The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
‘Crown jewel’ of forest sold for £7.4m
Ancient Strathspey woods are taken into public ownership
An ancient Strathspey wood described as the “the crown jewel” of a Cairngorm estate has been sold into public ownership by the family who have looked after it for centuries.
Upper Rothiemurchus Forest, a 5,700 acre Caledonian pine forest, is part of Rothiemurchus Estate which has been in the Grantfamily foralmost500 years.
Nowownership will pass to the Forestry Commission in a £7.4million sale.
The dealcomesonly days after the estate revealed that its partner in plans for a major new town at nearby An CamusMor had pulled out of the 1,500home project.
Elgin-based Springfield Properties said they were prioritising developments elsewhere, but estate owner Johnnie Grant said that the controversial development would still go ahead.
Upper Rothiemurchus, approaching 25% of the estate, lies south- east of Aviemore. It is one of the few forests left in Scotland which has not been touched by commercial planting, and includes important wildlife habitats.
Mr Grant said: “Rothiemurchus Upper Forest is exceptional. For hundreds of yearsmy family have enabled it to regenerate naturally and not allowed it to be ploughed or planted.
“It is a business as well as a sanctuary for wildlife which people can also enjoy. We are proud of the success of the natural regeneration and the habitat it provides formany endangered species. Since monitoring began, it has consistently been the most productive forest for capercaillie.
“TheUpperForest isnow in its most favourable condition for hundreds of years and this is just the beginning of the change, so it is the right time to look to its long term future. We believe Forestry Commission Scotland are the right people to continue this work and care for it.
“For years we’ve worked in partnership with the commission and we trust them to look after this wonderful place.”