The Astronomer Royal for Scotland, the John Muir Trust and the Scottish Wild Land Group have sent an open letter to the Scottish Government asking it to update Scottish Planning Policy to prevent the construction of wind farms in Europe's only Gold Tier Dark Sky Park. Located around the Galloway Forest Park in south-west Scotland, the Park has provided a major boost to Scotland’s profile and educational and tourist resources. Following years of hard work by local communities, it now boasts the only publicly accessible, research-grade observatory within a Gold Tier Dark Sky Park in the world. This inspirational project…

The Scottish Government plans to consult on the wild land map, drawn up by SNH, which will be used to define protected areas in any future wild land policy. This move has been seen by supporters of the proposed policy as a delaying tactic that is likely to result in a reduction and dilution of the proposed protected wild land areas. Stuart Brooks, John Muir Trust chief executive said: “Responses to the Scottish Planning Policy consultation document reveal a concerted assault on the core wild land map by energy corporations and property developers. “They clearly see Scotland’s wild land as…

A new action plan to reverse the decline of the Scottish wildcat within six years was launched today by Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse. It sets out for the first time a package of measures that a range of land managers, conservationists, and researchers agree has the best prospect for the ‘Highland Tiger.’ The aim is to conserve Scottish wildcats by reducing the chances of cross breeding with domestic and feral cats and by lowering the risk to wildcats from feline diseases. Efforts will be targeted in areas which support the most viable wildcat populations. And a conservation breeding programme will…

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS), has reported that a rarely-seen Sowerby's beaked whale and calf became stranded in the shallow waters of Village Bay, Hirta last week. The 5m long adult female and 1.5m long calf were seen in distress just before 11am on Thursday 12 September. Staff from the NTS and defence contractor QinetiQ immediately attempted to refloat the animals but, despite their quick response and strenuous efforts, were unable to successfully move the mother before it passed away. The calf freed itself without assistance and was last seen swimming out to open water. It is, however, unlikely…