Best Practice Case Studies

Dunvegan Castle, Skye
looking after the marine life at Scotland's oldest inhabited castle

"We are keen to keep building on our natural heritage conservation work and ensure that is continues to capture the imagination of the visitors."

John Lambert, Dunvegan Estate Chief Executive

Situated on the dramatic coastline of the Isle of Skye, Dunvegan Castle is Scotland's oldest inhabited castle and has been the clan seat for the MacLeod family for 850 years. It is a private home open to the public and receives around 105,000 visitors a year. People come not only for a taste of Scottish history but also for the wonderful natural landscape.

The castle sits within the 45,000 acre MacLeod Estate, which also has extensive gardens, four farms, a large crofting estate, and the Black Cuillins mountain range, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated as an area for golden eagle.

The formal gardens have an impressive collection of tree species, both native and ornamental, from countries as far afield as Nepal and New Zealand. The castle gardens back onto many acres of mature woodland with walks through glades, past enchanting pools, burns and waterfalls.

A unique marine attraction
One of the star attractions of Dunvegan Castle is the chance to view the local seal colony at close quarters. The castle boatmen have got to know the colony over the years and boats can now get within 20 yards of the seals. 

Traditional clinker boats are still used for tours and cause very little disturbance. The excellent work undertaken by the MacLeod Estate over a long period is reflected in the recent designation of the site as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the EU Habitats Directive.

Boats leave from the castle gardens and seal watching is a popular choice for visitors once they have explored the castle. The colony sits below the castle and can be viewed from inside, so the built history and wildlife of the site are very much integrated. 

Recently the estate's marine staff have been working closely with the Sea Mammal Research Unit of St Andrews University to study a nearby seal colony. They have tagged six seals and are monitoring their movement by satellite. The estate plans to raise public awareness of this research through display boards and by posting weekly movements of the tagged seals.

On the boat ride visitors can also see the heronry that has colonised one of the small islands and, if they are lucky, may even spot one of the sea eagles that nest in the area.

Plans for a natural future
An extensive tree-planting scheme is on-going behind the castle. The planting is a mixture of broad-leaved Scottish species, which encourage birds and other wildlife. The planting project also aims to provide new access to the public and provide an additional natural attraction, which will further enhance the visitor experience. 

The estate has identified the potential to develop a footpath network associated with the woodland to allow visitors a pleasant walk to the castle restaurant and retail area. 

Access to the whole estate has been encouraged over the last twenty years through a well-kept footpath network.  Further improvements are being made to the footpaths with support from the Highland Council and others. There are plans to develop a waymarked circular route that leads visitors from Dunvegan church through the castle grounds. This route will have a number of display boards telling visitors about the natural heritage.

Improving the visitor experience
The castle is currently seeking support from Government agencies and the Heritage Lottery Fund for the construction of a new visitor centre, which would provide information and interpretation of this quite unique historic Scottish castle and SAC.  Visitors can purchase guide books about the history of the castle and estate and periodically the local ranger service lead guided walks around the castle grounds and woodland. Visitors can learn about the wildlife in innovative ways through events such as the 'mushrooms and wild herbs walk', part of the Isle of Skye's Food Festival.

A large number of visitors come to explore both the castle and the estate, with many routes around the magnificent Black Cuillin mountain range, the scenic centrepiece of the Isle of Skye. John Lambert, the estate's Chief Executive, is keen to keep building on their natural heritage conservation work and ensure that it continues to "capture the imagination of the visitors".

For further information, please contact:

John Lambert (Chief Executive)
Dunvegan Castle
Isle of Skye
IV55 8WF
Scotland
Phone: 01470 521206
Email: enquiry@dunvegancastle.com
Web: www.dunvegancastle.com

Case study added August 2005

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