Boleskine to Share In Highland Nature Restoration Fund for Wildflower Initiative

Wildflower Meadow to Be The Largest and Most Diverse In the Loch Ness Area

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INVERNESS, SCOTLAND — 21 February 2022 — The Highland Council has now backed a plan to sow millions of native wildflower seeds at the Boleskine Estate as part of a new project to increase biodiversity in the Loch Ness area. The Boleskine House Foundation SCIO, a registered Scottish charity that aims to restore and preserve the historical legacy and heritage of the Boleskine House estate, has received a grant of £9,100 from the Council to help fund the project.

The funds will be used to help create the largest and most diverse wildflower meadow in the Loch Ness area, with a new vista viewpoint and sweeping, panoramic views of the Loch. At least 42 different species of wildflower will be planted in the 5-acre meadow, reintroducing native species into the local area, and creating a ‘sea of colour’ overlooking the world-famous Loch Ness. New trails are also planned for visitors to walk through the meadow and to enjoy the sights of the Loch.

“Our bold new vision for the Boleskine Estate is to create a space for nature to thrive alongside heritage, creating a positive lasting legacy for the local area,” said Keith Readdy, Chairman of the Boleskine House Foundation. “We are thrilled to be able to include this landmark wildflower meadow in the Boleskine project, which is unique in that it is so multifaceted.”

The Highland Council grant forms part of a newly established Scottish Government fund with a total allocation of £10 million, which is designed to support projects that will deliver nature restoration, safeguard wildlife, and tackle the causes of biodiversity loss due to climate change. The Council was allocated £200,000 of the available funding to run a small grants programme for projects which make space for nature and which help nature to recover. 

In addition to the Scottish Government funding, the Boleskine team has also raised over £12,000 in the last round of the Aviva Community Fund, which helps to provide small UK charities with vital resources. The initiative invites eligible charities from across the UK to raise funds in partnership with CrowdFunder. 

The additional funding of £6,315 was through Aviva’s Climate Fund, which is a £150,000 fund that is made available to projects leading the way on climate action. This meant that donations that were received between 26 October and 7 December 2021 were matched pound for pound by the Aviva Climate Fund (up to the value of £50 per donation). Aviva then provided an extra one-off grant of £10,000 toward the project, taking the total funds raised to £33,000.

“The Loch Ness wildflower meadow project is a fantastic example of the difference the Aviva Community Fund can make,” said Helen Bridge, Community and Charity Manager at Aviva. “Projects like this one really highlight the value in community investment, creating a positive impact to both the local community and visitors to the area. We’re absolutely delighted to have been able to support this project.”

The Foundation has also recently recruited local ecological expert, Shona Dow, to the team as its Environmental Regeneration Director. With plans to start work in the meadow at the end of February, Shona commented, “The funding success is a real opportunity for Scotland to lead the way in tackling biodiversity loss and the negative effects of climate change. The Boleskine Estate has long been a missed opportunity for our local community, and I am delighted to be part of its regeneration.”

The Boleskine House Foundation

The Boleskine House Foundation SCIO is a Scottish Registered charity whose mission is to restore and preserve the historical legacy and heritage of the Boleskine House estate for the greater benefit of the public. In addition to our conservation-led approach to sympathetically restore Boleskine House, we aim to educate the public on the heritage of the house and lands, to welcome the enjoyment of its structure and surrounding gardens, and to facilitate learning, growth and well-being. For more information, please visit www.boleskinehouse.org.

Contact:

Keith Readdy
info@boleskinehouse.org

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