Tayvallich, Lochgilphead, Argyll

INTRODUCTION
The Ulva peninsula and the Isle of
Danna are situated at the southern
tip of the outstandingly picturesque
and ecologically important
Tayvallich peninsula lying between
the Sound of Jura and Knapdale
on Scotland’s west coast. With
the wider area being recognised
for its biodiversity and species of
importance, Ulva and Danna are
largely covered by the Ulva, Danna
and McCormaig Isles Site of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the
Tayvallich Juniper and Coast Special
Area of Conservation (SAC).
Both areas are also surrounded by
the Loch Sween Marine Protection
Area (MPA).

With a predominance of grassland
habitats, the Ulva peninsula and
the Isle of Danna also contain
many fragments of temperate
Atlantic rainforest; an increasingly
rare habitat in Scotland, and one
of national and international
importance. These can be highly
biodiverse carbon sinks when
in good condition. Restoring,
connecting and monitoring these
habitats is one of the current owner
- Highlands Rewilding Limited’s
– main priorities, particularly
through reducing browsing and
grazing pressure to encourage
natural regeneration. The coastal
and marine areas are also extremely
biodiverse and include nationally
important marine priority areas
including saltmarsh, mixed
intertidal sediments and native
oysters. They too have considerable
worth as potential future natural
capital generators of biodiversity
and carbon credits.

BACKGROUND
The entirety of the Tayvallich Estate
– extending to nearly 3,400 acres
(1,400 hectares) was purchased by
Highlands Rewilding Ltd (www.
highlandsrewilding.co.uk) in May
2023 following an open market sales
process through which the estate was
offered for sale in 13 lots. Attracted by
its unique combination of landscape,
setting, widely varying terrestrial and
marine ecosystems and the vibrant
local community on the peninsula,
Highlands Rewilding raised sufficient
debt finance to secure a purchase
of the entire estate to add to its
portfolio of Scottish estates (Bunloit
in Inverness-shire and Beldorney in
Aberdeenshire). The purpose of their
ownership of these estates was to
enable and empower enlightened land
managers and scientists to collaborate
to demonstrate in practical terms how
nature and community in synergy with
one another can restore to health the
beautiful but denuded landscapes and
the fragile but resilient communities
that exist on and in the vicinity of each
of their estates.

The company’s land management
actions and objectives are science-led,
aiming to accelerate nature-based
solutions that can help fight the
existential and related crises of climate
meltdown, biodiversity collapse,
and social inequality, whilst helping
to rebuild local economies. Until
recently, the whole of Tayvallich Estate
was one of three current sites being
managed as a multi-habitat open air
natural capital laboratory, generating
data that can reliably underpin credits
in natural capital, so making the
nature-recovery industry confidently
investable.

The work at Tayvallich is rooted in
the community, as the company
aims to break new ground in
consultation, partnership and
involvement with the communities
of which it is a part. Highlands
Rewilding engages in a combination
of land management activities:
ecological restoration, regenerative
agriculture, forestry management
and regeneration, community
engagement and recreational
management, and carefully
monitors outcomes including
through experimental research.

In pursuing its purpose of nature
recovery and community prosperity
through rewilding taken to scale,
the company is in the process of
evolving from being a land owner
to a data-led land-management
services company. This process
has already been successful in
enabling Highlands Rewilding to sell
c.1,700 acres at the northern part of
Tayvallich Estate to the Barrahormid
Trust with whom they have agreed a
long term management contract in
the form of an OSPREY Agreement
(‘Operating System Partnership
for Rewilding’) which enables the
land management work and data
compilation undertaken over the
last two years to be continued for the
benefit of the owner, the landscape
itself and the local community.

In light of the commercial realities of
loan finance repayment, achieving
a sale of the Ulva peninsula and
the Isle of Danna is of highest
priority for the vendors but it
remains their firm preference that
the purchaser is an individual or
organisation that recognises this
magnificent landscape for the
collection of precious gems that it is
and is keen to work in tandem with
Highlands Rewilding Ltd in future to
ensure continued management in
accordance with the best principles
and practices of nature recovery
and community prosperity.

Lot 1 – THE ULVA PENINSULA
(about 445 acres/180 hectares)

Extending to almost 450 acres and
including an existing dwelling plus
outbuildings/further development
potential, mixed grade land
including livestock grazing and
saltmarsh together with over 5km
of coastal frontage to Loch Sween,
An Grianan and Linne Mhuirich
together with two small islands and
a stunning beach, this is a quite
exceptional residential and amenity
offering featuring substantial
natural capital.

