The Treshnish Isles join the National Trust for Scotland.
A Scottish conservation charity has confirmed it has added a new group of islands to those in its care.
The National Trust for Scotland has said the Treshnish Isles have joined the portfolio of special places.
The Treshnish Isles are a group of eight uninhabited islands and many more skerries, located in the Inner Hebrides to the west of Mull.
The entire archipelago is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the islands are known for their distinctive silhouette in the seascape – especially Bac Mor or the Dutchman’s Cap.
In summer many of the islands are covered in rich grasslands and abundant wildflowers. They are also internationally significant as a nesting site for many seabird species including guillemots, razorbills, puffins, kittiwakes, fulmars, shags and skuas.
The marine environment surrounding the islands is part of the Sea of the Hebrides Marine Protected Area due to the presence of basking sharks and minke whales. Bottlenose and common dolphins, as well as grey seals, are also found there.
National Trust for Scotland chief executive, Philip Long OBE, said: “The National Trust for Scotland is privileged to take on the role of protecting the beautiful Treshnish Isles, which have such a long human history and are so rich in natural habitats and wildlife.
“I am delighted that our charity is playing this important role and adding these precious islands to the many already in our care.
“Uninhabited islands are invaluable as havens for wildlife and as places of great natural beauty. Looking after them is a great responsibility, which we are proud to undertake, and which, as an independent charity, is only made possible thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters.
“Building on the work of the Hebridean Trust, our experts will focus on ensuring that the Treshnish Isles are conserved and protected now and for the future, and that people can share in their nature, beauty and heritage.”
The islands were in the possession of King Haakon of Norway until 1249 and have a history of habitation from the Iron Age.
They contain the protected archaeological remains of two medieval chapels, a 15th-16th century castle and an 18th century barracks, and in the 20th century frequently featured in the work of important Scottish artists F.C.B. Cadell and S.J. Peploe.
The Treshnish Isles have been in the care of The Hebridean Trust since 2000 and were transferred to the National Trust for Scotland this month.
Chair of the Hebridean Trust Mike Stanfield said: “For over twenty years, the Hebridean Trust has been proud to act as guardians for these special islands. The focus for the Hebridean Trust has now shifted towards community projects on Tiree and so we are very pleased that the National Trust for Scotland has agreed to take the Treshnish Isles into their care for the nation.”
The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA has supported this acquisition, continuing a strong tradition of American support for conservation in this part of Scotland.
The announcement comes as Chief Executive Philip Long OBE marks his third anniversary with the charity.
Mr Long took on the role at the height of the covid pandemic which impacted severely on the National Trust for Scotland’s ability to provide access for visitors, carry out conservation work and raise funds.
The launch of the charity’s 10-year strategy - Nature, Beauty & Heritage for Everyone – in March 2022 was described as a ‘fresh start’ for the conservation charity which, since 1931, has been responsible for the conservation and protection of some of Scotland’s most special places, including the islands of Staffa, Pabbay, Berneray, Mingulay, Canna and of course the dual World Heritage Site of St Kilda.
Now the charity has taken on the care of the Treshnish Isles, contributing to its objective to enrich Scotland’s protected heritage.
Mr Long added: “When I joined the National Trust for Scotland as chief executive, I could not have imagined the circumstances that we would find ourselves in, due to the impact of the global pandemic.
“At that time, our charity was fundraising for survival but thanks to our very generous supporters and help from the Scottish Government, we emerged from the pandemic in a more positive place and ready to look ahead.
“We continue to live in a very uncertain world with many challenges and believe the Trust, with its responsibility for the care of so much of what is precious in Scotland, has an ever-greater role to play in people’s lives. And so, we are looking forward to setting out further ambitions as we plan for our centenary in 2031.”
