Archived update

This article records the position when it was published. For the latest confirmed position, visit Doocot and Woodlands.

Information Paper

Possible Asset Transfer of Area C/Doocot Woodlands

What and where is Area C?

Area C is the area now known as the Doocot woodlands, extending along the right bank of the Barr Water from the entrance to Glenbarr Hall in the east to the bridge at the A83 in the west, covering approximately 11.5 acres of mixed amenity woodland. The land currently belongs to the Clan Macalister Trust (CMCT), with GCDA holding a licence agreement over the area until 2029.

What is being considered?

An opportunity has arisen for GCDA to acquire ownership of Area C from CMCT through an “in principle” asset transfer. This would involve the land being transferred (effectively gifted) to GCDA, on the basis that GCDA meets both its own legal costs and the Trust’s legal costs associated with the transfer.

Legal Costs

The Doocot Woodlands (approximately 11.5 acres of mixed amenity woodland) currently face indicative legal costs estimated at £20,000 for a potential asset transfer.

This transfer would be effectively a gift and does not involve a land purchase.

Land Size & Description

Area C is the area now known as the Doocot woodlands, extending along the right bank of the Barr Water from the entrance to Glenbarr Hall in the east to the bridge at the A83 in the west, covering approximately 11.5 acres of mixed amenity woodland.

The land currently belongs to the Clan Macalister Trust (CMCT), with GCDA holding a licence agreement over the area until 2029.

Next Steps…

No formal legal steps have been taken so far.

If the community feedback indicates that GCDA should pursue ownership, then GCDA will decide to proceed accordingly.

Condition and scale of the site

◉ Area C is more than four times larger than the woodland already owned by GCDA.

◉ It is described as being in poor condition overall, with heavy undergrowth, steep embankments, fallen trees and, in many parts, difficult to access on foot beyond the Doocot.

◉ Only the section up to the Doocot is presently reasonably accessible to the public.

The Doocot and potential future works

GCDA has already funded urgent repair works to the Doocot (around £43,000), making the structure safe and secure and improving its visibility and access. Further works, if pursued, are likely to follow two broad stages:

Future Conservation Opportunities

Conservation works (to stabilise the structure in its current form and conserve it as a ruin, leaving it safe to access by the public) estimated at around £182,000 + VAT.

Grant funding would be needed to support these later stages.

Advice received from Historic Environment Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council indicates that grant support is generally focused on “A” listed buildings, and that “C” listed structures such as the Doocot are less likely to score highly in main grant programmes. This suggests that securing substantial external funding for major conservation or restoration may be challenging, though not necessarily impossible.

Full Restoration Work

Full restoration, with indicative total costs of over £400,000 + VAT.

Grant funding would be needed to support these later stages.

Advice received from Historic Environment Scotland and Argyll and Bute Council indicates that grant support is generally focused on “A” listed buildings, and that “C” listed structures such as the Doocot are less likely to score highly in main grant programmes. This suggests that securing substantial external funding for major conservation or restoration may be challenging, though not necessarily impossible.

Potential opportunities

If Area C were acquired, several potential opportunities have been identified in various internal discussions:

Unlock Grant Access

Ownership would remove the limitation on seeking certain grants that require the applicant to own the land or structure.

Visual Improvements

There may be scope to improve the visual appearance of the area between the hall and the existing access, including clearing invasive rhododendron and fallen timber, which could improve the setting of the village for visitors and residents.

Play & Access

Improved paths and access could support natural play spaces and increased use by children, young people and families.

Future Network Links

Future links to Dal an Duie (for example, through a bridge) could, in time, create a wider network of woodland walks and improve access to both the Doocot and surrounding woodland.

These points represent potential benefits that some in the community and within GCDA have highlighted, rather than agreed plans.

Potential challenges and considerations

There are also significant challenges that would need careful consideration:

Upfront Legal Costs

The upfront legal costs for an asset transfer would need to be funded.

Maintenance Commitments

The size and condition of Area C mean that any programme of clearance, access works or habitat management would require long-term financial and volunteer or contractor commitment similar to the current GCDA owned site at Dal an Duie.

Grant Opportunities

The current information suggests that securing large-scale heritage grant funding for a “C” listed structure like the Doocot may be difficult, which could limit options for full restoration.

Environmental & Safety Constraints

Any future changes in use, access or woodland management would need to be balanced against environmental, safety, heritage and community considerations, and would be subject to normal consents and funding constraints.

Purpose of this paper and next steps

The purpose of this paper is to provide factual information to help the community understand what Area C is, what an asset transfer might involve, and the main opportunities and challenges currently identified. No decision has been taken by GCDA to proceed with an asset transfer, and no formal negotiations are under way at this stage.

Community views will be an important factor in any future decision-making process about Area C, including whether to pursue ownership and, if so, what level of development or conservation work should be prioritised over time.

We want to hear from you…

GCDA will shortly circulate a questionnaire with information about the Community Christmas Payment. Residents are encouraged to share their views on this and other community projects, as your feedback plays an important role in informing the Board’s decisions. Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.