The skeleton found in a tent near the West Highland Way has been identified as that of Nicholas Randall, 31, who went missing from his home in Edinburgh three years ago.

The body was found in a tent in Auch Forest near Bridge of Orchy by forestry workers constructing a new path. It is understood that the tent was a little way from the West Highland Way route. Mr Randall was a keen hill walker and climber and his car was discovered in Glen Nevis, three months after he went missing in April 2005. Lothian and Borders Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Randall’s death. 

Consultation is underway on whether Harris should become Scotland’s third national park. Residents voted last week to approve a feasibility study into the idea.  The meeting was organised by the North Harris Trust and the main advantages in terms of economic development were outlined. It is not yet clear where the money for the feasibility study will come from, however Micheal Russell, Environment Minister for the Scottish Government has made positive noises about the prospect of Harris as a national park.

Harris has fantastic landscape, wildlife and cultural resources. It has the largest area of mountains in the UK outside the Scottish mainland and some amazing wild beaches. However the population has been in steep decline recently and there is a need to provide the economic conditions that can allow the community to grow. There will need to be a debate about what national park status can provide. Lessons from the two other national parks should be learnt so that development needs are properly balanced with the conservation of the very landscape that currently allows Harris to fit the criteria for becoming a national park.

The Cairngorms National Park is also in the news with an announcement that it is to be increased in size to include Blair Atholl, and parts of eastern and Highland Perthshire.  The National Park along with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is to be reviewed by the Holyrood Government to ensure it is being run efficiently and effectively.

The BBC have reported that a skeleton has been found in a tent pitched in the forest between Bridge of Orchy and Inveroran close to the West Highland Way. The body appeared to have lain on the spot for several years unnoticed despite the busy trail passing nearby, and was only discovered by Forestry workers preparing a new trail in the woods. 

The remains have not been identified and missing persons lists are being searched, but detectives said that there didn’t appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

The post mortem will be held next Tuesday.

Friends of Nevis was launched by The Nevis Partnership on 19 February 2008 to encourage individuals, families and organisations to help support and manage Ben Nevis and the surrounding Nevis area. This precious and unique environment includes mountains, wild land, glen and river Nevis and a range of visitor facilities such as a visitor centre and numerous low and higher level walks.

Ben Nevis and its surroundings mean a great deal to a large number of people from all over the world. Protecting the area, whilst making it accessible and pleasurable to visit, is a real challenge and Friends of Nevis can help through subscribing, donating or contributing time and resources on a range of practical projects such as path maintenance, wildlife monitoring, fundraising etc.

You can subscribe and become a ‘Friend’ of the Ben for £10 (£8 concessions), or you can simply visit their website to donate, or you can volunteer to help on the ground, whether on scheduled litter-picking days or on path maintanance.

We at Walk Highlands think this is a great idea, and we’re proud to be one of the first three Corporate Friends of the Ben.

What could you do to help? Visit Friends of Nevis.

Today we’ve launched a new section of Walk Highlands – this news service.

Come to www.walkhighlands.co.uk/news for the latest walking and outdoors news from around Scotland. The service will highlight areas such as access and new paths, conservation news and campaigns as well as the latest events, festivals and special offers.

We’ll also add posts to let you know what are the latest developments with the Walk Highlands website itself. 

We’re also launching a regular email newsletter service. To sign up for this simply enter your email address at the top of the bar on the right and press submit.