NEW ULVA HOUSE
A traditional 1½-storey traditional
stone dwelling with a southerly
outlook, Mhor Ulva has a secluded
and elevated setting with access via
a track which leads from the minor
public road. The accommodation
(as shown on the floor plans)
includes 2 reception rooms and
3 bedrooms and is reasonably
modernised and well-appointed.
The house sits amid an enclosed
garden and is situated close to a
range of outbuildings. The house
is occupied by the estate manager
under a Service Occupancy.

BUILDINGS
There are three buildings at New Ulva
comprising a general purpose store
(5m x 11m), former barn (6m x 15m),
and a livestock shed (10m x 18m).

LAND/WOODLAND/COASTLINE AND ISLANDS
Forming part of the in-hand farm
currently operated by Highlands
Rewilding Ltd across the whole of
the original Tayvallich Estate, the
land comprises rough grazing and
salt marsh which is grazed on a
sensitive and seasonal basis.

With around 2km of coastal
frontage to three different bodies of
water (An Grianan, Linne Mhuirich
and Loch Sween), access to the sea
is a particular feature of this lot.
This includes Port Michael –
a small bay lying on the shore of
Loch Sween. This includes the
remnants of a former stone jetty
and a boat mooring.

At high tide, Ulva provides access to
Ceann an t-Sailein – a shallow tidal
estuary which leads to Loch Sween
(on the east side), and Loch Na Cille
(on the west side) which feeds into
the Sound of Jura making this lot
particularly attractive to those with
maritime interests.

Lot 2 – THE ISLE OF DANNA
(About 811 acres/328 hectares)

Sometimes described as the
‘jewel in the crown of Tayvallich
peninsula’, Danna is an island of
more than 800 acres in extent which
includes two existing residential
properties; a functional range of
farm buildings and a boathouse; the
remains of an extensive farmstead
with development potential on an
exceptional site; mixed grade land
including good quality pasture,
rough grazing, enclosed stands of
woodland/forestry, open native
woodland and over 6km of coastal
frontage including two jetties,
several small islands and some
stunning beaches.

EXISTING HOUSES/COTTAGES

New Danna Farmhouse
A traditional 2-storey stone and
slate farmhouse with superb
position overlooking the Sound
of Jura. Lying beside the principal
range of farm buildings, the
house provides comfortable
accommodation over two floors.
The property is currently occupied
under a Service Occupancy by the
farm stockman.

Port-nan-Gallan
A 2-storey traditional house with
spectacular position looking across
Loch na Cille towards the island of
Jura. The living accommodation is
on the first floor and is accessible
via an external stone staircase.
As shown on the floor plans,
the accommodation includes
2 bedrooms and the house has
been recently vacated following a
long term tenancy. It is habitable
but in need of some renovation/
modernisation. The ground floor
of the building includes a spacious
boathouse – accessible via the gable
end which opens onto the jetty
and slipway. A particular feature
of the estate overall and this lot
in particular, this is a spacious
building with gravel floor featuring
an unusual barrel-vaulted ceiling.
Adjoining the exterior of the main
building is a further lean-to store.
The boathouse is occupied by the
vendors and therefore available to
purchasers with vacant possession.

FARM AND ESTATE BUILDINGS
A range of traditional and modern
buildings situated beside New
Danna Farmhouse includes three
steel portal-framed livestock sheds
comprising a general purpose/
sheep shed (13m x 36m), a cattle
court (20m x 37m), and a cubicle
shed (9m x 25m). In addition,
there is a traditional stone steading
building (6m x 11m). This is
the principal set of agricultural
buildings used by the in-hand
farming business and they are all
available with vacant possession
to a purchaser.

REDUNDANT HOUSES/COTTAGES
Danna na Cloiche
Situated 500m to the south of New
Danna with access via a track
accessible by 4WD vehicle only,
this is the extensive remnants
of a former farmstead featuring
two dwellings and two ranges of
farm buildings partially enclosing
a courtyard. Having been
uninhabited for many years, the
two dwellings are substantially
dilapidated but, in each case, their
physical structure remains largely
intact including the majority of
roof timbers and slates. Lying at the
northern and southern ends of the
site, there are two ranges of former
farm buildings which are also in
advanced state of dilapidation with
the exception of two sections which
have been partially re-roofed to
provide shelter for livestock.

