Three men have been reported to the Procurator Fiscal after a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) near Fort William was seriously damaged, prompting an extensive investigation into alleged unlawful land operations in the heart of Lochaber.
The land in question lies at Achnabobane, near Spean Bridge, and has long been associated with the MacGregor family, a name now drawing scrutiny for activities that authorities say may have caused “serious and intentional harm” to a nationally important geological site.
The three men, aged 45, 53 and 75, have not been named by police, but The Highland Times understands they include Alistair Angus MacGregor and his son Ross Alexander MacGregor, both long-time residents of the property at Achnabobane.
In November 2023, NatureScot, Scotland’s nature agency alerted Police Scotland to potentially irreversible environmental damage at the site, which holds protected status due to its glacial sediment deposits and landforms dating back to the last Ice Age.
Subsequent enquiries revealed that large-scale groundwork had been carried out without authorisation, including the construction of hard standings and the removal of earth and sediment, works which require explicit consent when conducted on SSSI land.
“This is an internationally renowned geological site,” said Constable Dan Sutherland of Police Scotland.
“Enquiries found large scale operations to create hard standings had been carried out without the consent of NatureScot.”
He added:
“It is an offence for anyone to intentionally or recklessly damage protected natural features.
“Causing damage can lead to a fine of up to £40,000.
“We will always investigate reports of environmental harm.”
The case has raised serious questions not only about damage to Scotland’s natural heritage, but also about the network of companies associated with the MacGregor family, some registered abroad and others linked to controversial land sales that have drawn complaints in the past.
In an episode of Highland Cops on the BBC, both Alistair and Ross MacGregor appeared on camera when officers attended the site.
In that broadcast, the pair expressed frustration at enforcement efforts, suggesting they were simply trying to “get on with their lives.”
Critics say this is part of a wider pattern, portraying themselves as victims while carrying out unauthorised developments, often shielded behind a web of limited companies.
NatureScot confirmed that no permission had been granted for work at Achnabobane and that the activity risked undermining irreplaceable landforms that make the site nationally significant.
A spokesperson said:
“Scotland’s SSSIs are protected for good reason.
“Damage like this is not only illegal, it’s damaging to the legacy we leave future generations.”
The Achnabobane site is part of the Parallel Roads of Glen Roy SSSI, renowned in scientific circles for its clear geological evidence of ice-dammed lakes formed during the retreat of the last glaciers.
Any disturbance to the terrain threatens that legacy.
The Highland Council, SEPA, and NatureScot have all been involved in the investigation.
The Crown Office is now assessing the case to determine whether criminal charges will be brought.
According to publicly available records, Ross MacGregor has been a director in multiple property-related companies, including some linked to the sale of plots described by trading standards officials as “unbuildable” or “misrepresented.”
Though there is no formal conviction tied to these land dealings, consumer watchdogs have issued warnings in the past urging extreme caution when buying land through unregulated channels.
The legal process will now run its course.
If convicted, those responsible could face stiff financial penalties and potentially, new conditions on what work can take place at Achnabobane in future.
For now, conservationists are calling for stricter oversight of SSSIs, and more robust penalties for those who put short-term gain above the preservation of Scotland’s unique landscapes.
