Torrish Forest, Near Helmsdale, Sutherland

Torrish Forest, Near Helmsdale, Sutherland - 472.80 Hectares (1168.28 Acres)

Location

Torrish Forest is located in the picturesque region of Sutherland in Northern Scotland, celebrated for its dramatic and wild landscapes. This area features rugged coastlines, heather-covered hills, prominent lochs, and expansive glens. Renowned for its exceptional fishing and deer stalking, the region also boasts a well-developed road network that connects the east, west and north coasts of Scotland, with the North Coast 500 route and major timber haulage route south via the A9 to Inverness.

The forest lies approximately 6 miles west of the village of Helmsdale, which offers a good selection of local amenities. About 75 miles to the south lies the city of Inverness, providing access to a range of hotels, restaurants, an international airport, and access to all timber processors in this region of Scotland.

Description

Torrish Forest was established on former hill ground between 1978 and 1988 as part of a nationwide initiative to expand commercial woodland across northern Scotland. Initially planted with a diverse range of conifer species, including Sitka spruce, Lodgepole pine, Larch, Norway spruce, Douglas fir, and Scots pine, the woodland has undergone harvesting and restructuring of part of the first rotation. This has included restocking with a higher proportion of high-yielding Sitka spruce, which is now five years old and demonstrating excellent growth rates with yield classes anticipated to reach the high 20s.

Planted primarily on a mix of peaty gleys and podzol soils, the property ranges in elevation from 50 to 360 metres above sea level. The fertile slopes are dominated by an intimate mix of Sitka spruce, Larch, and Lodgepole pine, which have self-thinned effectively to produce productive stands of mature timber with good sawlog content. The western section of the forest, encompassing Kilearnan Hill, is primarily planted with Scots pine, Lodgepole pine and Larch. This area is scheduled for restocking with a higher proportion of high-yielding Sitka spruce following harvesting.

A Long-term Forest Plan, approved in 2017, covers the first ten years of felling and restocking, which is now well underway. The new owner can expect to continue this programme, with the felling of the remaining maturing areas over the coming years. The mature crop extends to approximately 224 hectares and was measured in February 2025, with a current growing volume of 77,113 m³ with a variable yield class range reaching Yield Class 22 in parts.

High-quality internal access roads, designed for timber haulage, have been developed to support harvesting from the first rotation, ensuring excellent accessibility throughout the forest. A readily available supply of stone is also located at various points within the property, providing valuable resources for both new road construction and the ongoing maintenance of the existing forest road network.

For more details please refer to the online Sale Brochure or contact the Selling Agents