With its isolated setting and
outstanding panoramic views,
this site is considered to be well
suited to residential development
– perhaps as a single principal
dwelling serving Danna Island;
as a number of dwellings (for
permanent or temporary use) or for
some other form of functional use.

The vendors have not engaged
in discussions with Argyll &
Bute Council over the potential
development of the site but
advice received from independent
consultants suggests that, with
the appropriate approach to the
planning application, this site
offers huge potential for a visionary
development of some form.

LAND
Danna includes some of the best
and most productive agricultural
land which is enclosed as livestock
proof and includes provision of
drinking water.

ISLANDS AND COASTLINE
Lying off the coast of Danna are
several small and uninhabited
islands together with over 6km of
coastline on Loch Sween, Loch
na Cille and the Sound of Jura.
There are two jetties at Port nan
Gallan together with boathouse
and mooring which enables boats
of varying sizes to be kept on the
island and used for recreation and
exploration of the Argyll and inner
Hebridean coastline – both far
and near.

The southern shore of the island
includes several very attractive
sandy beaches and a further feature
is Rubha Bhreatanich (‘British
Point’ in Gaelic) – a small, semiwooded
peninsula extending
north from the main island and
lying between the open sea of
Loch Sween on the west side and
the estuary of Ceann an t-Sailean
(‘Head of Beams’) on the east side.

SPORT/AMENITY AND NATURAL CAPITAL
Danna Island provides extensive
potential for ecological
enhancement/restoration including
expansion of native woodland and
restoration of wetlands.

For traditional field sports
enthusiasts, there are red, sika
and roe deer on the island offering
stalking opportunities; there are
two flight ponds close to Danna na
Cloiche and potential for wild and
reared game shooting.

The ability to access the sea and
moor a boat enables almost endless
sport, leisure or recreation on or in
the sea.

RURAL HOUSING BURDEN
A rural housing burden will be applied to
the existing residential properties
within the subjects of sale. This is
a title condition which protects
affordable housing stock for local
communities in perpetuity, where
the property owner has full legal
title. Allocation policies prioritise
people with a need to live or work
in an area, so housing stock is
protected for local communities
forever. Further information about
rural housing burdens is available at

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GRASSLANDS
The underlying complex geology of
the site and the unique influence
of the oceanic climate combine to
produce an exceptionally diverse
mosaic of habitat types at Ulva and
Danna, with a high species richness
(more than 500 species of vascular
plants have been recorded). This
makes this one of the richest areas
of conservation importance in the
Argyll region which is recognized
with the Ulva, Danna and the
McCormaig Isles Site of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the
Tayvallich Juniper and Coast Special
Area of Conservation (SAC).

Several areas of calcareous
grassland occur within the mosaic
of habitat types and reflect the
distribution of underlying baserich
limestone. In patches of
more acidic rock types, heath
communities have developed and
there are also areas of species rich
acid grassland, as well as more
improved neutral grassland. The
area also supports internationallyimportant
wintering populations
of barnacle geese and Greenland
white-fronted geese. The barnacle
geese use the improved pastures
on the Isle of Danna as their core
feeding zone, whilst the whitefronted
geese range more widely,
and use the saltmarsh communities
to a greater extent. Very rare and
internationally important Marsh
Fritillary butterflies also thrive here
in the damp acidic grasslands, wet
and dry heaths, rush pastures and
valley-bottom mires where there
are plenty of their main foodplant,
devil’s-bit scabious. Carefully
managed grazing is currently and
will, in future be an important
part of the management of these
open areas.

