A mystery donor quietly bought a 7,600-hectare Scottish estate for 17.5 million pounds. Then handed it to conservationists

An act of philanthropy has put a vast Scottish Highland estate on a new path, with conservation measures taking place. The Scottish Wildlife Trust has acquired the sprawling Inverbroom estate near Ullapool in north-west Scotland after receiving more than £17.5 million from an anonymous donor. Sprawled across 7,618 hectares, the property includes an 11-bedroom lodge and an indoor swimming pool. It was previously used as a sporting estate. The landmark acquisition is expected to transform Inverbroom into a major rewilding and nature conservation project. The huge donation marks the largest gift ever received by the Scottish Wildlife Trust.

Scottish estate’s rewilding plans take shape

The estate is situated 8 miles south of Ullapool and features a diverse Highland landscape of peatlands, ancient semi-natural woodland, farmland, lochs and smaller water bodies with Loch a’ Bhraoin, being the largest, stretching approximately 2.5 miles. The property is flanked by the Broom and Cuileig rivers to the east and the Munros A’ Chailleach and Sgùrr Breac to the south. Among its existing structures, 2 historic bridges were designed by Sir John Fowler.

The acquisition allows the Trust to expand its conservation work across a much larger area. It plans to restore peatlands, revive river woodland and temperate rainforest, while tackling invasive species. The Trust has also agreed with the mystery benefactor that it will not finance conservation work at the estate through the sale of carbon credits.

Wildlife restoration to transform the estate

Local communities are also expected to play an important role. The Trust plans to collaborate with farmers for sustainable agricultural methods supporting biodiversity without compromising viable farming businesses. It also aims to create opportunities for local jobs, training and volunteering. Riverbank woodland restoration will form another key part of the project, creating healthier habitats for otters, Atlantic salmon, freshwater pearl mussels and other species.

The Trust also intends to expand native rainforest to improve water and air quality while supporting wildlife including wood warblers and pine martens, as well as diverse mosses, lichens and fungi. Deer management, removal of invasive Rhododendron ponticum and natural regeneration, supplemented by native tree planting, add to the list of the wider restoration effort.