gravel, margins of lochs and burns
Mnium thomsonii Beinn Garbh
Pseudobryum cinclidioides Loch Awe (east side), the only recorded site in Assynt
Aulocomnium androgynum An Coimhleum
Homalia trichomanoides Loch Druim Suardalain, north shore Loch Veyatie
Pterigynandrum filiforme loch-side boulders
Campyliadelphus elodes Abhainn Bad na h-Achlaise
Warnstorfia fluitans Loch nam Meallan Liatha
Drepanocladus cossonii base-rich flush Clach Airigh, Loch Veyatie shore
Calliergon stramineum wet, basic grassland north of Cam Loch
Calliergon trifarium arctic-alpine; Canisp
Cirriphyllum piliferum Easter Tubeg
Orthothecium rufescens north of Beinn Gharbh; its only non-limestone site in Assynt
Plagiothecium denticulatum
var denticulatum Torridonian sandstone crag
Isopterygiopsis muelleriana montane crags; Beinn Gharbh, Canisp
(Source: Ian & Pat Evans)
Survey work on Drumrunie has focussed on the bryophytes present in woodland remnants. In Doire Dubh, the total number of species recorded was 83, of which 27 were ‘Atlantic’ species, i.e. dependant on mild, damp conditions. South of Loch Veyatie, 133 species were recorded from woodland at the west end, and 107 species from woodland at the east end of the loch. In these woods, the number of Atlantic species recorded was 33 and 31 respectively.
Management issues
• The most important habitats for liverworts and mosses are the higher hills, montane heath, old birchwoods, loch shores and river gorges.
• The main management issues concerning liverworts and mosses are climate change, muirburn, recreational impact, water level of lochs, woodland loss and heavy trampling by deer.
• Muirburn may cause direct damage, particularly to the bryophyte mat associated with montane heath.
• Recreation can cause localised damaging effects, e.g. erosion of soils on the summits of Canisp, Suilven and Cul Mor.
• The water level of lochs could be artificially affected by damming for hydro-power generation.
• Loss of woodland and trampling damage can be attributed to high numbers of red deer.
Management recommendations
• Guard against burning.
• Assess impacts of recreation and if necessary take action.
• Guard against artificial changes in loch level.
• Reduce red deer numbers to allow woodland regeneration and prevent heavy trampling.
Lichens
Native woodland with abundant hazel at Cnocnaneach supports a range of lichen species including lungwort Lobarion pulmonaria, which grows only in humid conditions in the west of Britain. Native woodlands are important for other oceanic species; some recording has been carried out, concentrating mainly on this habitat. Pseudocyphellaria norvegica is a UK BAP species which is found on Glencanisp and Drumrunie. In Britain, it is found on the west coast of Scotland. Increasing the cover of native woodland should ensure its survival. This is one of the major areas in Britain for the ground-living arctic species Siphula ceratites. In Britain, it is found only in the north of Scotland. It has been recorded between Suilven and the Falls of Kirkaig. (Source: Alan Fryday)
Management issues
Lichens are stress-tolerant but are dependant on availability of suitable habitat. Factors which threaten particular habitat types, e.g. high numbers of red deer preventing regeneration of native woodland, threaten the continued survival of lichens which are found in those habitats.
Management recommendations
• Gather existing information, assess, and commission further survey as required.
• Reduce deer numbers to allow woodland regeneration.
• Assess impacts of recreation and take action if required.
Fungi
Native woodland with abundant hazel at Cnocnaneach supports a range of fungi species (Ian Evans, pers. comm.).
Information on fungi was not readily available.
Management issues
Fungi are dependant on availability of suitable habitat. Factors which threaten particular habitat types, e.g. high numbers of red deer preventing regeneration of native woodland, threaten the continued survival of fungi which are found in those habitats.
Management recommendations
• Gather existing information, assess, and commission further survey as required.
• Reduce deer numbers to allow woodland regeneration.
References
PA & IM Evans, GP Rothero, Flora of Assynt, 2002.
C Stace, New Flora of the British Isles, 1995.
JNCC, Scarce plants in Britain, 1994.
ABG Averis, A survey of the bryophytes of the woods of the northwest highlands, report to NCC, 1990.
Drumrunie Loch Survey, report to SNH.
GP Rothero, Species Action Dossier Pseudocyphellaria norvegica.
SNH card index for Inverpolly.
Woodlands
Existing Woodland Schemes
Glencanisp
At Loch Assynt there are three: Coille na Moine, Wester Tubeg, Garbh Uidhe. There are currently problems of establishment, stocking density and vegetation competition in Wester Tubeg and Garbh Uidhe, but in any case, they were planted for purposes of nature conservation. The Forestry Commission confirms that they have no potential to produce useable timber, because of location, species mix and planting density.
1 Coille na Moine: 76:1 ha Pinewood, broadleaves, natural regen.
Establishing well.
2 Wester Tubeg: 120:0 ha Pinewood, broadleaves, natural regen.
Pinewood establishing well, rowan and birch regen good, gorse control needed. Fertiliser may be needed on marginal soils, deer damage noted 2005.
3 Garbh Uidhe: 36:0 ha Native broadleaves, natural regen.
Not establishing well, vegetation competition and deer pressure noted as problems in 2005.
NB: Deerfences on above assessed by Mark Snowdon as in good condition in 2007.
Drumrunie
The location of this scheme makes it more accessible, but its purpose was amenity and nature conservation. It is within the Inverpolly SSSI/SAC. FC again stress that planting density and exposure mean that it has no potential to produce useable timber.
Drumrunie 167:0 ha Pinewood, broadleaves, natural regen.
Inadequate stocking, deer damage and vegetation competition required addressing in 2005.
Rory Putnam’s report of 2003 describes this as ‘an extensive fenced area in the extreme southeast of the area, at Drumrunie itself established under the Woodland Grant Scheme in 1997. This builds upon a small area of existing broadleaved woodland; areas immediately surrounding those existing fragments have been left for natural regeneration, but there has also been considerable deliberate planting of native Scots pine, and broadleaves (birch, willow, rowan, aspen).’
Putnam also notes various other native woodland exclosures on Drumrunie:
• two enclosures within relict woodland to the northeast of Loch an Doire Duibh (grid reference NS 151108; NS 153105; this pair of enclosures is actually situated within a continuous woodland block - so that there is in addition continuous woodland cover between them; in effect, the enclosures simply fence the extremities of a larger woodland block );
• a larger enclosure on the northeastern side of Lochan Gainmheich (at NS 142115);
• an enclosure south of Loch an Doire Dubh (NS 145100);
• a smaller enclosure further up Gleann Laoigh (NS 156092);
• a series of small enclosures up the Allt Liathdoire (NS 166073; NS 176088; NS 177095; NS 182107);
• one large and one small enclosure on the south shore of Loch Veyatie (NS 178132; NS 1164145).
These were enclosed by SNH to exclude damaging deer trampling and browsing.
Potential Woodland Schemes
In order to encourage natural regeneration, similar woodland schemes may be in future considered within Drumrunie Forest, along Loch Veyatie, and elsewhere on Loch Assynt. In each case, similar limitations, especially of access, will apply. Two areas adjacent to Glencanisp have better access:
• Beyond the Lodge, towards Airigh Fraioch, under Druim Suardalain: centred on: GR: 125219.
• Infill between Cnocaneach and Bad na h-Achlaise: centred on GR: 115210.
Both these may be suitable for planting with native species: the latter, facing north, would be best under birch, rowan, hazel, while a richer mix of species may be possible for the south-facing slopes of the former.
Existing Conifer Plantations.
These are three, all small: around Glencanisp Lodge, near Linneraineach and at Ledbeg:
1 Glencanisp Lodge: 5:3 ha Mixed amenity planting: Scots pine, larch, Norway spruce,
beech, sycamore, elm, alder, ash, some birch, rowan regen.
Partly flattened, additional areas require felling to avoid further windblow.
2 Linneraineach: 0:45 ha: Failed plantation, Scots pine.
Non-native, some scenic and wildlife significance.
3 Ledbeg:. 1:6 ha Scots pine, Sitka Spruce, part thinned.
Some local wildlife significance, some archaeology within plantation.
