The number of midges in the north and west Scotland has been falling recently. At the same time midge numbers in Northern Ireland and parts of South West England and Wales have been increasing. However a midge expert said that this was likely to be due to local weather conditions each year rather than a general shift of the insects south as a result of climate change. The BBC reported that Dr Alison Blackwell, from Edinburgh University, said that midge levels down south and in Northern Ireland were unlikely to reach the levels found in parts of Scotland. “Midges need…

This Saturday, competitors will plunge down a two mile stretch of the Glen Nevis River clinging only to flimsy airbeds to raise funds for Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team. The race has been started up again after a six-year absence. Older or more nostaligic readers will remember a terrified-looking John Noakes taking part in the race for Blue Peter in the 1970’s. Competitors start by hurling themselves off a ledge at the head of the glen, before plunging into the river and later dropping down a 9 metre waterfall at Lower Falls Leap (pictured). In between they must negotiate pinch points…

Five people camping at the Glenrosa campsite on the Isle of Arran had to be winched to safety by a helicopter early this morning after a river broke its banks. Heavy rain in southern Scotland meant that the campers became cut off on a mini island created by the river in spate. The Royal Navy Helicopter was scrambled at approximately 8 o’clock this morning and the campers were airlifted to a local community centre. The rest of the campsite was evacuated and at one point during the rescue operation the campsite owner waded into the swollen water to try to…