Torridon in the north-west Highlands has been declared Scotland's newest national nature reserve (NNR). NatureScot has approved an application by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) for about 12,602 acres (5,100ha) to be covered by the designation.
The reserve stretches from the seashore of Loch Torridon to the summits of the mountains Beinn Alligin and Liathach, and includes woodland and habitats that are home to ptarmigans and golden eagles.
It has a boundary with Beinn Eighe NNR, which was set up as the UK's first national nature reserve in 1951.
NTS has managed Torridon since the late 1960s and has set out a long-term vision to help nature thrive there over the next 200 years, in partnership with local communities and landowners.
“An NNR designation reflects the significance of the location on both a national and international level, and there's no question that the sublime beauty, ancient history and rich natural heritage of Torridon warrants this accolade.”
Chief executive Philip Long said: “An NNR designation reflects the significance of the location on both a national and international level, and there's no question that the sublime beauty, ancient history and rich natural heritage of Torridon warrants this accolade.”
Torridon is the first NNR to be declared in Scotland since 2017 when NTS' Glen Coe and Mar Lodge Estate sites were granted the status.
The new NNR includes the mountain Beinn Alligin
Key Facts
- Torridon in the north-west Highlands has been declared Scotland's newest national nature reserve.
- NatureScot approved the National Trust for Scotland's application for about 12,602 acres (5,100ha).
- The reserve runs from Loch Torridon to Beinn Alligin and Liathach and includes habitats for ptarmigans and golden eagles.
- It borders Beinn Eighe NNR, the UK's first national nature reserve, set up in 1951.
- Torridon is the first NNR declared in Scotland since 2017.