The Glencanisp plantation was badly affected by the 2005 hurricane, and needs substantial remedial work. Its original purpose was to provide amenity, and once cleared, it should be replanted with native (and perhaps specimen) trees in order to enhance the surroundings of the Lodge. There may be space to include areas of oak or hazel for future use.
There is a small, failed plantation of Scots pine at Linneraineach. It appears that they should not be utilised as a seed source, as their provenance is not local. As the remaining trees have some scenic and wildlife significance, enhancement is a possibility, but harvesting is clearly undesirable. Consideration to the SSSI/SAC sould be taken if enhancement is considered.
Creating a Resource for the Future
The Ledbeg plantation is, in itself, too small to be of much account, but it occupies part of a rare commodity on the AF holding: relatively sheltered, plantable land with potential for reasonable access. The stretch of ground east of (and sheltered by) Cnoc an Leathaid Bhig and Cnoc an Leathaid Bhuidhe may offer some hope for planting for better quality timber for the future. Professional advice will be needed to assess its true potential but the area looks worth investigating. The area available for planting is limited by bog, and some of the limestone ground contains archaeological sites. While production of quality conifers, like Douglas Fir, might be possible here, if fertility is adequate, it may be that a mix of crofting/farming with productive shelterbelts will prove the most appropriate use of this ground.
Cnocnaneach has some of the best native woodland on AF ground, and its sheltered glen offers the best opportunity of growing quality broadleaves for the future. The sunniest areas should grow oak, the more shaded ash and cherry (gean), with alder in the wetter places. Growing quality timber, whether conifer or broadleaves, requires a commitment to future management, which needs to be assessed and built into any forestry plan. NB: It appears that most of the plantable land is outwith Badnaban Common Grazings.
AF is fortunate in not having much failed or flattened conifer plantation to worry about (just around the Lodge) but within Assynt there are several problem areas: Culag Wood, the Star Pool plantation, the Ledmore-Ben More plantations (currently being considered for the formation of forest crofts). The best, immediate, potential use for the produce of these areas is likely to be a community woodfuel project, and efforts should be made now to ensure that the next groups of houses to be built in Lochinver are communally heated by a log- or chip-fed scheme, using wood from the above places. A woodfuel heating system should be considered for the refurbished Glencanisp Lodge.
Ongoing efforts to encourage a forest culture, develop relevant skills etc., should be encouraged, preferably on a pan-Assynt basis, involving ACT, CCWT, AF, JMT and Assynt Estate.
Drumrunie Exclosures.
(Notes from SNH files.)
| reference | erected | & | woodland | management |
| & type | length m | |||
| Cul Mor 142117 | 1974 Dee | 4.2 ha 853 m | Birch/ rowan/ hazel | 100 acres adjacent 1994 regen. Planted 2,500 birch in 1977 and 100 Hazel, 700 Scots Pine in 1980 |
| Drumrunie 164058 | 1983 Deer | 162 ha 6289 m | Birch/ rowan/ holly/ willow | Replace 2003 Regen/Montane vegetation. Planted 1200 Scots pine 2984. Planted 60 Scots pine and hazel and willow 1986. Planted 3500 scots pine and hazel and holly in 1992. |
| Veyatie 177134 | 1987 Deer | 48 ha 3630 m | Birch/ hazel/ holly/ rowan | |
| Gleann Laoigh 156091 | 1993/4 | 1.7 ha | ||
| Clais 135137 | 1994/95 Deer | 1.8 ha | ||
| Cul Beg 145100 | 192/3 Deer | 2.6 ha | ||
| Knockan 1 165072 | 1994/5 Deer | 4.6 ha | ||
| Knockan 2 | 1994/5 Deer | 3.6 ha | ||
| 175088 | ||||
| Knockan3 177093 | 1994/5 Deer | 6.0 ha | ||
| Knockan 4 182105 | 1994/95 | 5.6 ha | ||
| Veyatie 2 164145 | 1993/4 | 0.5 ha | ||
| Creag Dubh 145062 | 1993/4 Deer | 1.6 ha | ||
| Cul Mor 2 | 1993/4 | 4.0 ha | ||
| 145111 | ||||
Birds
129 species of birds have been recorded within the Assynt Foundation area. 59 have been confirmed breeding in the area; another 25 probably have probably bred and another 23 have possibly bred. (See species list below).
The area is particularly important for black throated divers. The Glencanisp and Drumrunie estates contain two Special Protection Areas (SPA), a European designation specifically for the conservation of wild birds: The Assynt Lochs SPA which contains Loch Assynt and is also a SSSI for its black throated divers, and the Inverpolly, Loch Urigill and nearby lochs SPA, which includes both the Inverpolly SSSI and Cam Loch SSSI. Both of these sites are designated for breeding black throated divers, holding approximately 4.4% and 5.6% of the breeding population, respectively. The black throated divers have been helped in recent years, where water levels fluctuate in the breeding season, by placing floating rafts on several of the larger lochs. This has proven very successful and the RSPB carefully monitor their success.
There are also 15 species recorded on the estate which are listed on Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive, and 19 species listed on Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. 17 species are listed on the red list of the Birds of conservation concern.
Despite the number of species recorded on the estate the impression that most visitors will get is that there are very few birds to be seen. As in the rest of the North West Highlands the density of birds is generally very low due to the low productivity of the ground. This is especially apparent in mid winter when walking through the estate one may only encounter the odd wren skulking behind a large boulder of Lewisian gneiss.
Nevertheless the estate holds several species of significance. The species list gives a few surprises and illustrates that there are birds out there, often overlooked and easily missed by the untrained eye. Dotterel, for example, great northern divers, breeding whooper swans and redwings and possible breeding ruff, wood sandpipers and little ringed plovers will get a few birdwatcher’s hearts beating.
Several birds of prey including golden eagles, merlins, peregrines, buzzards, ravens and possibly kestrels and hen harriers are currently breeding on the estate. The highland raptor study group has shown that the three pairs of golden eagles currently holding territory on the estate have been very productive in the past. However the ever present danger of egg thieving still remains. The Group continue to monitor their breeding attempts.
Glencanisp and Drumrunie hold most of the suite of upland and moorland species typical of the North West Highlands. The calls of the greenshank and golden plover echo over much of the estate in spring. There are estimated to be only 50-60 pairs of greenshank in all of Sutherland and yet that is 45% of the UK population. How many pairs are on the Foundation land?
The most common bird in the area must be the meadow pipit living on the insects found within the heather. They are a good indicator of the health and productivity of the land. Targeted by cuckoos and preyed upon by merlins and other birds of prey they are an important part of the ecology.
A significant proportion of the estate is above 500m and this habitat is important for several bird species. However global warming is going to threaten some of these higher altitude species. Ptarmigan and snow buntings on the tops of Canisp and Cul Mor and going to be increasingly vulnerable. Ring ouzels are already in a steep decline due to climate change. It is therefore encouraging to see them still on the south slopes of Canisp. It would be great to find exactly where else they occur.
The area is studded with numerous lochs and lochans and wet marshy areas. It is often in these sites that you come across most avian biodiversity. Along with teal and mallards, wigeon, gadwall, tufted duck, goldeneye, whooper swan and water rail have either been recorded breeding or may have bred. Along the shore margins you are bound to see the common sandpiper but look out too for wood and green sandpipers, dunlin and ruff.
The scattered remnants of birch and rowan woodland on the estate are havens for many birds. There are breeding redpoll, treecreepers, woodcock and even redwings. Many of the remote woodlands such as on the slopes of Beinn Gharbh have been hardly ever explored.
As in the rest of Assynt and Wester Ross it is fairly safe to assume there has been a gradual loss of species with the decline in cultivations. The old ruined sheilings remind us that people used to live in this area. Corn buntings, corncrakes and black grouse for example, all to some extent benefit by the mosaic of habitats created by human activity on the land and have subsequently declined or disappeared.
More information on the bird life of Glencanisp and Drumrunie maybe gleaned from records in the RSPB office in Golspie and from Highland Council Ranger Office at the Assynt Visitor Centre, Lochinver. Information about birds at Inverpolly NNR (de-designated in 2004) is kept at SNH office in Ullapool but in most cases it does not separate records specifically for the Drumrunie part of the Inverpolly. Information on birds of prey has been collated by the Highland Raptor Study Group over the last twenty years but access to this potentially sensitive information is limited. Assynt Field Club also hold bird records from Assynt in general.
