The Applecross Trust was first set up as a Scottish Charity by the owners of the Estate in 1975, following the Anglo-French Howard Doris Consortium’s choice of Loch Kishorn as the location to build the world’s largest concrete structure - the production platform for the Ninian Central oil field in the North Sea.

The rental income from this project provided the Trust’s original endowment and enabled it to make modest charitable donations to a wide range of deserving causes. The owners subsequently gifted the whole of the Estate to the Trust, and in 1993 the objects of the Trust were varied so that its available resources were devoted towards preserving the special character of the Applecross peninsula in a responsible and progressive manner, whilst acknowledging its wilderness heritage and its importance as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The Trust is now incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and continues to work closely with the local community to maintain the unique and historic character of Applecross, whilst facilitating access so that visitors may appreciate all that the peninsula has to offer.

In addition to its support of local enterprise and the traditional Highland way of life, the Trust has repaired and restored many of the buildings in its care at the centre of the Estate. It has also engaged in consultation on the future use and conservation of others of historic importance, including Clachan Church which marks the site of St Maelrubha’s ancient monastery dating back to the year 673AD.

A number of environmental projects have been undertaken in partnership with the local community, including the re-establishment of native woodlands on North Applecross under the largest scheme of its kind on crofting land in Scotland. These projects have been supplemented by the establishment of a comprehensive network of footpaths, supported by leaflets and guidance written by local residents.

The Trust encourages periodic meetings and consultation to discuss and determine a common vision for the future evolution of Applecross, covering such diverse matters as access and recreation, environment and wildlife, history, culture and archaeology, landscape and infrastructure, and work and employment. Please feel free to add your comments in a visitors’ book and help shape the future.