COASTAL AND MARINE HABITATS
The coastal environments of Danna
and Ulva are extremely diverse
and include nationally significant
priority marine features such
as saltmarsh, mixed intertidal
sediments and native oysters.
They have considerable worth as
potential future natural capital
generators of biodiversity and
carbon credits. Saltmarsh are
highly biodiverse supporting
migratory birds, specialist plants,
indigenous insects, juvenile fish
and crustaceans. They act as
natural carbon sequestration sinks,
storing carbon both in the plants
and sediment. A hectare of salt
marsh can capture two tonnes of
carbon every year and store it for
millennia if undisturbed. Mixed
intertidal sediments act as nutrient
sinks and biodiversity hotspots. The
high nutrient levels and variety of
grain sizes making-up the habitat
accommodate a wide variety of
species. The mud component
within mixed sediments can
contain substantial amounts of
carbon. Native oyster are habitat
forming ecosystem engineers with
a set of extraordinary environmental
services. A single oyster can
filter over 200 litres of water a
day removing excess nutrients
and harmful particulate matter
including microplastics. Oyster
assemblages form biodiversity
hotspots; a single oyster can have
over 100 individual species attached
to or living on its shell. The coastal
habitats support an extensive list
of species, including rich damsel
and dragonfly communities, marsh
fritillary butterflies, wintering
Curlew, breeding Oystercatcher,
Redshank, Common Snipe and 1%
of the British winter population of
Whooper swans to name just a few.

WOODLANDS
Ancient temperate rainforest
woodlands, dominated by mature
oak trees, also host a variety of
other native species like birch,
hazel, rowan, and holly, is the
predominant woodland type on
Ulva and the Isle of Danna. Due
to the proximity to the Atlantic
Ocean, these woodlands provide
ideal conditions for rare oceanic
bryophytes, including species
at the northern edge of their
range. In addition to the native
woodland, there is an area of
productive woodland, which has
been previously thinned. Plans to
remove areas of non-native species
have been drawn up so that these
woodlands can be replaced with
native species in line with those
found in adjacent native woodlands.

FARMING AND AGRICULTURE
The Tayvallich peninsula has a mild
Gulf Stream climate with average
annual rainfall of about 1,800mm
(71 inches). Comprising brown soils
and mineral podzols and with an
agricultural capability classified
under Scotland’s Soils national
soil survey as comprising mostly
grade 5.3 (land capable of use as
improved grassland) and 6.1 (land
capable of use as rough grazing with
high proportion of palatable plants),
the best of the land – which is grade
4.2 in classification (capable of
producing a narrow range of crops,
primarily on grassland with short
arable breaks of forage crops
and cereal) is at the south end of
Danna Island.

The current farming system is based
on the production of store lambs
from a breeding flock of Scottish
Blackface ewes together with the
production of suckled calves from
a herd of about 60 Beef Shorthorn
crossed with Highland Cattle cows/
heifers which are put to either
a Beef Shorthorn or Whitbred
Shorthorn bull.

As a result of the environmental
importance of Ulva and Danna
together with the various
designations as Sites of Special
Scientific Interest (SSSI) and
Special Areas of Conservation
(SAC), the practical operations
of the farm including location
and timing of grazing pressure
together with any cultivations and/
or mowing are carried out in close
consultation with NatureScot with
whom Highlands Rewilding has an
excellent working relationship.

A shepherd/stockman is employed
on a full-time basis occupying New
Danna Farmhouse on a service
occupancy basis. The principal
range of buildings serving the farm
is at New Danna on the eastern
side of the island. As a result of the
mild climate, the sheep lamb and
the cattle calve outside with the
latter being housed under cover
on the estate between November
and March each year. Whilst some
of the fields are capable of growing
crops of hay and silage, current
practice (in accordance with agreed
management in accordance with
the environmental designations)
is for winter fodder to be purchased
elsewhere and brought in.

SPORT AND AMENITY
The current owners are not
proponents of traditional field
sports in terms of reared or wild
game shooting and/or wildfowling.
However, it is recognised that Ulva
and Danna were historically part of
the larger Tayvallich Estate which
was run as a sporting estate and
that there is scope for both reared
and wild game shooting at Ulva
and Danna in the event of either or
both properties being purchased by
a new owner with different future
management objectives to the
current owners.

There is a population of three
different species of deer (roe, red
and sika deer) which are culled
at present in accordance with the
management objectives of the
SSSIs, rather than as a sporting
quarry or source of income with the
annual cull having been undertaken
under the supervision of the estate
manager.

The pair of jetties at Port-nan-Gallan
together with an excellent boathouse
provide access to the sea for craft
of varying size. The opportunities
for exploration – either of the local
coastline by kayak or canoe or of
the wider Inner Hebrides (and
as far afield as the Northern Irish
coast and its islands) by sailing boat
or motorised craft – are virtually
endless. The snorkelling, spear
fishing, diving for shellfish, sea
fishing by rod and line and crab and
lobster potting to be enjoyed from
Ulva and Danna is of world class and
amongst the principal attractions of
these properties.

