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The base forBarisdale is at Kinloch Hourn. All materials have to come in and out 6 miles by boat or foot, which add some unique challenges to its management.
With
a reputation as a treasure trove of natural beauty, it is not
surprising there is such a large quantity and diversity of animals,
birds and fauna to be seen in this large area of wilderness.
Over
fifty different species of birds have been recorded on the estate,
including golden eagles, ptarmigan, stonechats, ringed plovers, rock
pipets, oyster catchers, pied wagtails and greenshanks to name just
a few.
Red deer live throughout the estate, although you have to remain
vigilant if you wish to see some of the rarer animals which include
mountain hares, pine martins and otters. Take care at nesting time in the spring, of shore birds nesting down the coast, and ptarmigan on the high tops, if your dog is not at your heel.
Owned by Robert and John Gordon ,the main enterprises and actvities at Barisdale are: lettings to hillwalkers and visitors, deer stalking, on going establishment of native woodland in fenced enclosures, a great deal of hill path maintainance and upkeep of the buildings and machinery. The estate has two full time employees and one or two seasonal workers.
Building a small business catering for visitors has been developed over the last 20 years as the popularity of hillwalking has increased. This will be expanded when viable.
Deer are managed as a sustainable resource through sales of wild venison and stalking rents. They provide the main employment. ‘Stalking’ deer has taken place at Barisdale since the 19th century.
As a member of the KDMG (Knoydart deer management group, which is made up of several estates) yearly cull targets are set. Our aim is to keep the deer population healthy and of improving quality.
Along with some neighbouring estates, we currently work with Yorkshire Game Ltd who buy our venison and have been pro active in marketing this natural and healthy food directly to many leading restaurants throughout the UK and exporting to Europe.
Visitors
should be aware that deer stalking takes place from September to
February and we ask that during this time you keep to the paths and
discuss routes with the estate manager at Barisdale. |
