Ardvourlie Woodland Observatory

Amharc-lann Aird a’ Mhulaidh

The project to build an observatory building in the Ardvourlie Woodland originated from a community consultation meeting held in Scaladale in late 2017. The building highlights the fantastic resource the community has in the 100ha broadleaf plantation that was created as part of the Millenium Forest programme. The woodland is now one of the finest examples of native woodland in the Outer Hebrides and has a well-surfaced circular path with a large car park just off the A859 main spinal route.

The Woodland Observatory sits in an elevated position, offering 270 degree views up and down Glen Vigidale and over Loch Seaforth. Sitting on the existing circular path, it is a signed destination for visitors, offering rest and shelter half way around the route, and an opportunity to see the increasing number of birds in the maturing woodland and learn about the local environment. Ardvourlie has a lot to offer and we hope this project will encourage more people to visit and explore the area for themselves. Thanks are due to local crofters for their help and cooperation with this project.

Funding for the project was received from Outer Hebrides LEADER, CnES, Muaitheabhal Community Windfarm Trust, The John Muir Trust & Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Local firm O’Mac Construction began work on the building in early August 2019, the observatory site is a kilometre from the road and so transporting materials was a real challenge. The project progressed well and was completed in November 2019.

More information on what you might hope to see during your visit to the observatory is available below.