17 acres of natural beauty, history and opportunity…
A treasure trove of heritage and wildlife, the community bought the Old Convent Land in 2018, with a view to developing it for community use, whilst also preserving its natural beauty. The Community Company now manage the land, which consists of woodlands and grassy meadows stretching to the banks of the River Tarff, on behalf of the community.
The land has a rich history, and as its name suggests, was previously part of St. Scholastica’s Priory. Reminders of the land’s ecclesiastical past can still be seen in the remains of the Convent graveyard, the cross, and the grotto, nestled away in the woodland.
In 2019, it was agreed that to meet the growing need for affordable housing, a portion of the land would be used for the Community Company’s new homes project. To make the build more sustainable, stone for the foundations was taken directly from a borrow pit in the land. This allowed us to cut down on the environmental impact that importing stone has. Since the completion of the new homes, the pit has been filled in and grassed over, and is beginning to look like its old self again.
Plans for the future
As we move on after the completion of the new homes project, we are looking at ways we can manage and develop the land for the benefit of the community. With the land’s rich biodiversity, one of our priorities is promoting outdoor learning and environmental education, and as such, our Community Caretakers have already been busy collaborating with pupils from Kilchuimein Primary School to create a wildlife pond, and also to build bird and bat boxes, which are now in place in the woodland.
We have created a community composting site. This is something that was lacking in the community, and as sustainability is something we are committed to, it was a no-brainer! Certainly, the Caretakers are a lot happier now they have somewhere to put all the grass clippings and leaves they collect!
As time goes on, we hope to develop this further, and are currently looking into the possibility of creating community allotments for growing fruit and vegetables for community use. And as we now have a composting site, there’ll be no need to buy in fertiliser!
Our Aims
Our aim is to utilise the natural beauty of the land to create a space for the whole community, that promotes engagement and offers opportunities for people to come together. As part of this we aim to promote health and wellbeing, heritage and culture, and environmental sustainability.
How would you like the Old Convent Land to be used?
Latest Posts
Felling licence for Convent Land storm damage
As you know, on 28th December, Storm Gerrit hit the southern part of Loch Ness and Loch Oich to Laggan with unusual intensity causing a considerable amount of damage and the Convent Wood did not escape the devastation. Approximately 26 mature and well-established trees were lost in the wood, some blown right over, some loosing…
Samhain Halloween at the Convent Wood
The Old Convent Wood is the venue for a FREE traditional Samhain Halloween night!Music, spooky story telling, food and hot drinks and more by the bonfire.Saturday 28th October from 6.30pm to 9pm. Everyone is welcome
Mysterious Disappearing Litter
With 15,000 tonnes dropped every year, litter is a major problem in Scotland, . That’s 50 pieces of litter per person per year and 745 items of litter dropped every minute! It’s surprising then we’re not knee deep in the stuff, but then we have the Community Caretakers, various community minded groups and individuals, as…
We Have Hedgehogs!
Sometimes you encounter wildlife in a surprising, unexpected, and delightful way. On my rounds of the old convent land one day in late July, I was walking along the grassy path that leads off the main ridge to the southwest and heads down through the brambles towards Caledonian Court. I stopped suddenly as I saw…
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Contact Us
Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company
Fort Augustus Village Hall
Fort Augustus
PH32 4DG
Tel: 01320 366 800
Email: contact@communitycompany.co.uk
Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company is a Company and Charity registered in Scotland.
Charity No: SC 038513
Company No: SC 327824
Office Hours
Mon – Thu: variable
Fri – Sun: Closed
Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston Community Company 