Ronay Island’s ecology has seen human and animal activities for centuries. Although the last significant human settlement was abandoned around 200 years ago, it is clear to see the way the land has been adapted to fit the purposes of the times. We can still find ruins of houses, dams, and even a school, and over the years there will have been grazing herds of cattle and sheep, cultivation of crops, peat cutting, muirburn and harvesting of seaweed on the shores.

Throughout 2025, an extensive environmental baseline survey has been taking place on the island of Ronay, designed to understand the diversity and condition of its unique habitats. From bird and plant populations to insects and now aquatic life, the project aims to build a comprehensive picture of Ronay’s ecosystems to guide long-term conservation and land management strategies.

Why baseline and what is it? Before we start any works to ecologically enhance the island, we need to know what is there, is there anything that our actions could impact, and to provide a datum point so that we can monitor changes in the future.

You’ll notice big changes to the one house on Ronay Island as we make renovations to the former holiday home, both inside and out. Once complete, it will be a multi-functional space for community use.

We’ve recently begun our baselining surveys - a long-term, carefully planned effort to understand and restore the natural environment on Ronay Island

We’re excited to join this inspiring and ambitious group of landholdings in Scotland.

Our steering committee’s first formal meeting was a huge success.

And the winner is… Ronay Island venison!