Scotland sees newest nature reserves

The reserves, owned by the National Trust for Scotland, comprise extensive upland areas of world renown with diverse and nationally important nature. Both also have established land and visitor management and monitoring plans.

Mar Lodge Estate is the Trust’s biggest property and one of the most important conservation landscapes in Europe. It is home to wading birds, black grouse, ptarmigan, otters and red deer. 

Glencoe is, of course, infamous for the dark events of February 1692 but it is also a draw for many visitors to its glacier-carved slopes with eight Munros, golden eagles, and dramatic scenery.

SNH chief executive Ian Jardine said: “The Board took the view that both sites were deserving of National Nature Reserve status in recognition of their outstanding nature and the chance for people to enjoy it. They represent some of the finest natural visitor experiences that Scotland has to offer.”

National Trust for Scotland chief executive Simon Skinner said: “We are delighted to hear of SNH’s decision and very grateful to its Board Members. NNR status gives recognition to one of the Trust’s very first properties, Glencoe, in which we initially acquired land in 1935, and our largest, Mar Lodge Estate.”

Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform said: “I congratulate Scottish Natural Heritage on this positive decision. Glencoe and Mar Lodge are two of Scotland's most cherished landscapes and it is our duty to protect and enhance these special places. We are already witnessing the biodiversity benefits which careful land management in these areas is delivering and I look forward to seeing that work continue in the years ahead.”

Media inquiries - SNH media & public relations officer, Fergus Macneill, on 01463 725021 or fergus.macneill@snh.gov.uk