However there is a general lack of good quantitative bird information. The remote nature of the land is one of the reasons there is so little information and much could be added to our knowledge by amateur birdwatchers recording common species.
(Thanks to RSPB Scotland, SNH and Assynt Field Club for their help in supplying information).
References
Vittery, A, 1997, The Birds of Sutherland, Colin Baxter.
Nature Conservancy Council, 1970, Bird report for Inverpolly by RV Collier (SNH Ullapool Office).
Nature Conservancy Council, 1981, Birds of Inverpolly (out of print) (SNH Ullapool Office).
Assynt Field Club, 1998, Birds of Assynt.
Highland Bird Reports, 1998- 2004.
Bird Species listed on Annex 1 of the EC Birds Directive
| Black throated diver | CONFB |
| Corncrake | UNK |
| Dotterel | CONFB |
| Golden eagle | CONFB |
| Golden plover | CONFB /WINT |
| Great northern diver | CONFB |
| Hen harrier | CONFB |
| Leach’s petrel | POSSB |
| Merlin | CONFB |
| Peregrine | CONFB |
| Osprey | CONFB |
| Red throated diver | CONFB |
| Ruff | POSSB |
| Wood sandpiper | POSSB |
| Whooper Swan | CONFB |
| Brambling | UNK |
| Greenshank | CONFB |
| Little ringed plover | POSSB |
| Redwing | CONFB |
| Snow bunting | UNK |
| Whooper swan | CONFB |
| Black throated diver | CONFB |
| Corncrake | UNK |
| Dotterel | CONFB |
| Golden eagle | CONFB |
| Great northern diver | CONFB |
| Hen harrier | CONFB |
| Leach’s petrel | POSSB |
| Merlin | CONFB |
| Peregrine | CONFB |
| Osprey | CONFB |
| Red throated diver | CONFB |
| Ruff | POSSB |
| Wood sandpiper | POSSB |
| Black grouse | UNK |
| Ring Ouzel | CONFB/WINT |
| Grasshopper warbler | NONBR |
| Reed bunting | PROBB |
| Skylark | PROBB |
| Twite | CONFB |
| Hen Harrier | CONFB |
| Corncrake | UNK |
| Song Thrush | PROBB |
| Spotted Flycatcher | CONFB |
| Quail | UNK |
| Starling | CONFB |
| House Sparrow | PROBB |
| Twite | CONFB |
| Scottish Crossbill | CONFB |
| Bullfinch | CONFB |
| Yellowhammer | CONFB |
| Common Gull | UNK |
| Cormorant | UNK |
| Cuckoo | UNK |
| Curlew | UNK |
| Dunlin | CONFB |
| Dunnock | PROBB |
| Eider | POSSB |
| Fieldfare | PROBB |
| Gadwall | POSSB |
| Goldeneye | CONFB |
| Graylag goose | CONFB |
| Green sandpiper | POSSB |
| Herring gull | PROBB |
| House martin | POSSB |
| Kestrel | POSSB |
| Lapwing | CONFB |
| Lesser black backed gull | POSSB |
| Lesser redpoll | POSSB |
| Meadow pipit | CONFB |
| Mute swan | CONFB |
| Oystercatcher | CONFB |
| Red grouse | POSSB |
| Redshank | POSSB |
| Redwing | CONFB |
| Sand martin | POSSB |
| Snipe | CONFB |
| Snow bunting | UNK |
| Stonechat | PROBB |
| Swallow | PROBB |
| Teal | CONFB/WINT |
| Wigeon | PROBB/WINT |
| Willow warbler | CONFB |
| Woodcock | CONFB |
Introduction
The notes that follow are based on the personal observations of the author, together with numerous records from members of the Assynt Field Club and others. The information was gathered over the period 1982 – 2007, but mainly during 1988 – 2000, when the author and Pat Evans were engaged in survey work for the Flora of Assynt (2002). This is the reason why, unless otherwise stated, they relate almost exclusively to the Glencanisp part of the Estate, lying within Assynt.
Some of the records have been computerised (notably the mammals) and details are available on the HBRG or NBN websites. Others are held in diaries and logs, or on species recording sheets, and are not so readily accessible. All grid references relate to the 100km sq. NC/29, and localities are given to the nearest 1km square.
Mammals
Some 3,000 records have been logged for the parish of Assynt. Many of those for small mammals are derived from cat kills or accidental trapping in cans and bottles. There is therefore a strong bias towards parts of the parish traversed by roads, especially inhabited areas. Similarly, many of the records of larger mammals are sightings along roads or of road casualties.
So, there is strong observer bias in the distribution of the records, and the area around Suilven (NC11), for instance, is generally poorly recorded. Exceptions are of species which may be recognised by their burrows, dung, tracks or other signs; some of these, such as moles and field voles, have been the subject of targeted field work. However, systematic live-trapping of small mammals would add substantially to our knowledge of some species.
The order of species follows that used in the Atlas of mammals in Britain (Arnold 1993). Remarks about the general distribution in Assynt precede specific records for the Estate. Species likely to occur, but for which there is no information available, are enclosed in [].
Hedgehog: records are mainly confined to the coast and limestone areas, with four during the 1990s on the drive to Glencanisp Lodge (0922, 1022, 1122). It is not known whether the species still occurs within the Estate boundaries.
Mole: recorded extensively in coastal and limestone areas and, away from these, in fertile ground alongside roads, in areas of former habitation and on old shielings. Restricted on the Estate to areas around Loch Druim Suardalain (1121, 1122, 1211, 1222), around Suileag (1420, 1421, 1422) and at Clach Airigh (1720). There are also some records between the eastern end of Cam Loch and Ledbeg (2213, 2312, 2313). The species is a good indicator of reasonably-drained fertile soils, supporting a healthy earthworm population.
Common shrew: probably widespread throughout the parish, but the only records from the Estate are from the vicinity of Cnocnaneach (1121), on high ground near Beinn Reidh (2121) and north of Cam Loch (2213).
[Pygmy shrew: again, probably widespread throughout the parish, but records are few and there are none from the Estate.]
[Water shrew: records are confined to coastal and limestone areas. There are none from the Estate, but there are two from upper part of the Ledbeg River catchment, and the species may occur in the area between Cam Loch and Ledbeg.]
Pipistrelles: small bats, belonging to one of the two species now recognised, common and soprano, have been recorded widely in inhabited parts of the parish (though records of the former considerably outnumber the latter). In June 2007, 70+ individuals, presumed to be common pipistrelles, were counted emerging from the roof space of Glencanisp Lodge (1122), which may well hold a large brood roost. Since all bats are protected, their presence must be borne in mind if any repair or other work in the roof spaces is contemplated.
Rabbit: again, mainly confined to coastal and limestone areas, but strays may occur further afield, as at Glencanisp Lodge (1122) in September and October 2007. A source of food to a wide range of predators.
Mountain hare: an important species in the context of the Estate, since numbers are thought to be declining in the Highlands. Recorded from the summit of Suilven (1518), and from much of the higher ground from Cnoc an Leathaid Bhuidhe (2324) north to Beinn Gharbh (2122), but also ventures down to lower ground in the winter. We have no information on the size of the local population.
[Bank vole: appears to be widespread in woodland areas in the northern part of the parish, particularly where hazel is present. There are no records from the Estate. but it should occur around Loch Druim Suardalain and elsewhere.]
Field vole: probably the most abundant and widespread mammal in Assynt, found on drier ground wherever there is vegetation of reasonable height, e.g. heather, purple moor-grass, other tussocky grasses and rushes. May take considerable time to re-colonise areas affected by muirburn. Occurs high on the hills. An important food source for many predators. This species has been the subject of a targeted survey and occurs throughout the Estate, although it was more difficult to find in areas of wet heath south of Suilven.
