Our
Story
The Knoydart Foundation, established in 1997, is a community-led initiative dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Knoydart Peninsula’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. In 1999, the Foundation successfully acquired the 7000 hectare Knoydart Estate, marking a significant milestone in community ownership.
Our Mission:
We are committed to conserving the Knoydart Peninsula’s character and natural beauty, promoting public appreciation, and providing recreational access. Our goals include fostering voluntary community involvement, alleviating poverty through employment opportunities, and enhancing living conditions for all inhabitants.
Looking Ahead:
Our focus is on ensuring the community’s resilience and sustainability for future generations. We remain dedicated to addressing challenges posed by climate change and economic uncertainties.
Community Owned for
26 Years
What we do
Affordable Housing
We offer affordable housing options to residents through rental properties and the innovative Rural Housing Burden scheme, supporting sustainable community growth.
Renewable Energy
Our subsidiary, Knoydart Renewables, operates a hydroelectric scheme that supplies clean electricity to the Inverie area, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Employment Opportunities
The Foundation directly employs nine individuals and provides additional seasonal employment, fostering local economic development.
Land Management
The local community are custodians of about 7000 hectares of land on the peninsula, which is a striking and distinctive landscape designated as a ‘National Scenic Area’. It is described as “…one of the most remote inhabited parts of Scotland. This remoteness, together with its extreme ruggedness and fine coastline and sea-lochs, make the Rough Bounds of Knoydart one of the wildest and most beautiful parts of mainland Scotland.” It supports the specialised ecology of Atlantic Rainforest which is now fragmented but highly biodiverse and with great potential for recovery and recolonisation. It is a very special place, much valued by local residents and visitors.
Visitor Services
Our trading subsidiary, Knoydart Trading, operates the local shop, post office, and butchery, and manages visitor accommodations, ensuring memorable experiences for guests.