Royal Influence Shaped Highland Tourism, Now Facing Ecological Crisis

The allure of Scotland’s Highlands, deeply intertwined with British royal history, began in 1848 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert leased Balmoral Castle, sparking a trend among the upper classes to embrace the region’s ‘wild loveliness.’ This led to a surge in tourism, with bagpipes, ceilidhs, and whisky becoming synonymous with Highland experiences.

A Century of Aristocratic Exploitation

By the 20th century, summer excursions to the Highlands were a staple for transatlantic visitors, focused on shooting, fishing, and projecting an air of indifference to the frequent rainfall. Vogue reported in 1930 that the region was ‘invaded’ by sportsmen, yet Scotland’s landscape was already experiencing ecological degradation due to land mismanagement on grouse moors and deer parks.

Rewilding Efforts with WildLand

Nearly a century later, Scotland ranks among the world’s most nature-depleted countries. However, conservation group WildLand, established in 2006 by Danish businessman Anders Holch Povlsen (the largest private landowner in Scotland), is attempting to reverse this trend. With holdings encompassing over 222,000 acres, WildLand’s hospitality arm immerses guests in rewilded landscapes, having planted over six million trees in the last 12 years.

Hope Estate: A Historic Revival

A recent opening, Hope Estate, a Scots-Baronial lodge originally built as a shooting lodge for the 3rd Duke of Sutherland in 1867, offers a unique experience. Situated overlooking Loch Hope and the imposing Ben Hope mountain, the lodge provides hotel stays from August to October and private hire year-round. The estate’s history is intertwined with the Highland Clearances, with abandoned cottages still visible along the loch’s shores.

Inside, guests find a welcoming atmosphere with Victorian-era details, including birch logs in grates, loose-leaf tea, and classic literature. The lodge’s seven rooms offer a tranquil retreat amidst the dramatic Scottish landscape.