About Us
We’re two friends who share a vision for Scotland’s natural environment to thrive. And where better to make it happen than a rugged and wild island in the Outer Hebrides? In December 2023 we became the proud custodians of Ronay Island.
Our Commitment
Since taking the plunge into environmental regeneration, we’ve been learning about the nuances, complexities and intricacies, the need for local involvement, and the importance of a roadmap backed by environmental evidence.
We’ve spent considerable time engaging with local people and environmental experts from across the UK to learn how we can be effective custodians of Ronay Island for the long term.
“Ultimately, our aim is to contribute to the wellbeing of the community, the environment, and the economy with nature leading the way,” Andrew Marshall, co-owner of Ronay Island and founder of Carlowrie Group.
History
For hundreds of years, Ronay Island has been home to people, animals and plants. The landscape has been shaped by each of these inhabitants.
In the early 1800s, Ronay Island was settled by 27 families as part of Scotland’s booming seaweed industry. By 1823 the population was recorded as 180 individuals, with a school established the year after.
Harvesting seaweed by hand, using a traditional scythe and rope method, people on the island sold seaweed to be made into glass and soaps. Still today, ruins of this bustling community can be found across the island.
Throughout history, the island has also been used for grazing livestock, cultivation of crops, peat cutting, and muirburn. Although the last significant human settlement was abandoned 200 years ago, and the sheep were removed from the island 20 years ago, the large population of deer that roam on Ronay and swim from nearby islands has prevented any tree recovery.
The island was purchased by a Spanish family in 1966, who built the only standing house on the island today as a holiday home. Visitors enjoyed experiencing a close up look at the island’s resident white tailed eagles, golden eagles, seals, otters, red deer and more. In 2023, the island was up for sale once more.
When we became owners and custodians of the island in December 2023, we saw the unique opportunity to take a nature-based approach to caring for this land. We have since spent the past years researching and learning how we can be the best possible custodians of this unique piece of Scotland in a way that contributes to community, environmental, and economic wellbeing.
Still today, ruins of a bustling community can be found across the island.
You can read more about the island’s long and fascinating history in this 2018 field guide, written by David Newman.
Our Partners
Northwoods Rewilding Network
Northwoods is a Scotland-wide chain of landholdings convened and coordinated by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture. Its partners are all committed to nature recovery and share a vision for an ecologically restored landscape, where habitats are better connected and species can recover, expand and disperse.
RePlanet
RePLANET is a joint venture among Operation Wallacea, the Hoffmann Family, and the Global Footprint Network. Formed in 2020, RePLANET’s mission is to drive large-scale ecological restoration and protection through private sector funding. We are working with RePlanet to undertake extensive baseline surveys of Ronay Island so we can use targeted regeneration initiatives to increase biodiversity.
Lady Anne Wildlife Cruises
Working alongside Lady Anne Wildlife Cruises, we can obtain the most up to date wildlife tracking information to support our regeneration initiatives. Nick and Nye from Lady Anne Wildlife Cruises are experts in identifying species present on or around Ronay Island and have intrinsic local knowledge necessary to support our efforts.
Steering Committee
We established a steering committee of local representatives to guide us with local insights and to maintain a connection to the area’s history. This group comprises individuals of diverse backgrounds with unique perspectives and relationships to Ronay Island.
Carlowrie Group
Carlowrie Group is a diverse collection of businesses and charities, all united by a commitment to making a positive impact for our communities. Our brands span the hospitality, finance, charity, and property sectors. Founded by Andrew Marshall over twenty years ago, Carlowrie Group employs 350 people across the UK.