Water vole: the North-West Highlands is an important area for this species, which has declined elsewhere because of agricultural improvement and predation by mink. Associated with small burns, both in lowland areas and up in the hills. There are records from much of the eastern half of Assynt, from Gleann Leireag south to the Cromalt Hills, but not all known localities are occupied at any one time. There are a few scattered records from the Estate, at Cnocnaneach (1020), Bracklach (1914), Alltan Beithe (2114) and Loch nam Meallan Liatha (2219), but they may well occur elsewhere. Occurs on the Drumrunie part of the Estate in the Doire Dhubh valley (1410, 1510) and along the Allt Liathdoire (1606)
Wood mouse: probably the second most abundant and widespread mammal in Assynt, found in woodland, on well-vegetated moorland, and in association with habitation/agriculture (house mice appear no longer to occur locally). There are however few records from the Estate; they include the woodlands around Loch Druim Suardalain (1121, 1122) and at Ledbeg (2413). Again, important prey for species such as fox, pine marten and tawny owl.
[Brown rat: an opportunistic and highly mobile species, always found locally in association with habitation/agriculture. Has occurred on the edge of the Estate at Inveruplan (1223).]
Fox: another highly mobile and opportunistic species, with a very varied diet. Probably does not deserve all of its bad reputation. Signs of its presence have been found right across the Estate from Ledmore to Lochinver, usually in grassland areas and occasionally quite high in the hills. Traditionally controlled locally by digging and shooting, but this may perhaps no longer be necessary on Estate land?
Pine marten: associated mainly, but not exclusively, with the wooded coastal parts of the parish, with very few records from the interior and higher ground. Records from the Estate are, predictably, around Loch Druim Suardalain (1121, 1122), but also from near Cnoc an Leothaid (1423) and in the woodlands on the south side of Loch Assynt (1624, 2123, 2222).
Stoat: recorded almost exclusively from coastal and limestone areas in Assynt, where its main prey species, the rabbit, occurs. The only record from the Estate is of one in the garden at Glencanisp Lodge (1222) in October 2007.
Weasel: again, recorded almost exclusively in Assynt from coastal and limestone areas, although there are some records from the northern shore of Loch Assynt. Its main prey is probably field voles, and it may well have been under-recorded. The only record from the Estate is of a sighting on the drive to Glencanisp Lodge (1022) in August 2007.
Badger: a species that has increased substantially, in both numbers and range, in Assynt over the past 50 years. It is now found throughout the northern part of the parish wherever woodland or grassland provide feeding opportunities (earthworms are a major part of the diet). Elsewhere, it appears to be restricted to old habitation sites or sheilings. Much of the Estate’s ground appears to be unsuitable for this species, but it has been recorded at Cnocnaneach (1021), Bad na h-Achlaise (1220), Druim Suardalain (1222), in the vicinity of Beinn Reidh and Beinn Gharbh (2121, 2122) and, notably, around the old farmhouse at Bracklach (1814, 1815, 1914).
Otter: a well-recorded species, particularly around the coast of Assynt and on inland water-bodies. The characteristic tumps and spraints have been found right across the Estate from Glencanisp Lodge to Ledbeg, but since the species is highly mobile, we have no idea of the size of the local population.
Wild cat: most of the records for Assynt are from the limestone areas, although there are scattered ones from wooded areas nearer the coast. Thought to occur in the vicinity of Creagan a’Chait (the crag of the cat) below Beinn Gharbh (2222) and also a little further to the west (2023). It would be useful to have more information on the local distribution of this elusive species.
Deer. Red deer have not generally been recorded, because there are others far better qualified to assess their numbers and distribution. Roe deer appear to be concentrated in two areas in the parish, the woodlands around Lochinver and Achmelvich, and those between Drumbeg and Unapool, with a few records around Ledmore. There is only one specifically from the Estate, on Druim Suardalain (1222). The few records of sika deer are mostly from wooded areas between Oldany and Unapool .
Reptiles
There are a fair number of records for the three species of reptiles that occur in Assynt. Only those received up to the end of 1997 have been computerised, but more recent ones have been mapped. There is the usual observer bias, favouring inhabited parts of the parish.
Common lizard: scattered records from heathland in the north and east of the parish, including a number of sites between Glencanisp Lodge and Suileag; elsewhere within the Estate to the south of Cnoc a’Ghlinnein (1623) and to the west of Canisp (1918). Probably under-recorded, partly because they are so fast-moving.
Slow-worm: most of the records are from south-facing sites on fertile ground not far from the west and north coasts of the parish, although there are isolated records from the north sides of the River Inver and Loch Assynt. There is a thriving population along the drive to Glencanisp Lodge and in its grounds (1022, 1122), but this is the only one known to occur within the Estate.
Adder: the least often seen of the three species, apparently absent from the most heavily grazed and burned western parts of the parish, with scattered records from Strathcroy south-east to the east end of Loch Veyatie. Records from the Estate include sightings on the slopes above Glencanisp Lodge (1122), on the track to Suileag (1321, 1421), at both ends of Fionn Loch (1218, 1716) and above the west end of Lochan Fada (1917).
Amphibians
Assynt has a large number of lochs and lochans; 680 are shown on the 1:50,000 map of the parish, but many smaller ones are not shown, and this does not take into account backwaters on rivers and in-stream pools on burns. Altogether, a huge number of potential breeding sites for amphibians. A survey conducted by the Field Club in 1993 resulted in 142 records; many hundreds of records have been accumulated since, but they have not yet been computerised.. They suffer from the usual observer bias, with a dearth from NC11, but some generalisations can be made.
Common frog: the commonest of the three amphibians, spawning in shallow water from near sea- level to over 300m.and found at much greater heights. Provide food for a range of predators, especially otters which catch the adults returning to the spawning sites in early March. Almost certainly found throughout the Estate.
Common toad: not as common as frogs away from northern and western parts of the parish, but found up to an altitude of 300m on the north-west side of Canisp. More demanding in its spawning sites, requiring deeper water with aquatic vegetation. Loch Druim Suardalain (1121) is one of the larger spawning sites in Assynt (judging by the number of road casualties each year), with probably over 1000 pairs. Present elsewhere on the Estate, but detailed distribution of spawning sites not known. Again, subject to predation by mammals and birds, some of which leave the skins turned inside out, thus avoiding the poison glands.
Palmate newt: the least often recorded of the three species, breeding in small pools and lochans. Probably found right across the Estate, but records are sparse. Encountered as often in the land phase, which is rather nondescript, as in breeding dress, which is very distinctive in the male. There are records of predation by trout.
Invertebrates
With the exception of a few popular groups, such as dragonflies and butterflies, and some coastal habitats, such as dune systems, the invertebrate fauna of the whole of Sutherland has historically been poorly recorded, and Assynt is no exception. A fair number of records have, however, been gathered during the last 15 years, mostly incidentally in the course of botanical fieldwork. The notes that follow are an attempt to give some idea of groups, species and habitats that may be significant in the context of the Estate.
Dragonflies: ten species are known to occur in Assynt, all of which probably breed on the Estate (with the possible exception of the blue-tailed damselfly Ischnura elegans, which is generally found nearer the coast). The Suileag track, for instance, is an excellent place to see golden-ringed dragonflies Cordulegaster boltonii on patrol in summer. The black darter Sympetrun danae has a preference for boggy pools and is found widely in central parts of the Estate. Rarest locally is the azure hawker Aeshna caerulea, another moorland species restricted to the western parts of Scotland, which has been seen at Bad na h-Achlaise (1221).
Other freshwater insect groups: many of these, much as mayflies, stoneflies and caddiflies, are important sources of food for fish and indicators of water quality, but the only useful source of information about their occurrence locally is likely to be data gathered in local watercourses by SEPA, which has not been investigated.
Butterflies: some 19 species have been recorded from Assynt. Of these, three (Clouded Yellow, Large and Small Whites) are only occasional immigrants that do not appear able to establish themselves, two (Red Admiral and Painted Lady) are regular immigrants, that may well be able to over-winter in mild seasons, and three (Peacock, Scotch Argus and Orange Tip) have very recently moved into the area and may well become permanent residents. The status of the Small Copper is uncertain, the Grayling appears to be restricted to the coast and the Small Heath to coast and limestone. That leaves eight species that almost certainly occur in suitable habitats on the Estate. Green-veined Whites are one of the commonest in damper habitats, the favoured larval foodplant being lady’s-smock. Common Blues favour warmer sites, where bird’s-foot trefoil occurs. Small Tortoiseshell larvae feed on nettles, and those of both Small Pearl-bordered and Dark Green Fritillaries on violets. Speckled Woods are usually seen on the edge of woodland, but Meadow Browns much more widely in grassland areas. The last species, the Large Heath, is the least common nationally, a wet moorland species, the larvae feeding on hare’s-tail cottongrass, and is widespread on the Estate.
