A future wilderness built on a traditional history
A future wilderness built on a traditional history
‘A modern Highland Estate set in the midst of the spectacular scenery of Glen Etive and Glencoe
In contrast to the remoteness of many Highland Estates, Dalness is surprisingly accessible: 6 miles off the A82, 17 miles from Glencoe Village and 32 miles from Fort William.
The Estate aims to restore the remnants of the Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland which in the past cloaked these glens with oaks and Scots pine and to extend these with larger areas of native woodland in sheltered lower lying ground. The first areas of woodland have been established in Glen Ceitlein and Glen A’chaorunn in the last few years and will soon change the habitat, appearance and biodiversity of the estate. The woodlands also help towards our environmental policies including reduction of the Estates carbon footprint.
Biodiversity is at the heart of Estate management at Dalness. Protecting and providing opportunities to improve biodiversity are key to the woodland, hill, river and farm management practices. No muir burn or grouse shooting is undertaken on Dalness, breeding bird and raptor disturbance zones are respected with owl, kestrel and bat boxes in the policy woodlands. A Deer Management plan is agreed with neighbours to aid natural regeneration of flora and woodland species. and the Highland cattle are also used to manage vegetation.
The Dalness Fold of Pedigree Highland Cattle was first started in 2015 and currently totals 10 animals, including our big bull, Kyle. The ladies are very friendly and also rather intelligent and can identify their favorite treats at several hundred yards! Cattle raised here graze naturally in the upper glens in the summer and winter outside in in-bye parks where the calves will be born in spring. Maintaining high herd health and minimising the need for intervention allows our Highlanders to live as naturally as possible.
Both the riverbank and river health are vital to salmon and trout stocks in the River Etive and beyond. Riverbank improvement through pocket planting of native trees, river edge stabilisation with willow and structures, creating tributary spawning pools and working with neighbours to supply the local smolt hatchery system are ongoing projects on the Estate. The river angling is managed as a catch and release system and the recent hydro-scheme development includes fish pass technology on all it intakes.
The estate has joined with neighbours and developers to install hydroschemes in the glen; these run-of-river schemes are to be commissioned in 2023 and will provide clean energy as well as an alternative source of income for the Estate. While works are ongoing they are unsightly and we look forward with both Glen Etive visitors and residents to the full restoration of the sites.
Dalness Lodge is situated in a dramatic setting on the 13,000 acre Dalness Estate in Glen Etive, and is set amongst some of the most spectacular scenery in the Scottish Highlands.