About
Nestled against the spectacular mountainous backdrop of the Cairngorms National Park, Dorback Estate is a magnificent and easily accessible Scottish Highlands estate. Spanning over 15,000 acres of moorland and pockets of forestry rising to the plateau of the Cairngorms massif, the estate is home to diverse wildlife and an impressive array of natural assets. Previously a traditional sporting estate, Dorback Estate offers several high-quality holiday cottages, providing excellent opportunities for sustainable tourism.
Environment
Sprawling across the steep moorland slopes of the Braes of Abernethy, adjacent to Abernethy National Nature Reserve, Dorback Estate contains some of the most geologically diverse land in the Cairngorms. Its steep-sided hills rise to the central massif, and are divided by long glens and glacial landforms. These slopes are carpeted in vast swathes of heather whose distinctive purple flowers characterise the Highlands in late summer. Dorback’s landscape, previously managed for both sport and conservation, is home to abundant wildlife and now features newly created wildflower meadows and pockets of native woodland.
The wider Cairngorms National Park is home to 25% of the UK’s threatened species, despite holding just 2% of its landmass. With careful habitat management and land regeneration, Dorback therefore holds vast potential to become one of the UK’s leading wildlife destinations.
Our Plans
As the new custodians of Dorback Estate, we are deeply committed to the long-term conservation and regeneration of this unique landscape. However, we recognise the importance of understanding the land and its ecosystems fully before embarking on any major projects.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, we will be focused on learning about the estate in depth. This period will involve conducting detailed surveys, gathering ecological data, and engaging closely with the estate team and local community, whose knowledge of the land is invaluable.
We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and are committed to making informed, thoughtful decisions that will enhance the natural beauty and biodiversity of Dorback Estate for generations to come.