Moths: the only concentrated moth trapping known to have been carried out on the Glencanisp part of the Estate was by Dr Tom Prescott on the occasion of a Butterfly Conservation Workshop on 30-31st July 2005, the results from which have not yet been made available (unless AF have them). A nationally targeted species the Argent and Sable, was found on that occasion just across the river from Glencanisp Lodge (1121); it is also known from the grid squares 1218 and 1322 and may well be widespread in parts of the Estate where the larval food plant, bog myrtle, occurs. As an example of chance finds, an extremely local montane crambid moth, Catoptria furcatellus, was found on the top of Suilven in 1999.
Beetles: there has been no systematic beetle recording done in Assynt, but, as examples of the products of casual recording, two Nationally Notable A species of ground beetle have been recorded from the Estate. The largest member of the family found locally, Carabus clatratus, which is confined in Britain to North-West Scotland, has been recorded west of Glencanisp Lodge (1022), in Coire Mor (1218) and on the south side of Lochan Fada (2016). A smaller species, Nebria nivalis, which is restricted to mountain tops, occurs on the summits of Canisp (2018) and Cul Mor (1611).
Molluscs: the more acid habitats which occupy most of the Estate would not be expected to yield many species of terrestrial or aquatic molluscs, and recording in Sutherland has been very patchy. However, the freshwater pearl mussel occurs in at least three places within the boundaries of the Estate (CB, 18.10.07), the mouth of the Abhainn Bad na h-Achlaise (1111), parts of the Uidh Fhearna between Loch Veyatie and Fionn Loch (1416?) and the mouth of the Allt nan Damh (1515); it may well occur elsewhere.
The paucity of invertebrate records, even from potentially interesting sites, such as the hilltops, emphasises how little we know about these aspects of the fauna of Sutherland as a whole.
Fisheries
Introduction
NB: In this section due to legal fishing right definitions Salmon means both Salmon (Salmo salar) and migratory brown trout (Salmo trutta) commonly known as sea trout.
Salmon and brown trout fisheries are one of the few economic resources in rural Highland areas. In 2003 fishers spent an estimated £35 million and £5 million, and supported 1361 and 179 local jobs in the Highlands, in salmon and brown trout fisheries respectively. In addition, Salmon and Brown Trout have a high conservation value, forming an essential part of freshwater ecosystems by maintain high biodiversity. Thus management of these fisheries should aim to generate revenue by: permitting fishing at a level that will allow fish stocks to be self sustaining without degrading biodiversity; and by enhancing fish stocks (and potentual revenue) through restocking or improved environmental conditions.
Both a well established Salmon and Brown trout fishery operate on or adjacent to Assynt Foundation (AF) land (map 10). These fisheries have separate legal status, where Salmon fisheries are normally held as sporting rights or leases (often sold separately to land) and brown trout fisheries are rights normally linked to land ownership. The AF ownership of these fisheries is not directly linked to land ownership due to exclusion of some Salmon fishing rights and conditions relating to Brown Trout fishing rights, as written into the land purchase agreement. Furthermore, bounderies on map 9 are misleading as they do not clearly illustrate the exact boundaries which only extend to the middle of Cam Loch and to 3m back from the left hand bank of River Loanan and River Inver. Due to these issues, Salmon and brown trout fisheries are dealt with separately below.
Salmon Fishery - 11th February to 31st October
Ownership
NB: The information here on ownership of salmon fishing rights has been compiled from views of persons involved in the fisheries (some of which are conflicting) and the advice of a solicitor should be sought to obtain a legal opinion.
Assynt Foundation has the salmon fishing rights to all areas within the boundary in map 10 with the above corrections and the possible exclusion of the Culag river above the waterfall approximately 1km up stream from Loch Druim Suardalam (here termed the Upper Culag). Within the purchase agreement the Salmon fishing rights to the Upper Culag river were not specifically transferred from Mr E Vesty and their ownership remains to be legally determined. There are no migratory fish above the Falls of Kirkaig and thus no Salmon fishery on Assynt Foundation owned lochs within the River Kirkaig catchment. In the River Polly catchment Assynt Foundation has salmon fishing rights from the banks of adjoining sections of Loch Sionascaig, Lochan Gainmheich, and Loch an Doire Dhuibh, and salmon fishing rights to the adjoining river between Lochan Gainmheich and Lochan Dearg. Salmon fishing rights in the River Garvie catchment extend to fishing from the banks of an adjoining section of Loch Lurgainn for sea trout only. Assynt Foundation salmon fishing rights within the River Canaird catchment (Knockan lochs and banks of adjoining sections of Lochanan Dubha) are not known and the presence of migratory fish has not been established.
Agreements
Under the purchase agreement Mr E Vestey retains the right of access to fish the all sections of the River Culag owned by the Foundation, and specifically retains the right to keep a boat on Loch Druim Suardalam to fish for salmon (a right exercised by the Inver Hotel). There are no other sporting fishing agreements with Assynt Foundation.
Potential Economic Value
Salmon fishers in the Highlands spend an estimated £186 per day, of which on average 36% is spent on rent of the beat and 29% on accommodation. Of the total fisher expenditure 15.0% is from locals, 10.4% is from fishers from the rest of Scotland and 74.6% is from international fishers. Salmon fishers pay from £20 per day for the lease of a beat but on the River Inver and River Kirkaig fishers pay £95 per day, which reflects the high quality experience these fishers are looking for. Normally a fisherman or a party of fishers spend a week on a particular beat, and are often repeat visitors, developing a personal affection for and interest in a particular stretch of river and the locality. Thus for Assynt Foundation to operate a competitive salmon fishery effectively it must be able to offer high quality fishing, a high level of service (ghillie, suitable access and boats), and high quality accommodation in an area of scenic beauty. As a large proportion of fishers’ budgets are spent on accommodation Assynt Foundation would be advised to take advantage of such a captive market. A subsequent business plan to develop the fishery should meet all these points and probably take accommodation into account.
Currently, no revenue is generated by Assynt Foundation from salmon fishing. No catch records have been made available on which to judge the quality of fishing or number of yearly fishers. Records should be sought from the previous owner to examine the economic potential of these sections.
Improved income generation and management considerations
Protection of a salmon fishery against illegal fishing can only be effected using permits, permitting only boats or using a gillie service, in conjunction with checks. This is an expensive operation and will require equivalent income generation to justify. Revenue could be generated in the short term especially from Loch Awe and potentially Loch Assynt, if a number of ownership issues can be satisfactorily addressed. However, the upper Culag has the potential to be developed into a small salmon fishery by the placement of a fish pass or lift pool at the waterfall approximately 1km upstream from Loch Druim Suardalam. Such a decision will require legal advice on Mr E Vestey’s ownership of the Upper Culag, specialist advice from an engineer, SEPA and a fisheries scientist, and requires a survey of the suitability of the upper Culag catchment for salmon. If the falls can be bypassed, it is most likely that the salmon numbers and revenue will be limited due to the small volume of water within the river. Additionally, it may be possible to work with the Inverpolly estate for the development of an upper Polly salmon fishery. The Inverpolly estate has shown interest in developing a salmon fishery in the upper Polly (above the Polly lochs) where salmon and sea trout have historically been caught. The Redds (gravel spawning beds) at the very top of the catchment on Drumrunie Forest AF land may prove to be important for salmonid reproduction. However, the decline in catches has been alleged to be due to the salmon hatchery on the lower Polly, the company of which has been a long and reputable employer in the local area. The West Sutherland Fisheries Trust is hoping to survey the Polly in the near future and the report may indicate the possibility of improving the fishery. Salmon fishing on Loch Lurgainn has little value unless co-management agreement can be made with other owners and a right to fish from a boat is obtained.
Brown Trout Fishery - 15th March to 6th October
Ownership
Assynt Foundation owns the brown trout fishery rights to all watercourses within the boundary in map 10, where errors have been taken into account. Brown trout are found throughout this area, with Ferox trout (cannibalistic brown trout) in some of the larger lochs and Artic Char specifically in Fionn Loch, Loch Veyatie and Cam Loch.
