The Assynt Foundation
In June 2005, the community of Assynt bought these estates, 44,400 acres of stunningly beautiful natural land, from the Vestey family, under provisions of the 2003 Scottish Land Reform Act.
Aims and Objectives
- To manage community land and associated assets for the benefit of the community and the public in general, as an important part of the protection and sustainable development of Scotland’s natural environment.
- To advance the education of the community and the public in general about the environment, culture and/or history of the land.
- To ensure the sustainability of our community, which is under threat from serious socio-economic problems.
- To safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of the land for future generations.
The Way Forward
The responsibility that goes with the ownership of such a special area of land is enormous. The Board of Assynt Foundation and the staff who work for them are totally committed to ensuring a long term management solution that will secure financial stability, enabling all the primary objectives to be met.
The new Business Plan includes imaginative plans to welcome visitors to the Estates. Glencanisp Lodge will be adapted to be much more flexible in occupancy, welcoming small and large parties to stay. In addition, opportunities to enjoy camping, gypsy caravans, shepherd’s huts and other outdoor accommodation are being taken forward.
Special events, the development of the Artist’s Studio and the creation of an Artist in Residence Programme are all part of our long term vision. Deer stalking has been the major part of past management practices. Whilst we have a duty to continue to manage the deer population within our local Deer Management Group, we are also keen to take interested visitors on guided trips into the wilderness to truly appreciate this unique environment. Furthermore, we have constructed a number of specially sited bird hides which will allow the enjoyment and photography of rare bird species in a manner that will not disturb the wildlife. The Welcome sign is there for all to see.
From modest beginnings, our Honesty Shop at Glencanisp Lodge is there to provide refreshments 24 hours of the day to the many visitors passing through on their way to Suilven, Canisp and the remainder of the estate. Locals who enjoy a shorter walk or bike ride will also be able to pop in for a hot or cold drink, ice creams, chocolates and freshly made local cakes and frozen food. We want to trust our visitors, and believe that this trust will be repaid.
There are so many other exciting opportunities to pursue. All of the above ideas require the finance to enable them to be done well. Opportunities to develop hydro schemes on the Foundation’s land are being actively taken forward, with great care to ensure that the environment is respected and preserved. As well as providing essential annual income, the principle of producing renewable energy for use locally is one we are committed to.
The Foundation is also looking to create crofts and if possible provide opportunities for affordable housing for local people. The creation of new jobs and the restoration of native woodland, access paths and derelict buildings are all high on the agenda. These are serious aspirations linked closely to the reality that we must generate the funds in order to deliver them.
We will keep you
all informed as progress is made and thank all those who have supported us
along the way. If you would like to see a copy of our 5 year business plan please follow this link
You can donate to Assynt Foundation here
Become a Friend of The Assynt Foundation
Assynt Foundation
Scottish registered company no. SC272665
Scottish registered charity no. SC036540
Postal address – Glencanisp, Lochinver, Sutherland IV27 4LW
Email – [email protected]
Website - www.assynt-foundation.org.uk
Facebook page – https://en-gb.facebook.com/TheAssyntFoundation/
PRIVACY NOTICE under the General Data Protection Regulation of the EU
The Assynt Foundation (“the charity”) collects and holds certain personal data for the purpose of fulfilling its charitable objects, as recorded at the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.
The charity will record and process personal data about its trustees, members, supporters, employees, volunteers, contractors, staff of partner or funder organisations, attendees at charity events and other (natural) persons who have logged an interest in the charity or its activities with the charity from time to time.
The charity’s lawful basis for processing data will vary according to the data subject, but for example in the case of members of the charity, it will be to administer their contracts of membership; for staff and contractors or staff of partner or funder organisations, it will be to administer their contracts with the charity; and for supporters & volunteers it will be in relation to legal obligations/requirements and/or their consent.
The charity will take all reasonably practicable measures to keep that personal data safe and secure.
The charity may on rare occasions pass personal data to 3rd parties without the specific consent of the data subject , but only if it is appropriate and necessary to do so in support of the fulfilment of our charitable objects.
The charity will never, ever sell, rent or trade personal data to any 3rd party.
The charity’s data retention periods will follow the statutory guidelines, and for example we may retain data about members of the charity for the entire duration of their membership and up to 6 years afterwards where this is necessary.
You have the right to:- be provided with the data we hold about you, rectify/update that data, ask us to delete that data, restrict processing, data portability, object to our use of your data, not to be subject to automated decision making. We will comply within one month of your request, but the consequence may be that we will be unable to continue our relationship with you if we cannot hold and process the necessary data about you.
Please write to or email us if you wish to make a request or make a complaint in relation to your personal data at the relevant address above.
Issued May 2018