Boosting biodiversity in Scotland

Andrew Marshall at the Carlowrie Group describes plans for boosting biodiversity on Ronay Island in the Outer Hebrides

 

As a co-owner of 1,500 acres of uninhabited rocky land in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, I and my business partner have recently announced plans to increase biodiversity and revitalise the natural environment of Ronay Island.

 

Ronay Island is located off the east coast of Uist and has a 35.5km coastline, the equivalent distance of driving from Glasgow to Stirling. It has many remnants of ancient settlements and a long history of diverse land-use, including seaweed harvesting and livestock grazing. 

 

However, today it contends with limited seed sources, overgrazing of herbivores, and minimal natural regeneration.

 

Since purchasing the island in 2023, we have spent considerable time researching and understanding how a robust environmental regeneration initiative can realise the island’s full potential and contribute to community, environmental, and economic wellbeing.

 

It is well documented that Scotland is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. In the past decade alone, almost half of all Scottish wildlife species have declined in abundance and, according to the Biodiversity Intactness Index, Scotland is ranked 212th out of 240 countries globally.

 

We’re taking a multi-generational approach to caring for the land and have partnered with a range of organisations and individuals to support our mission. We know this is not a matter of “winding back the clock”, but is an opportunity to create a resilient, species-rich island that will benefit all, long past our own lifetimes.

 

The project has support from the Uist community and environmental experts from across the United Kingdom. Partners include Northwoods Rewilding Network, RePlanet, and a purposely formed steering committee of local stakeholders. The steering committee includes the owners of local accommodation and tourism business Langass Lodge, the operators of local wildlife tour company Lady Anne Wildlife Cruises, the founder of Love Gaelic language courses, a specialist in woodland conservation, and other interested parties.

 

This summer, our team will undergo extensive baselining surveys to gain a comprehensive understanding of the island’s current state of biodiversity. These surveys will support targeted regeneration efforts and will act as a means of measuring progress over the coming years.

 

There is a lot of potential to increase the existing biodiversity on Ronay Island, and we can already see nature attempting to make a comeback despite many years of extensive grazing. But it will need human intervention to help these natural processes thrive.

 

It is not uncommon to witness red deer swim between neighbouring islands Grimsay and North Uist to Ronay Island. To aid in the restoration of natural habitats, the team will embark on a robust deer management plan and explore innovative approaches to land management.

 

In the future, we expect to make a range of Ronay Island products, using wild-grown seaweed and quality venison, so that people can experience a slice of the wild and rugged Ronay Island from their own homes.

 

Already, the team at Carlowrie Castle, a luxury events venue near Edinburgh, has been enjoying the benefits of the project. Executive chef, David Millar, has been serving Ronay venison to guests and was recently named Scottish Chef of the Year 2025 using the direct-from-source meat as the star of his menu. Meanwhile, the castle’s head gardener Alex Knubley has been exploring the benefits of the nutrient-rich Ronay seaweed as fertiliser on the estate.

 

What we’re doing on Ronay Island is a fantastic opportunity to show others that environmental regeneration can be done in a way that benefits local communities and the planet in a lasting and robust way. It is a big undertaking and something my business partner and I have been interested in for a long time. We’re thrilled to be on this journey making it happen. 

 

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Andrew Marshall is co-owner of Ronay Island and founder of Carlowrie Group which put positive impact at the core of their operations. For more information please visit www.ronayisland.co.uk

 

Image courtesy of Carlowrie Group