Agreements
Ownership of the brown trout fisheries within the boundary in map 10 south to and including Loch Veyatie and Cam Loch is subject to a previous agreement made between Mr E Vesty and Assynt Angling Group Ltd. (AAG). This agreement allows the use of these lochs by the AAG with payment of a pro rata share (approximately 45%) of AAG profits to Assynt Foundation. The exact details require a legal opinion. Other previous agreements exist with the Ullapool Angling Club (UAC), who rent the section of Loch Veyatie for £45 p.a.. Assynt Foundation has the right to keep a boat on Loch Sionascaig but not to fish except from on south-east loch bank (this agreement may extend to sections of Lochan Gainmheich and Loch an Doire Dhuibh).
Potential economic value
Brown trout fishers in the Highlands spend an estimated £65 per day, of which on average 16% is spent on permits and boat hire and 25% on accommodation. Of the total expenditure 23.6% is from locals, 30.8% is from fishers from the rest of Scotland and 45.6% is from international fishers. Brown trout fishers expect a less expensive experience than salmon fishers, and though they tend to return to specific lochs or areas like salmon fishers this may be because a large percentage of fishers live locally. Brown trout fishers tend to fish for one day or a weekend, and with few coming to fish for a week. Permits range from £5 (AAG) to £10 (River Inver) per day and boat rental is currently £10 per day and engine £6-10 (AAG). Though brown trout fishers are not as deterred as salmon fishers from areas which are difficult to access or require boats or ghillies, on a good loch the use of a boat and ghillie and ease of access commands a higher price. AF has no boats and access of many lochs are across land over which the AF has no access agreements.
Currently, revenue from the brown trout fishery is only obtained from the AAG payment (£754.50 p.a.) and a payment by UAC, though this is without expenditure by AF. No catch records are held by AAG, though records for the UAC indicate Cam Loch and Veyetie to be some of the best fishing in the area and should be considered to be high value assets. Figures for AAG permit sales are required to make an accurate estimate of the potential value of the brown trout fishery, though net profit has been suggested to be very small.
Improved income generation and management considerations
Generation of revenue from the brown trout fishery requires fishers to purchase permits, use a ghillie or rent boats and engines from one organisation, and thus the owner must offer a sufficiently good service, as policing the large areas is cost prohibitive. The AAG uses this system effectively and offers a good service at appropriate prices to both local fishers and visiting fishers. As these systems are in place Assynt Foundaiton would be advised as a low investment option to re-examine their legal contract with AAG and enter into an active role with the AAG management and finances. Annual figures should be requested from AAG as AF permits them use of 45% of AAG lochs and should be some form of shareholder. Co-operation would be mutually beneficial as AAG may continue to generate revenue from Assynt Foundation land, and the Foundation would avoid issues such as multiple ownership of lochs, policing, access rights and investment in new infrastructure. Assynt Foundation could additionally negotiate brown trout rights in the Drumrunie section to be run under the management of AAG and offer a ghillie service. A larger involvement with the AAG would allow AF to become involved with reinvestment of AAG funds and would make improvement of riverside woodlands (see summary) in multiple owned areas viable. Alternatively, after legal advice a higher investment option would be for the AF to declare that it is not bound by previous agreements with the AAG and invest in a similar structure to the AAG and Assynt Crofters Trust. A review of income generated from the AAG agreement, and cost, access and control issues of the higher investment option is required.
Furthermore, the Assynt – Coigach Area Protection Order 2004 No. 260 ceased on 7th October 2006. This order made fishing without consent of the proprietor a criminal offence instead of civil offence. Consent of the proprietor is usually in the form of a license/permit, where the fisher must follow the rules set out by proprietors, which can be designed to manage the fishery sustainably (if catch records were kept). Ultimately this order legislates the generation of income by proprietors and their ability to manage the fisheries. It is debatable whether this order is required as enforcement against brown trout poaching is economically unviable and is yet to be enforced, and responsible fishing and revenue generation can be encouraged by offering fishers incentives through the value of owning permits. A request to extend the order can be made by proprietors to the Scottish Executive.
Important issues
• Can a satisfactory agreement be made with AAG to manage AF brown trout fishery?
• Does E. Vestey own the Upper Culag Salmon fishing rights?
• Are the developments and running cost of the upper Culag salmon fishery higher than potential revenue?
Missing information
• Legal clarification of ownership of sporting titles and leases.
• Legal clarification of boundaries and access rights.
• Legal clarification of agreements with AAG.
• Annual accounts and fisher numbers from AAG.
• Catch records for brown trout and salmon fisheries.
• Feasibility study of upper Culag salmon fishery.
• Interest of Inverpolly estate in the developing upper Polly salmon fishery and feasibility study.
Potential Opportunities
• Creation of an upper Culag salmon fishery.
• Co-management of brown trout fishery with AAG.
• Co-management of salmon fisheries in the Inver and Polly catchments.
Summary
With many salmon and trout fisheries being run as non-profit, unmanaged or at loss, it is hard to put a case for revenue generation. However, a business plan for the development of the Upper Culag salmon fishery and the employment of a ghillie included within an overall package including stalking and accommodation will clarify this issue. Furthermore, more collaborative management with the AAG may generate more direct and indirect revenue to AF without significant investment and may help to increase future revenue through reinvestment in stock, utilities and habitat. River woodland habitat regeneration, which would improve watercourses and feeding for fish should be sought through currently generous Forestry Commission grants (see SFGS grants package). Lastly, without numbers of fish caught or previous numbers of fishers, a business plan can not be written
References
(1) The economic impact of game and coarse fishing in Scotland. 2004. SEERAD Technical report.
(2) Marshall, S. 2003. The Culag River management plan. West Sutherland Fisheries Trust.
(3) Marshall, S. 2001. The Inver River Management Plan. West Sutherland Fisheries Trust.
Stalking
Background.
Glencanisp and Drumrunie have been managed as sporting estates for more than a century. From 1935 until 2005 the estates were owned by the Vestey family who managed the estates for private pleasure and little regard to the public interest or its ecological or economic potential. During the period of ownership by the Vesteys deer numbers have increased overall with consequent damage to the natural heritage features. This is recorded by the Deer Commission for Scotland (DCS) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
Under previous ownership most of the stalking was for family and guests with very little ‘let’ stalking. As the estates were run as a private business there are no public accounts available to indicate past economic activity or potential economic opportunities.
Deer numbers.
Recent DCS red deer counts and recent culls on Glencanisp and Drumrunie are as follows:
Glencanisp: Deer Commission counts.
| 1976 | 307 | 534 | 841 | 7.00 |
| 1990 | 402 | 913 | 1315 | 10.96 |
| 1999 | 492 | 875 | 1367 | 11.39 |
| 2002 | 611 | 864 | 1475 | 12.29 |
| 2006 | 393 | 675 | 1068 | 8.90 |
Glencanisp: recent culls.
| 2000/01 | 45 | 112 | 157 |
| 2001/02 | 42 | 118 | 160 |
| 2002/03 | 43 | 111 | 154 |
| 2003/04 | 56 | 123 | 179 |
| 2004\05 | 31 | 118 | 149 |
| 2005/06 | 47 | 77 | 124 |
Drumrunie: Deer Commission counts
| Year | Stags | Hinds + calves | Total | Density / km2 |
| 1976 | 163 | 318 | 481 | 12.02 |
| 1990 | 86 | 240 | 326 | 08.15 |
| 1999 | 128 | 296 | 424 | 10.60 |
| 2002 | 133 | 272 | 405 | 10.12 |
| 2006 | 109 | 212 | 321 | 08.03 |
Drumrunie: Recent culls
| Year | Stags | Hinds + calves | Total |
| 2000/01 | 19 | 40 | 59 |
| 2001/02 | 19 | 42 | 61 |
| 2002/03 | 18 | 37 | 57 |
| 2003/04 | 21 | 63 | 84 |
| 2004/05 | 18 | 59 | 79 |
| 2005/06 | 23 | 37 | 60 |
Stalking potential.
Deer numbers are considered by DCS and SNH to be too high for the sustainable management of the natural heritage, especially the designated features on Drumrunie. Culling of deer will therefore take place as a crucial part of Assynt Foundation’s objectives of sustaining and enhancing the natural heritage value of Drumrunie and Glencanisp (in the absence of bears and wolves). The cull presents an economic opportunity especially on Glencanisp where there are few designated natural heritage features.
