Billionaire's firm vows to 'work closely' with conservation bodies after estate deal
Heritage body says deal does not impact management of historic site
The firm owned by Scotland's richest man has vowed to work closely with national heritage and conservation bodies to "protect and enhance" an estate which includes the country’s largest lowland loch and an historic castle where Mary Queen of Scots was held in captivity,
WildLand, which is owned by Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, announced earlier this week that it had acquired Kinross House Estate on the western shore of Loch Leven for an undisclosed sum.
The estate, which has operated as a wedding venue and luxury retreat, boasts over 100 acres of formal gardens, manicured lawns, and ancient woodlands, and also includes the loch as well as Loch Leven castle, where Mary was imprisoned in 1567.
The loch, the biggest body of water in lowland Britain, is a Site for Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as well as a designated Special Protected Area (SPA), and is home to important breeding bird populations.
WildLand said the acquisition reflected its ambition to provide “exceptional hospitality alongside a long-term commitment to protecting nature, land and architectural heritage.”
It added: “Kinross House Estate will continue to welcome guests and remain a place to stay, gather and experience this special part of Scotland.”
The firm said that the estate had a “close connection” to the loch and Lochleven Castle, describing the deal as one which came “with a clear sense of responsibility.”
A spokesperson for the company said: "As the new custodians, WildLand looks forward to continuing to work closely with Historic Environment Scotland to preserve and protect Lochleven Castle.
"Our nature and conservation team are also looking forward to working closely with the RSPB and NatureScot to protect and enhance the freshwater features of Loch Leven SSSI."
They added: "It is of course very early days, and WildLand plans to develop good working relationships with all stakeholders. We have started the process of contacting everyone involved."
At the time of the sale, Joe Dunn, WildLand’s director of built development, said the firm’s ambition was not to “put our own stamp” on the estate,, but to be “good custodians of what is already there,” protecting its character, caring for its people, buildings, landscapes and wildlife, and contributing to preserving it for “generations to come.”
The firm pointed to other historic properties in its ownership, including Aldourie Castle on Loch Ness, which have undergone “award-winning restoration,” with large-scale work across the WildLand estates supporting the regeneration of native woodland, restoration of peatlands, and the ongoing recovery of natural habitats.
A spokeswoman for Historic Environment Scotland said Lochleven Castle was a property in the care of Scottish ministers by way of a guardianship agreement dating back to 1939, and is managed by Historic Environment Scotland on their behalf.
They added: “The transfer of ownership doesn't impact the guardianship agreement or our management of the site, and we will continue to operate and manage the site on behalf of Scottish ministers.”
Kinross House was built in 1692 as the home of the architect Sir William Bruce. It was acquired in 2011 by Donald Fothergill, who WildLand said had overseen a “comprehensive restoration" of the house and its historic gardens.
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