The Boleskine House Foundation SCIO is a Scottish Registered Charity (SC049568) dedicated to the restoration, preservation, and celebration of one of the Highlands’ most fascinating landmarks. Nestled on the southern banks of Loch Ness, Boleskine House has a history as mysterious as it is rich, making it a source of intrigue and inspiration for generations. Our mission is to honour this legacy while creating a vibrant community hub that celebrates art, culture, education, and sustainability.

A Place of History and Mystery

Boleskine House—built in the 18th century but whose built heritage may stretch much earlier—stands as a beacon of local heritage. The estate’s story weaves together the echoes of the early modern Scottish Highland history, including tales surrounding the Jacobite rebellion, and stories of Highland resilience. It also shares unique place within the Western mystery traditions, epitomised by its association with former estate owner Aleister Crowley (1875—1947), the famed mountaineer, author, and occultist. Beyond its mysterious lore, the house and grounds also hold a tangible connection to the region’s rich past and offer a space to delve into the area’s historic and cultural significance.

Our Vision and Initiatives

At the heart of our mission from the start has been the restoration of Boleskine House, from a fire-damaged ruin to its former glory as a Highland hunting lodge, and reimagining it as a dynamic centre for community engagement and public benefit.

  • A Community Hub for Art, Culture, and Education
    Boleskine House is a space where creativity thrives. We host nature-based community activities, art exhibits, cultural performances, and educational workshops. Guided tours bring the public into fascinating spaces of story-telling, sharing the estate’s colourful history and offering visitors a chance to step into the tales of its past.

  • Biodiversity and Environmental Stewardship
    Our grounds include one of Loch Ness’s largest wildflower meadows and newly restored wetlands, promoting biodiversity and public enjoyment. Our ongoing conservation efforts aim to create a haven for native wildlife while educating the public about sustainability and habitat restoration.

  • Renewable Energy and Sustainability
    Boleskine House is a historic B-Listed manor house with an ambitious renewable energy retrofit, setting a precedent for how historic properties can embrace a sustainable future. Our innovations are showcased in tours and workshops designed to inspire greener living.

  • Engaging Events and Recreational Activities
    From seasonal festivals and community gatherings to mental health programs and hands-on nature workshops, we are creating opportunities for locals and visitors to connect, learn, and enjoy the unique setting of the estate.

Our Charitable Objectives

Our work is guided by the following objectives:

  1. Restoration and Preservation of Heritage, Arts, and Culture: We aim to safeguard Boleskine House and its estate for generations to come.
  2. Education: We aim to advance public understanding of local Scottish history, with a special focus on the estate’s unique story.
  3. Recreation: We aim to improve the quality of life by offering recreational activities that connect people to the estate’s natural beauty and historic charm.
  4. Environmental Conservation: We aim to enhance the natural environment, foster biodiversity, and protect habitats for native species.

A Legacy for the Future

The Boleskine House Foundation SCIO is not just about preserving the past—it’s about building a brighter, more inclusive, cooperative and happy future. By blending heritage conservation with community-driven initiatives, Boleskine House is a thriving centre where history, nature, and people come together. Whether you’re drawn by its storied past, its lush landscapes, or its creative vision, we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey.

Come and discover Boleskine House: where history inspires the future.

 

The Boleskine House Foundation SCIO is a Scottish Registered charity with registration number SC049568.

Our charitable objectives are:

(a) 4.1.1 The restoration and preservation of the Boleskine House estate;

(b) 4.1.2 To advance the education of the public in the subject of local Scottish history, with particular emphasis on the Boleskine House estate;

(c) 4.1.3 To provide recreational activities with the object of improving the overall conditions of life for the public benefit; and

(d)4.1.4 To advance the improvement and conservation of the natural environment for the purpose of promoting sustainable development, facilitating bio-diversity and preserving wildlife and natural habitats for native species in and around the Boleskine estate.