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Monthly Archives: June 2009

2 new hydro schemes planned for Great Glen

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Helen Webster

Scottish and Southern Energy has announced that it is planning two new hydro power schemes in the Great Glen. The exact location of the proposed reservoirs and pumping stations remain a secret, however the Company used the official opening by the Queen of the Glendoe hydro scheme to reveal its future plans. It is thought that the new schemes would be similar to the pumped system that currently operates near Foyers on Loch Ness. This involves two bodies of water, located at different heights. During periods of low demand for power, for example at night, electricity pumps water from the…

Posted in Nature

New GPS Training Courses Launched

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Helen Webster

Do you have a GPS and don’t know how to use it properly? Thinking about buying one, but not sure if a GPS would be useful for you on the hill? Sign up for one of the new Mountaineering Council of Scotland one day GPS training courses. These courses are running on Sat 3rd and Sun 4th October 2009, based at Glenmore Lodge. Only £25 per person including use of GPS, a full days instruction and tea/cakes to finish. Contact Heather Morning, MCofS Mountain Safety Advisor on 01479 861256 for further details.

Posted in News

Electricity poles to be removed at Sligachan

Posted on June 28, 2009 by Helen Webster

A community group on the Isle of Skye are working closely with the John Muir Trust and Scottish Southern Electric to remove hydro poles at Sligachan. The Collie and Mackenzie Sculpture group, which is proposing to erect a sculpture of the two well known outdoor pioneers, Norman Collie and John Mackenzie, at the site, will remove the poles during the summer of 2009. The poles have blighted the view of the Cuillin from Sligachan and their removal will improve the area, as well as numerous photographs taken at this popular spot. At the same time a fundraising appeal for the…

Posted in News

Crashed plane removed from Sandwood Bay

Posted on June 28, 2009 by Helen Webster

A microlight plane that crash landed on Sandwood Bay last weekend has been dismantled and carried out of the remote area by 14 men. The pilot was uninjured and the plane is now safely stored in crofter Cathel Macleod’s shed four miles from the beach. Sandwood Bay in Sutherland – which is owned and protected by the John Muir Trust – is the most remote beach in mainland Britain. The sky blue microlight crash landed on Sunday 21 June when the pilot Mr Keith Brown decided that he would touch his wheels on the bay’s golden sands on a flight…

Posted in Nature

Man dies after Am Basteir fall

Posted on June 27, 2009 by Helen Webster

A man has died on Friday 26 June following a fall from Am Basteir on the Skye Cuillin. The 64 year old was from the Midlands and was part of a group of four tackling the mountain when he fell approximately 100ft. The weather was good on the Cuillin on Friday, however even in good conditions Am Basteir requires scrambling to reach the summit. The Skye Mountain Rescue Team and the Stornoway Coastguard helicopter took part in the rescue operation. The man was taken to Broadford Hospital but was declared dead shortly afterwards.

Posted in News

Military to leave St Kilda

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Helen Webster

The Ministry of Defence is closing its missile tracking base on St Kilda. The base, which has been on the main island of Hirta since the first World War, is now run by MoD spin-off company Qinitec and is used to track test missiles and flights from the neighbouring base on Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. The MoD has just started a 30 day consultation on the closure which is likely to see the lose of 125 jobs at the two sites. St Kilda is the UK’s only Dual World Heritage Site, designated for both is natural and cultural significance.…

Posted in Nature

Scottish Ramblers appeal launched

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Helen Webster

Leading figures in Ramblers Scotland have joined forces to raise £200,000 to save the Ramblers office and staff in Scotland from massive cutbacks. Dick Balharry, President of Ramblers Scotland, who joined with Dennis Canavan and Cameron McNeish to launch the appeal, said, “My colleagues and I are determined to secure the future for Ramblers Scotland. The Ramblers have made a massive contribution to the protection of Scotland’s natural heritage, helping to safeguard our magnificent scenery from endless threats, from superquarries and bulldozed roads to powerlines and blanket afforestation. The Ramblers are needed for today and tomorrow. When government energy policies…

Posted in Uncategorized

Walkhighlands sponsors MWIS forecast

Posted on June 14, 2009 by Helen Webster

Walkhighlands has just sponsored the Mountain Weather Information Service’s forecast for the Southeastern Highlands. The MWIS provides the most reliable and detailed forecast for climbers and walkers, with information about conditions on the tops as well as more general weather information. The Service is funded by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and SportScotland and topped up with donations from sponsors such as Walkhighlands. The Mountaineering Council of Scotland was instrumental in setting up the Service and continues to seek ongoing funding and make improvements. Recently the service launched forecasts available by mobile phone in addition to the website downloads. Scotland…

Posted in Walkhighlands news

Ramblers Scotland facing massive cuts

Posted on June 14, 2009 by Helen Webster

The Ramblers organisation appeared to be on the verge of war today as news broke of a massive cut in funding for the Scottish branch. Walkhighlands is very concerned that this will mean the Ramblers will no longer be able to campaign effectively at a Scottish level. The Scottish access legislation was passed by Holyrood so local experts are needed to lobby in Edinburgh to ensure the law is enforced. Recently local expertise of Ramblers staff in Scotland has been used to present evidence on the enquiry to decide whether the proposed massive Beauly to Denny powerline will go ahead.…

Posted in Access issues, Nature, News

Aonach Eagach and Fife Chain Walk claim lives

Posted on June 14, 2009 by Helen Webster

A 26 year old man has died following a fall from the Aonach Eagach ridge in Glencoe on Saturday 13 June. The Mountain Rescue Team was involved in the recovery as well as a Royal Navy Helicopter. In another incident on the same day, a 79 year old man fell from a section of the Fife Chain Walk near Kincraig Point. The walk which traverses the cliff, following a line of stone carved steps, with metal chains bolted to the rock and rungs to climb on in places, has been the scene of a number of accidents in recent years.…

Posted in News