The Scottish Government has approved the community buy out application for land and buildings at Cape Wrath. This follows the decision by the Ministry of Defence not to seek to purchase the land, which had led to concerns that access to the Cape would be restricted. Commenting, the First Minister said: “The approval of the Durness Development Group application is a very welcome next step towards Scotland’s ambitious new target of a million acres in community control by 2020. “If the community is able to go ahead and successfully purchase the land, it will secure a stronger local economy for…

The Cairngorms National Park is currently reviewing the walking routes it has designated as 'core paths' and would appreciate input from walkers. The Cairngorms has the most extensive system of core paths in Scotland and the National Park has been very proactive in getting the network into good condition through a programme of path construction, improvement and signage. Following the extension of the National Park boundary to include the area around Blair Atholl, the Cairngorms is the first access authority in Scotland to review its core paths plan and propose extending it. Designating routes as 'core paths' is important as…

After the death of a dog walker in England last month, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Scottish Land & Estates, and NFU Scotland are advising dog walkers to avoid fields with cows and young calves. The three organisations say that cattle may see dogs as a threat and react aggressively or panic when they have dependent young calves and they advise walkers: – Don't take a dog into a field where there are calves, lambs and other young animals. Walk through a neighbouring field or on the land next to it. In more open country, keep your dog on a short…