Sunart Oakwoods - The New Forest of Scotland

Sunart Oakwoods, Ardnamurchan, will emerge as the New Forest of Scotland, according to Highland Councillor Michael Foxley, who is chairman of the local woodland regeneration initiative. Councillor Foxley, Vice-Convener of The Highland Council, was speaking after giving The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay a guided tour and update on the success of the woodland initiative, delivered through a programme of economic, environmental and cultural projects. Since the initiative was established 10 years ago, the Sunart Oakwoods has attracted funding of £4 million in re-establishing the native woodlands in one of the most beautiful and remote corners of the United Kingdom.

Councillor Foxley said: “We are delighted to welcome The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay to the Sunart Oakwoods area to learn from the team about our vision to become the New Forest for Scotland. Much has been achieved and over the next two generations we want to create 1,500 square kilometres of native woodlands containing areas of commercial timber. This massive re-establishment of Native Woodlands will enhance our already spectacular landscape and it will provide a rich habitat to sustain wildlife of European importance.

“It will be managed by the local people and Estates in collaboration with a powerful partnership of agencies and communities. It will be a place to access - walking, cycling or by sea.  This is a woodland which will train, employ and house local people. This is a woodland which reflects the Norse and Gaelic culture and will help to expand the current Gaelic revival.  A joy for a day – or for life.”

The Royal couple were shown various SOI exhibits at the Resipole Art Gallery as well as paintings from the recently held Aig an Oir project. Resipole Art Gallery has been supported by Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT)and provides an inspirational facility for the creation, production and promotion of high quality arts, in a unique woodland setting.

Participants in the SOI took the opportunity to inform the royal visitors of the training and skills projects carried out in the area as well as outlining the rural development which has been derived from the project.  Businesses in the area which had been assisted by the PSYBT were also present.  Moving on to the viewpoint at Sailean nan Cuileag, a brief explanation was given by Forestry Commission Scotland of the regeneration principles behind the project and of how the area may look over the next fifty years. 
 
And finally, the royal couple moved on to Salen where, watched by children of Acharacle Primary School, a plaque was unveiled marking the official opening of the Gaelic Alphabet Trail.