Let stalking is estimated as worth £10 million to the Scottish economy and supports around 1000 jobs. Venison sales are estimated to be in the order of £5 million. Stalking guests come from many countries of the world and especially Europe and USA. With the opening up of the east European countries there is strong international competition for let stalking of red deer with the forest dwelling red deer of central and east Europe providing large ‘trophy’ animals. However stalking in Scotland and especially in the North West Highlands offers a more challenging and exciting hunting experience and Assynt Foundation should exploit the fact that it has some of the most exciting and challenging hunting in the world in a stunning location. In order to exploit this Assynt Foundation should permit Assynt.biz to market and manage the stalking to maximise the economic potential in a way which is consistent with the Deer Management Plan and Management Agreements. The best economic potential lies in stalking for stags on Glencanisp.
With the need to significantly reduce the numbers of deer on Drumrunie under the Section 7 Agreement with DCS, and to slightly reduce the numbers on Glencanisp, we estimate there is the potential to cull 68 stags and 125 hinds (plus calves) per year on average over the next five years.
Economic potential
The cull effort is aimed primarily at managing the deer to protect and enhance the natural heritage value of Drumrunie in particular and to improve the quality of the deer herds on Glencanisp in line with our objectives. To this end, Assynt Foundation has negotiated a Management Agreement with SNH in which SNH supports the cull effort with a grant of around £20,000 over five years commencing in 2006, with an option to renegotiate another agreement for a further five years. This grant is based on target cull figures for Drumrunie and Glencanisp and supports the special cull effort needed on Drumrunie. Assynt Foundation has also negotiated a management grant of £15,000 per annum for five years from JMT commencing 2005.
However the cull does offer an economic potential which needs to be exploited to cover the full cost of the cull. To do this it will be necessary to maximise the economic potential by letting all of the stalking at market value. The current price for stag stalking is around £300 (£250 from Assynt Crofters Trust, £350 from others) per stag and around £50 per hind. Taking the average figures for the number of deer to be culled over the next five years and assuming that 75% of stags and 50% of hinds to be culled could be marketed at current market value, the gross income from stalking could be in the region of £26,250 per annum. If the value of the venison is added, estimated to be worth £15,651 at last seasons prices, the gross income from stalking and venison sales could be in the region of £42,000. Excluding capital costs, depreciation and advertising costs, the gross cost of managing the cull is estimated to be in the order of £75,000 (£60,000 staff + £15,000 expenses) per annum.
Taking the SNH management grant of £20,000 and the JMT management grant of £15,000 together with the potential gross income of £40,00 from the let stalking, it should be possible to break even but with no surplus to invest in replacement equipment and investments in venison handling facilites.
Average annual cull over the next five years
| Stags | Hinds | Calves | S+H+C | |
| Glencanisp | 70 | 100 | 40 | |
| Drumrunie | 30 | 100 | 40 | |
| Total | 100 | 200 | 70 | 370 |
Stags
Assuming 75% stag stalking let, 75 stags at £300 each, = £22,500
Hinds
Assuming 50% hind stalking let, 75 hinds at approx £50 per hind, = £3,750
Total income = £26,250
Venison sales
| All beasts | Weight | Price per kg | Income | |||
| 370 | 17390 | 0.9 | 15,651 | |||
| Total | 15,651 |
| JMT | 15,000 | |||||
| SNH | 20,000 | |||||
| Total income | 76,901 |
Stalking costs
| Staff | Expenses | |
| 60000 | 15000 | |
| Total costs | 75000 |
All figures are at today’s values. The income from the stalking is possibly optimistic and will only be achieved if the stalking is successfully marketed.
Stalking with a camera
Assynt Foundation should consider the possibility of offering deer stalking with a camera as an economic activity in additional to traditional deer stalking. This could be an ‘out-of-season’ activity.
A workshop held by the Tourism and the Environment Forum in Inverness on 7 February 2006 concluded ‘that deer watching offers a unique opportunity for tourists to gain a special Scottish experience. Wild Scotland and VisitScotland have the ambition to make Scotland Europe’s leading wildlife tourism destination and deer stalking has to be part of this ambition. Wild Scotland is currently formulating a code of practice for its members and setting down the criteria that makes for a high quality visitor experience when wildlife watching.’
The report on the conference states that there ‘needs to be a better understanding however, of the demand and of the particular needs of the markets for deer activities, whether it is stalking, watching or photography and, hence, the type of product that has to be developed. Individual businesses will benefit from market research especially from gaining a better knowledge of tourism and tourists already in their immediate area. This can be achieved by working closely with other tourism businesses, especially those involved in Wild Scotland or offering a wildlife watching experience and accommodation, and taking advice from VisitScotland. It may also be appropriate to consider more specific market research helping identify more specific business opportunities’.
References
B Ritchie & C Belshaw, Assynt Foundation Deer Management Plan, 2006.
Macaulay Research and Consultancy Services Ltd November, Rapid Assessment of Grazing and Trampling Impacts on Upland Habitats for The West Sutherland Deer Management Group Area, 2000.
DJ Henderson & AJ Nolan, An Assessment of Grazing and Trampling Impacts on the Woodlands of The West Sutherland Deer Management Group Area, July 2003.
McConnell Associates, Damaging Impacts of Red Deer on the Natural Heritage of Inverpolly and Inchnadamph, 2001.
Neil Mackenzie, Woodland Profile on Drumrunie, 2004.
View Marketing, Tourism and the Environment Forum: Deer Workshop Marketing Report, 2006.
Grazing Impact on Drumrunie
Excerpt from a report by Professor Rory Putman to Assynt Estate 2003
As for Inchnadamph NNR, a survey of habitat condition and impact of deer was commissioned by SNH in the late summer of 2001 from McConnell Associates (McConnell Associates, 2001: Damaging Impacts of Red Deer on the Natural Heritage of Inverpolly and Inchnadamph; AC211/01/02/53). This survey was extremely comprehensive, assessing impact in each 0.25 km2 grid square of the Reserve and achieving 100% cover.
That report noted: “Areas of dry heath, which cover about 6% of the total area, are concentrated on steep slopes. These are favoured by red deer and generally have high grazing impacts, especially on sheltered, northerly-facing slopes. Heavy impacts are widespread, with 53% of dry heath on the Estate heavily impacted. This grazing is leading to the replacement of heather by grasses and extension of patches of grassland on the slopes. Trend indicators, providing evidence of a gradual loss of dry heath and replacement by grassland were noted on Cul Mor, Cul Beag and Meall Dearg.
"The vegetation of the estate is mainly wet heath (67%) and blanket bog (12% cover). Impacts are predominantly light to moderate. Heavy to severe impacts (17% of the area of wet heath; 13% of the area of blanket bog) were found especially between An Laogh and Creag nan Calman, and near Allt Leathad Doire Ruaidhe. In many cases both habitats have peat exposed, peat hagging (slumping) sheet erosion and gullying. This peat erosion is apparently due to trampling by deer because the exposed peat is frequently hoof-marked by red deer trampling.
"Woodlands are more local on this estate [than in other parts of the previous NNR], covering 2% of the area surveyed. Except where fenced to exclude deer, woodlands are heavily (49% of extent) to severely (14% of extent) impacted. Tree saplings are suppressed by deer grazing, or are absent. Shade may prevent growth of saplings in the denser woods, but even in more open woods, saplings rarely emerge above the level of the ground flora. Outside the woods saplings are also heavily browsed which prevents them from emerging above the heather. Regeneration of trees in woods on this [beat] is not taking place. Owing to this lack of regeneration, many of the birch woods consist almost wholly of old trees with many gaps, with much dead wood, but with no young trees. Some woods are largely moribund and many of the older birch trees will not survive much longer.
"Wind-clipped heaths on the mountain summits are patchily distributed, with an overall 3% cover within the area. These heaths belong to the prostrate Calluna vulgaris-Racomitrium lanuginosum heath (NVC H14), Calluna vulgaris- Cladonia arbusculua heath (NVC H13) and Racomitrium lanuginosum - Carex bigelowii moss-heath (U10), found in mosaics with Nardus grasslands and Juniperis communis (dwarf juniper). Grazing has a negligible impact on the prostrate Calluna in the two heath types. On the other hand, the Racomitrium lanuginosum suffers from trampling, being widely eroded, exposing patches of bare soil (eg. on Cul Mor)."
