Our History
Estate History
Attadale Estate, covering approximately 30,000 acres, has a rich history dating back to its origins as part of the Clan Matheson lands. The central portion of Attadale House was constructed in 1755, as evidenced by a 'love stone' commemorating the marriage of Donald Matheson and Elizabeth Mackenzie. In the early 19th century, John Matheson was compelled to sell the estate due to financial difficulties. His son, Alexander Matheson, amassed a fortune in India and repurchased Attadale, contributing to local infrastructure, including the extension of the railway from Inverness. Following Sir Alexander's death in the 1880s, the estate was leased and eventually purchased in 1910 by Baron Schroder, whose son, Captain William Schroder, developed the gardens. In 1952, Ian Macpherson acquired Attadale, and it remains under the stewardship of the Macpherson family today.
Attadale House has been featured in the television series 'Hamish Macbeth,' highlighting its cultural relevance. Additionally, the estate's history is documented in the 1939 film 'West of Inverness,' which showcases life in and around Strathcarron and Attadale during that era.
This structured overview provides a comprehensive look at Attadale Estate's history, development, and cultural significance, offering visitors insight into its rich heritage and current offerings.
Macpherson Family History
Ian Macpherson bought Attadale from the Gibbs’ family in 1952. Ian Macpherson had family roots in Skye, where three generations had been Ministers of the Kilmore Church of Scotland in Sleat during the 18th century, including one who held that position when Boswell and Johnson paid their visit to Skye in 1773. Ian was Senior Partner at Buckmaster & Moore, a stockbroking firm in London. He enjoyed both the salmon fishing and deer stalking. He was one of the early adopters of a combine harvester in the West.
In the 1970s, one of Ian’s sons, Ewen and his wife Nicky Macpherson took on the management of the estate. There were significant storms in the late 1980s, which required the huge clearing of large old trees which then provided a blank canvas on which Nicky, a painter by profession, could make new and interesting plans for the future. Over time, some 20 sculptures have been scattered through the garden providing interest for both adults and the young.
They restored two ruined bothies into holiday cottages which with two other properties have been available for almost thirty years; guests now arrive who are the third generation to enjoy holidays here. Other properties at Attadale are lived in by those who work on the estate as well as other people who work locally.
The Ben Dronaig Bothy was restored and completely renovated and now even provides a lavatory that can be flushed with water collected from the nearby burn. There is also a wood-burning stove available. In recent years four mini hydro schemes have been developed in partnership with Gilkes providing energy for the equivalent of 3.4 megawatts enough to power 2600 homes.
