The majority of the Sleat Peninsula in the south of the island of Skye — about 19,208 acres — has been put up for sale at £6.7 million.
“South Sleat Estate represents the majority of the land ownership of the Clan Donald Lands Trust (CDLT),” said estate agents Strutt & Parker.
“The estate once formed part of the traditional lands of Clan Donald, indisputably the most renowned of all the Highland clans of Scotland …
“In 1971 these lands came up for sale following the death of Alexander Godfrey Macdonald, 7th Lord Macdonald and High Chief of Clan Donald.
“A charitable trust, the CDLT, was founded by Clan Donald members local and worldwide in order to buy out part of the old Macdonald Estate to preserve and promote the history, heritage and culture of Clan Donald …
“The focal point of the estate and the activities of CDLT is at Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum on the east coast of the peninsula just north of the settlements of Armadale and Ardvasar.
“In recognition of a desire to ensure the long-term financial stability of the charity as a custodian of the history and heritage of Clan Donald and local culture, the CDLT Trustees have taken the decision to offer the estate for sale as a whole.
“It is the Trustees’ intention that the proceeds of sale will enable the charity to complete its restructure as a grant-giving body, enabling investment in heritage and culture long into the future.”
Strutt & Parker said the land is a unique opportunity “to own the majority of a renowned and historic peninsula featuring a landscape of great ecological and geological variety, together with more than 20 miles of Atlantic coastline on the world-renowned Scottish island of Skye.”
The land has extensive areas of open moorland with pockets of remnant native woodland varying between sea level and 973 feet in altitude.
It has over 20 miles of rocky coastline wrapping around the southern tip of Skye at Point of Sleat featuring a number of bays, inlets, coves and beaches.
Strutt & Parker described other highlights of the land thus: “The entirety of the Loch a’ Ghlinne and Allt Ghlinne river system which, together with the native woodlands throughout Gleann Meadhonach form an important ecosystem and a truly spectacular landscape lying right at the heart of the estate.
“Over 17,000 acres (6,880 ha) of peat-based soils of variable depth with a feasibility study identifying a 1,400-acre (566 ha) area with restoration and carbon accreditation potential under The Peatland Code subject to grant funding application.
“Extensive potential for further native woodland enhancement and creation with associated carbon accreditation opportunities under the Woodland Carbon Code.
“Potential for future wind development with an Exclusivity Agreement signed in favour of a Wind Developer.
“A rich variety of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna including several rare and endangered species.
“An environmental landscape recognised for its importance through four different Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), one Marine Protection Area (MPA) and one Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
“A range of redundant 19th Century estate buildings together with other sites offering residential development and/or eco-tourism potential, subject to planning.
“Traditional sportings including red deer stalking and rough shooting for mixed game including woodcock, snipe and wild duck together with sea trout and brown trout fishing.
“Mixed land tenure including crofting and common grazings; a Limited Duration Agricultural Tenancy; Annual Grazing Agreements and land/woodland with vacant possession.”