Outstanding commitment to Scotland’s wildlife as seven Scottish estates recognised by Wildlife Estates Scotland

Press Release

Seven Scottish estates have been recognised for their commitment to biodiversity and wildlife conservation under the prestigious Wildlife Estates Scotland (WES) scheme.

The accreditation certificates were presented today by Scottish Government Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Islands, Jim Fairlie MSP, to Ardtalla, Attadale, Balruddrie, Dunlossit, Glenmuick, Logie and Southannan estates.

WES is the national version of the European Wildlife Estates initiative. WES accreditation is objective and independently assessed, with the initiative endorsed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment. WES accreditation represents the 'gold standard' when it comes to integrated land management with biodiversity and best practice at the heart of all activity.

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said: “I would like to congratulate all of those who have earned their WES accreditation. We have exceptional landscapes and magnificent wildlife in Scotland, but protecting and enhancing our biodiversity and habitats requires real commitment. The dedication of landowners, land managers and communities is vital to conserving these special places for future generations.”

Miles Montgomerie, chair of WES, said: “I wholeheartedly congratulate each of these estates, which are delivering demonstrable and lasting benefits for Scotland’s natural heritage, rural economy and communities.

“Achieving WES accreditation is a very high bar – it requires not only exemplary land management but a commitment to working in partnership with other conservation organisations and the integration of conservation work with other land management activities, to benefit the local community. In Scotland we are absolutely at the forefront of protecting our native species and our natural environment for future generations.”

There are now 55 accredited landholdings in Scotland, covering over 322,000 hectares, an area equivalent to over 450,000 football pitches. Commitment to WES is increasing year on year, with an additional 26,500 hectares accredited since January 2025. 

Scotland is second out of 19 participating countries in terms of total land accredited.

Miles Montgomerie, who has chaired WES since 2023, is stepping down later this year. Miles owns Southannan Estate, which has achieved the highest score in Scotland for a newly accredited landholding. Southannan is managed with a particular focus on soil health and hydrology. 

The seven WES estates recognised this year are as follows:

Ardtalla Estate

Ardtalla Estate, hidden away on the south-east corner of Islay, is a largely undisturbed landscape, with visitors typically only venturing to a few historic sites and stretches of shoreline. The estate maintains a careful balance between livestock farming and conservation. Under the guidance of estate manager Malcolm Younger, whose deep knowledge of Islay and its history informs management, the estate is already seeing encouraging signs that its conservation efforts are having an impact. Ardtalla’s Atlantic oak woodland is an outstanding historic feature, shaped over 250 years. Conservation of this woodland has been supported by detailed research into its history and past

condition. Ongoing peatland restoration has already rewetted former cutting areas, alongside the creation of ponds and scrapes. Significant survey work, including eDNA analysis and bird surveys, is strengthening understanding and guiding future conservation efforts.

Attadale Estate

Attadale Estate, above Loch Carron, is a striking Highland landscape of mountains, gardens, and remote wilderness. In recent years, the estate has transitioned away from commercial forestry, replacing felled areas with native woodland and encouraging natural regeneration. Comprehensive surveys have strengthened understanding of species and habitats, with clear improvements made following earlier guidance. Attadale plays an integral role in the local community and wider area, hosting events such as the Lochcarron Highland Games, maintaining the Ben Dronaig Bothy for public use and supporting affordable housing. Collaboration with neighbouring estates and involvement in initiatives like the Affric Highlands project highlights Attadale’s commitment to landscape-scale restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and exemplary sustainable land management.

Balruddrie Estate

Balruddrie is a picturesque landholding in Kinross-shire, shaped over 40 years by owner Andrew Rettie into a rich mosaic of grassland, woodland, and wetland. With 1.9 km of the River Devon, diverse flora, and features such as a rare woodland raised bog, the benefits of a long term hands-on approach to enhancing the environment are clear to see. Enhancements include woodland expansion, pond creation, hedgerow maintenance and riverbank stabilisation through riparian planting. These efforts have resulted in an abundance of wildlife. Low-intensity grazing maintains habitats, while a varied

woodland structure encourages biodiversity. Bird rearing also takes place to best practice standards, which supports a small shoot. The land balances conservation with community use, including walking routes and fishing on the Devon. Balruddrie stands as an inspiring example of long-term management that has created a diverse landscape in a relatively small area.

Dunlossit Estate

Dunlossit Estate on Islay is a dramatic and diverse landscape of woodland, grassland, coastline and upland, where conservation and management go hand in hand. Monitoring of species and habitats, in partnership with organisations such as the RSPB, is delivering real results. The discovery of new Marsh Fritillary butterfly colonies — an increasingly rare species — highlights this success. Woodland regeneration, deer control, native planting, and a major peatland restoration project are already improving habitats.  Alongside this, Dunlossit remains a thriving commercial estate with strong community connections. It provides significant support to local charities and educational organisations. The estate shows how initiatives to enhance biodiversity and other management objectives can be achieved simultaneously, and in a truly sustainable way.

Glenmuick Estate

Glenmuick (Glen-mick) Estate in Royal Deeside plays a key role in collaborative efforts across the Dee catchment to improve water quality and habitat for fish, with recent fish survey results a cause for cautious optimism. Since 2021, over 230 hectares of peatland have been restored through carefully managed techniques to slow runoff and protect wildlife. Riparian woodland is being expanded along the River Muick, with field boundaries moved back and ongoing tree planting enhancing habitats and wildlife corridors. Volunteer involvement reflects the strong engagement the estate has with the local

community. Combined, these efforts demonstrate a clear and sustained commitment to biodiversity, habitat restoration, and environmental improvement at both estate and catchment scale.

Logie Estate

Set in the scenic Findhorn Valley near Forres, Logie Estate blends a thriving rural business with a strong commitment to sustainability. From salmon fishing on the River Findhorn to the bustling Logie Steading, which attracts around 75,000 visitors annually, the estate strikes an effective balance between the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable land management. This year Logie is celebrating 100 years of ‘place, people and community’ at the Steading, which was built in 1926.

Proactive habitat management and evolving farming practices are supporting biodiversity across the estate. Logie includes parts of the ecologically rich Lower Findhorn Woods that run along the River Findhorn and its tributaries. This woodland is a haven for red squirrels and rare lichens. With a clear five-year action plan, including measurable targets for 2026, the estate team are committed to targeted habitat restoration and further species monitoring.

Southannan Estate

Southannan Estate in Ayrshire is a varied holding, incorporating residential and industrial areas on its western side, rising to picturesque open hill on the eastern edge. The estate is looking at ways to restore the land focusing on the soil and hydrology, starting with extensive monitoring of biodiversity in the soil and the behaviour of water within the soil. The team believes management of the soil and water to be critical in improving output from the land, while also improving biodiversity. In addition to the ongoing work on soil and hydrology, support is provided for local people looking to develop businesses along the busy western corridor of the estate. Plans are in place to provide facilities to encourage small businesses to set up. The WES accreditation score of 86% is the highest achieved to date in Scotland by a newly accredited landholding.