A new national strategy aims to restore wildcats to a level where they are thriving and expanding in Scotland. The wildcat is one of Scotland’s most elusive carnivores and the only native cat still found in the wild in Britain. This European protected species was once found throughout mainland Britain but was persecuted for centuries and, in 2019, was declared functionally extinct. More than 25 stakeholder organisations have been involved in developing Scotland’s Wildcat Strategy 2025-2045, working together to restore one of our most iconic but threatened species. The strategy was launched today (22 September) at the Eurowildcat Conference at the…

Walkers are being asked to unite to challenge attempts to close Glen Lyon hills this autumn. Ramblers Scotland has today launched a petition to challenge a Perthshire estate’s controversial 2-month ban on walkers accessing 4 popular Munros in Glen Lyon.  North Chesthill Estate, owned by Alastair Riddell, last year erected signs stating: “No Walking. We Are Stalking. September to October.” The move sparked public outcry, national media coverage and criticism in the Scottish Parliament. But now, the estate’s website is once again advising people to “walk elsewhere” from 1 September until the end of October. Ramblers Scotland says this is…

Kintail Mountain Rescue Team has launching a fundraising drive for a new rescue base. The west coast rescue team has applied for planning permission for a new modern home for its growing team of volunteers and space for the team’s vehicles and specialist equipment. Kintail MRT has around 30 full team members ready to respond to emergency calls from the mountains and other remote areas 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The team covers a vast area taking in Kintail and part of Glen Affric, as well as Inverinate, Killinan and Monar, encompassing 39 munros and many…