Independent assessments carried out by Professor Rory Putman in the summer of 2003 confirmed that unfenced woodlands were in poor condition with no sign of any significant regeneration. We should note that the state of the unfenced woodlands is of direct concern not simply in terms of the conservation significance of these woodland fragments within an SSSI/cSAC, but also from the point of view of deer management in itself. The deer clearly use these areas extensively not just for foraging, but for cover from adverse weather; if the woodlands are lost this is an important resource lost for the deer, in addition to any conservational significance.
Outside the woodlands, general assessments of impact on the western part of Drumrunie suggest grazing pressure to be otherwise light or moderate. On the drier slopes heather growth appeared strong and only moderately grazed (mirroring the earlier assessments of habitat condition and impact offered within the November 2000 MLURI Report on habitat condition and impact for the entire West Sutherland Deer Management Group Area).
Impacts on the eastern faces of Cul Mor and Cul Beag were however significantly higher, and particularly notable in the areas already highlighted by the McConnell Associates survey between An Laogh and Creag nan Calman, and near Allt Leathad Doire Ruaidhe. There was in addition significant erosion and hagging of peat over wide areas at the head of the pony path towards Meallan Diomhain. It is not clear, however, that this damage to the structure of the peat is in fact wholly or even largely attributable to deer. There was extensive evidence of at least some part of the trampling and erosion being due to hillwalkers, since tracks braided widely across the peat at the end of made-up pony paths. Indeed reported experience from elsewhere suggests that although there are places in Scotland where deer erode peat banks and feed sites, the majority of deer paths actually reduce run-off because they tend to run across the slope (Rose, pers. comm.)
Thus, it is not clear that reduction of deer numbers in the area will contribute much to restoration or recovery of such damaged peatland. While reduction in animal density may to a degree slow down the rate of further deterioration it is unlikely that it can play any significant role in actual restoration of these areas.
Paths
The only path on Glencanisp and Drumrunie that is on the Highland Council proposed core footpath network is part of the ‘loop path’ from Lochinver to Glencanisp Lodge via the River Inver.
Other popular paths include the path from Glencanisp Lodge to Suileag bothy, on to Suilven and Canisp and through to Elphin, the path from Glencanisp to Inveruplan, the path to Cnocneaneach and the path from Inverkirkaig to Fionn Loch the last section of which is on Glencanisp. The glen track between Cul Mor and Cul Beg is used a great deal for stalking access.
Funding for path maintenance and developments is limited. The most likely source of funding is Highland Council which has some funding for access but the proposed core path network will almost certainly take the lion’s share of any funds made available. Other opportunities may be the Geopark for funds for geology trails. CASE may be a possible source of funding to support marketing of existing paths.
There are opportunities for collaboration with other local organizations: Culag Community Woodland Trust is applying for funding for training in path building, more path-building at Little Assynt and setting up a path building company. Assynt Foundation should support their development of an Assynt-wide team to keep the path-construction work going. There is an Assynt Footpath Group, consisting of CCWT, Assynt Crofters Trust, Assynt Tourism Group and Assynt Foundation, but it appears to be moribund.
There are a number of existing guides to walks in Assynt including Assynt Mountain Rescue Team’s ‘Making More of Assynt’, and the British Geological Society guide to the Assynt Geology. There are also numerous guide books to climbing the mountains of Assynt. The Assynt Ranger Service plans to produce a leaflet on walks using public transport to access the start and finish to walks in the area, and are looking into promoting wildlife, flowers and other features that can be seen from the existing paths.
Opportunities to develop and improve the existing paths include:
A bridge across the uidh between Lochan Gainmheich and Loch Sionascaig
A bridge over the Allt na h-Airbhe at Inveruplan
A loop walk around Loch Druim Suhardalin, on from Cnocneaneach back to Glencanisp (keeping well clear of the lochside to avoid disturbance of the divers’ raft).
A path to Tubeg, particularly if the Scottish Mountain Bothy Association takes on bothy development there.
Opportunities for developing ‘trans-Assynt’ walks include working with ACT and CCWT to create a network of paths joining up the community-owned land in Assynt and working with Historic Assynt, ACT and CCWT to create walks linking up archeological and historic sites.
Interpretation
In preparation
Land Management
Land Management
All land management decisions are taken with an awareness of the SNH list of Operations Requiring Consent for designated areas.
Deer
After the purchase of the estates in June 2005 AF met with DCS, SNH & FCS in August 2005 to agree the way forward with regard to stopping the damage caused by overgrazing and trampling by deer on Drumrunie. It was agreed that AF could continue the traditional cull for the first season (2005/06). This was carried out by qualified volunteers, a local professional and a stalking agent with his guests. A deer management plan was written locally in December in collaboration with DCS. This plan forms part of the voluntary Section 7 agreement between AF and DCS signed in March 2006. It also forms part of this Estate Plan which forms part of the Management Agreement between AF and SNH. In 2006 three professional stalkers were employed to carry out an increased cull on both estates.
Exclosures
There are 12 woodland exclosures on Drumrunie excluding the WGS exclosure. These were established by NCC/SNH from 1974 onwards in order to safeguard the remaining fragments of the woods. Some of the older exclosures have had no grazing for 20 years and there is very little natural regeneration happening in these areas at present because of the thick ground vegetation. A visit with SNH woodland advisors in April 2007 highlighted this point and paved the way for investigating the use of livestock in some of the exclosures.
Woodland Grant Schemes
There is one WGS at Drumrunie corner and three on the south side of Loch Assynt. During the summer of 2007 six pigs were introduced to the WGS at An Coimhleum and a further 8 to an enclosure round Torr an Eilean at Tubeg. This is part of a long term experiment to monitor the use of pigs in creating a seed bed for natural regeneration in the Loch Assynt woods. With the use of temporary electric fencing it is hoped that trees can be encouraged to grow all along the side of the loch eventually.
This ground disturbance is part of a plan to encourage trees in addition to the small patches of muirburn and an increased deer cull south of Loch Assynt.
Woodland regeneration without fences.
AF is currently following a policy of regeneration of woods without fences. On Drumrunie almost every inch of ground is a Natura habitat and fences force deer off one habitat and onto another (ie too few or no deer on one habitat and too many on another). We are seeking a deer density that is compatible with the regeneration of all habitats. In the words of an SNH woodland advisor “ fencing a wood is the second worst thing you can do”. This no fencing policy will not be followed in isolation. We need to seek the optimum land use system that will allow the woods to regenerate which might include a mixture of seasonal livestock grazing, temporary fencing, and ground disturbance. This policy will be followed on Glencanisp as well which although not designated is of the same importance to the people of Assynt.
Drain blocking
In the 1960s and 1970s grants were available for agricultural drains across boggy areas. These are evident between Loch Awe and Ledbeg and then again between Knockan and Drumrunie corner. They were not that successful in drying out the land and it is common practice now to block them up allowing the natural water table to be restored and the exposed peat surfaces to grow over. This practice will be followed by Assynt Foundation.
Muirburning
Much of Glencanisp Estate and parts of Drumrunie have been regularly burnt in recent years as part of the traditional management of the land for deer and livestock. AF does not have a muirburn policy yet but there is a presumption against it as there is no livestock on the estates and the land is being managed for wildlife now as well as a healthy deer population. However, where appropriate, small areas ( 100m x 100m) have been burnt south of Tubeg in order to encourage deer to graze away from the woods by Loch Assynt.
Land Management Contract
In May 2006 AF entered into a LMC for path works and woodland visits. AF has to maintain 1500m of the Glencanisp to Suileag Bothy path for 5 years. In addition a bridge was repaired and 4 woodland visits made. The LMC will be replaced by the new Rural Development Plan in 2008.
Mountain Bothies
The bothy at Suileag is a former shepherd’s house abandoned in 1882. It was restored by the MBA in 19?? And is used regularly by hillwalkers. The MBA are currently in discussion with AF about the restoration of other buildings on the estates for similar use.
Assynt Foundation Deer Management Plan. (B Ritchie & C Belshaw 2006)