The Friends of Nevis are offering free trips on the Jacobite Steam train from Fort William to Mallaig to anyone willing to sell raffle tickets on board.

The organisation, which has undertaken a number of projects to help keep the iconic mountain in good condition, is planning to have a month of activity to raise awareness of, and money for, the Friends of Nevis.

During the week beginning 17 August, volunteers are needed to sell raffle tickets to visitors/passengers before boarding and during the trip to Mallaig. You need to be over 18 and available from 9:30 – 4.30 on your chosen day(s). In return volunteers will get a free trip on the steam train.

If you fancy a more physical endeavour, then a weekend of path repairs is being organised between Friday 14 and Monday 17 August. Volunteers will walk in to the working area on lower or mid slopes of Ben Nevis or in the Glen, helping to carry some equipment. The day will then be spent on path repair/maintenance under the guidance of expert, Martin McCrorie, with all training and equipment provided. Volunteers need sturdy footwear, waterproofs and comfortable, old clothes and be over 18 (or over 12 if accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult). A great way to give something back to the Ben at the same time as keeping fit and having fun.

The Friends are also looking for people who can devote a few afternoon hours to man the stall at the station in Fort William or help distribute leaflets at the Braveheart Games. If you are interested in any of these opportunities contact Friends of Nevis via the website or by phoning 01397 701088.

Cameron McNeish, vice-president of Ramblers Scotland has reported on his blog that Ramblers Scotland may split from the UK organisation.

The working group of the Ramblers Scotland Executive Committee, which includes McNeish as well as Ramblers Scotland convenor Dennis Canavan and President Dick Balharry, has met and decided to advise the Scottish committee that the best way forward is to seek independence. The full Ramblers Scotland Executive will meet in August when the recommendation will be discussed.

The possibility of a split was brought about by the Ramblers deciding to make massive cuts in the Scottish and Welsh operations.

Cameron advises that “Ramblers members [should] sit tight, bear with us during this difficult time, and look forward to a time when Ramblers Scotland won’t be dictated to by a bunch of individuals who know very little about the workings of devolution and who don’t seem to understand that Scotland is a nation in its own right, with a different government and different laws.”

The Wilderness World of Cameron Mcneish

The John Muir Trust – the UK’s leading wild land conservation charity – today warned that around one fifth (19%) of mainland Shetland will be significantly affected by 150 giant wind turbines if plans by Viking Energy are approved the Scottish Government. The Trust is urging members of the public to object before the consultation period closes on Tuesday the 28th of July.

The John Muir Trust formally lodged its objection to the proposal this week, arguing that the development will have a serious and hugely damaging detrimental impact on the landscape and visual quality of these unique and outstanding islands.

“The scale of this proposal is truly staggering and totally disproportionate for an island like Shetland,” commented John Hutchison, Chairman for the John Muir Trust. “Shetland’s treeless landscape will be completely dominated by the development, with the turbines visible in a 15 kilometer radius around the wind farm.”
The Trust is particularly concerned that the 18,700 hectares of upland habitat earmarked to be built over with 150 turbines, 14 borrow pits and 118 km of road includes a significant amount of active blanket bog. Any major disturbance of this fragile peat land will release significant amounts of stored CO2 into the atmosphere.

According to Viking Energy’s own estimate the development will result in a loss of 197 hectares of blanket bog, resulting in a ‘carbon payback period’ of between 2.3 years and 14.9 years (a wind farm’s lifespan is typically between 20 and 25 years). “It is hardly worth destroying such a special, wild place for the relatively small amount of carbon that may be saved,” commented Mr Hutchison. “Gigantic wind developments such as the Viking proposal should be sited on the UK mainland, away from deep peat and nearer to the consumers its electricity is for.”

The John Muir Trust is urging the Government to produce an energy strategy that focuses on energy conservation and not just generation. “We can’t simply build our way out of climate change,” commented Mr Hutchison. “It is both cheaper and less destructive to reduce energy need and waste, rather than cover the wild landscapes that define Scotland and its people with wind turbines.”

For details of how to object to the Viking proposal before next Tuesday’s deadline go to the Sustainable Shetland website.

Scotland’s mountaineers will welcome Dave MacLeod to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland’s Annual Gathering, to be held at Glenmore Lodge on Saturday 5 September. Recognised as one of the world’s best climbers, Dave has successfully challenged some of the hardest rock, winter and bouldering routes in the world.

David Gibson, MCofS Chief Officer said ” The Gathering offers something of interest for all mountaineers. It’s a great opportunity to get together and do what mountaineers do best – celebrate the mountains. We are delighted to welcome Dave, who features in a range of events and activities which will entertain and inspire Scotland’s climbers and hill walkers.”

The climax of the event is Dave MacLeod’s new lecture ‘’How soon is now? – Making moments to remember in climbing”, which is followed by a hog roast, bar and live traditional music until late.

The programme includes climbing masterclass sessions run by Dave MacLeod; an insight into how rescue dogs are trained and used, run by Heather Morning, MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser with her SARDA dog Milly; and an interactive lecture by Geoff Monk, founder and brains behind the Mountain Weather Information Service.

David Gibson added “We look forward to welcoming our members and invited guests to what promises to be one of Scottish mountaineering’s most memorable events of the year.” For more information about attending the Gathering on 5th September see the MCofS website.

Michael Tunney (known to Forum members as Bio-Man) has completed his epic fundraising challenge. A fall in the Scottish mountains in November 2006, while out walking with his son, left Michael with a broken neck, hip and several smashed ribs. Unconscious for five days he was lucky to survive and endured many painful months of rehabilitation to be able to walk again.

This year Michael returned to the Scottish peaks to undertake the massive challenge of climbing the nine mountains over 4000 feet taking in another 14 Munros on the way. The effort was to raise money for the Oban and Arrochar Mountain Rescue Teams and the Northern Police Treatment Centre where Michael spent some of his recovery time.

After a number of set backs and difficulties, all amusingly recounted at Michael’s blog, he completed the challenge on top of Ben Nevis on 11 July, swiftly followed by a well deserved beer in the Ben Nevis Inn. You can read his account of the latest stage at his forum post.

Michael is aiming to raise £30,000 and is organising a massive raffle with lots of exciting Highland based prices, whisky and vouchers on offer, and is busy organising a live music night at the Griffen in Glasgow on 31 July. To donate, buy raffle prizes or get tickets for the gig go to his blog. A great effort and an inspiration to all hillwalkers!

Bird experts say that Europe’s oldest known puffin has been found on the Shiant Islands in the Hebrides.

The puffin was first ringed 34 years ago and was found by the same ornithologist, Ian Buxton, who ringed it back in June 1975. Members of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) have been ringing birds on the Shiant Islands for many years to add to scientific data on the species.

After years of poor breeding patterns, the BTO is reporting that the puffins on the Shiant Islands appear to be having a good breeding season, bringing in plenty of sand eels for their young.

Previously the oldest puffin in Europe that had been discovered was a 33 year old bird. Experts say that the birds can live for a long time and it might be possible to find a bird ringed in 1970 which would make that specimen at least 39 years old.