SITUATION
Situated at the head of the
Knapdale peninsula in Argyll on
the west coast of Scotland, the Ulva
peninsula and the Isle of Danna sit
at – and just off – the southern tip of
the Tayvallich peninsula – a ‘finger’
of terrain which incorporates
some of the most geologically and
ecologically important landscape
in Scotland and runs southwest for
about 15 miles from Loch Crinan
at the north end to the southern tip
of Danna Island where Loch Sween
meets the Atlantic Ocean in the
Sound of Jura.

Rich with cultural history and the
remnants of ancient civilisation
– the cross and remains of the
church at Keills at the southern
end of the peninsula dates from the
8th Century and there are many
more recent vestigial settlements
throughout the peninsula, and
the estate – the natural history
of the Tayvallich peninsula is of
particular importance as evidenced
by the three different Special Areas
of Conservation (SAC) and five
different Sites of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI) to which the
peninsula is subject.

Accessibility to the peninsula
and to the subjects of sale is by
means of a single track public road
with passing places which leads
southwest from Bellanoch on the
Crinan Canal between Cairnbaan
and Crinan. The village of Tayvallich
– a charming settlement and
thriving community occupying the
isthmus between Loch a’ Bhealaich
on the east side and Carsaig Bay
on the Sound of Jura lies 7 miles
from Bellanoch and 12 miles from
Lochgilphead – the administrative
centre of the region where Argyll
& Bute Council is headquartered.

Tayvallich village includes a
community-owned village shop
and hotel with bar and restaurant.
There is also a primary school in the
village and an active Community
Hall (a registered charity) which
plays host to a variety of events
throughout the year. The bay
– Loch a’ Bhealaich – which
the village overlooks, provides
moorings for a number of yachts
and boats with Tayvallich being
a popular base from which to
explore the Inner Hebrides and
the wider west coast of Scotland.
Between March and September, a
passenger service operates from
Tayvallich to Craighouse on the
Isle of Jura – another of Scotland’s
less frequented natural historical
delights. Charter boats can also
be hired from either Tayvallich or
Crinan to enable further exploring
and/or for wildlife watching or
sea fishing.

An important centre of commerce,
Lochgilphead provides a variety
of retailers, suppliers and facilities
including a supermarket, two
garages/petrol stations a 9-hole
golf course; and a Community
Secondary School with a range of
facilities including swimming pool,
leisure centre, gym and several
sports pitches.

The closest airport with scheduled
internal and international flights is
at Glasgow (90 miles) which can be
reached in around 2½ hours under
normal traffic conditions. Small,
fixed-wing private aircraft can be
landed at Oban airport which lies
44 miles and about 1½ hours’ drive
to the north.

In historical terms, the county of
Argyll formed the major part of
the kingdom of Dalriada, which
is believed to have been settled
by Gaels from Ireland with its
capital at the fort of Dunadd near
Lochgilphead. The county is strewn
with remnant forts, castles and
standing stones from this period
which includes an ancient fort
– Dun Mhuirich – a Scheduled
Monument on the shore of Linne
Mhuirich within Tayvallich Estate.

The quality of sailing off the Argyll
coast and Inner Hebrides is of
world-renown. With the estate’s
own boating facilities together with
moorings in the bay at Tayvallich
village and fully-equipped marinas
further north at Kilmelford and
Craobh Haven, as well as a boat
yard in Crinan, Ulva and Danna
are perfectly placed for sailing
enthusiasts to explore much of the
west coast. The Northern Irish coast
lies less than 50 miles off Danna
and is therefore also reasonably
accessible – either for day trips
or longer explorations given both
appropriate weather conditions
and vessel.

With two jetties and an exquisite,
spacious barrel-vaulted boathouse
at Port nan Gallan on Danna Island,
the estate provides the opportunity
for sea fishing, lobster and crab
potting and a range of water sports.
The sea fishing and lobster potting
is of particular renown in the
Sound of Jura.

Another gem of the area is the
Taynish National Nature Reserve
which is owned and managed by
NatureScot and lies on the east side
of Linne Mhuirich incorporating
some of the most geologically and
ecologically important landscape
in Scotland. Lying just to the
north of Ulva and Danna and
renowned for its ‘temperate
rainforest’ dominated by ancient
oak woodland, there is a variety of
waymarked trails enabling visitors
to explore this magnificent Reserve.