Unhabited Hebridean island owners launch ambitious biodiversity plan

The National

30-04-2025

Ronay Island, located off the east coast of Uist, will see extensive surveying this summer, with the aim to gain an comprehensive understanding of the island's current state of biodiversity.
Andrew Marshall, co-owner of Ronay Island and founder of Carlowrie Group. said that he aims to take a "multi-generational approach" to caring for the land.
The island has the remnants of ancient settlements with a long history of diverse land-use, including seaweed harvesting and livestock grazing. The surveys will support targeted regeneration efforts and act as progression measure as the project goes ahead.
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Ronay has a 35.5km coastline, the equivalent distance of driving from Glasgow to Stirling, which faces limited seed sources, overgrazing of herbivores, and minimal natural regeneration.
Marshall said 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.
It is well documented that Scotland is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.
According to the Biodiversity Intactness Index, Scotland is ranked 212th out of 240 countries globally, with research seeing in the past decade alone, almost half of all Scottish wildlife species have declined in abundance.
"We know this is not a matter of ;winding back the clock'," Marshall (above) conceded, adding: "But is an opportunity to create a resilient, species-rich island that will benefit all, long past our own lifetimes.'
Partners of the project 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.
"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," Marshall said.
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Marshall expects to make a range of Ronay Island products, using wild-grown seaweed and quality venison, for people to experience a slice of the wild and rugged Ronay Island from their own homes.
Already, Carlowrie Castle near Edinburgh has been serving Ronay venison to guests. The castle's head gardener has been exploring the benefits of the nutrient-rich Ronay seaweed as fertiliser on the estate.
Marshall said: '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.'