Efforts to save the Scottish wildcat from extinction have taken a major step forwards after the first cat was introduced to the Saving Wildcats conservation breeding for release centre at the Highland Wildlife Park. The project has also been boosted by a £9000 donation raised by a local fundraiser who rescued a potential hybrid wildcat kitten near Grantown on Spey. Nell, a young female, arrived from Alladale Wilderness Reserve and has settled well into the off-show centre, which provides breeding space, veterinary care, remote monitoring and training to prepare cats for life in the wild.   It is hoped that any…

A dozen outdoor organisations are together calling for a new ‘Outdoor Recreation Champion’ role to be created within the Scottish Government, to ensure that everyone in society benefits from being active in nature.  The new cross-departmental role is one of several innovative ideas within a joint manifesto published today by Scottish Outdoor Recreation Alliance (SORA), aimed at supporting the booming demand for the outdoors. SORA’s Manifesto for the Outdoors also calls for: A guarantee that every primary and secondary school pupil has at least one week away at an outdoor centre Long-term strategic investment in infrastructure such as facilities, ranger services, education and skills training More support for BAME communities and people in deprived areas to…

Do you regularly head out into the Scottish hills in winter? The Scottish Avalanche Information Service has teamed up with Stirling University to find out more about how walkers, climbers and skiers plan their trips. The researchers are keen to hear from everyone who would normally (assuming no Covid-restrictions) go out at least a couple of times in winter. Researchers are hoping as many people as possible will complete the survey from novice walkers to experienced mountaineers. The aim of the survey is to better understand how published avalanche reports and the avalanche service is used and understood by climbers,…

Scotland’s leading walking charities have launched a new National Award to celebrate the people, organisations and communities who are supporting others to enjoy an active lifestyle. The first-ever Scottish Walking Awards will showcase a broad range of inspiring walking projects – from businesses, councils, land managers and housing associations to the journalists, staff and local volunteers who inspire others to step out. The Scottish Walking Awards launches on 4 February 2021, and features ten categories celebrating a wide range of contributions to getting people moving more in Scotland – as well as an overall Champion of Champions. The awards are…

With very wintry weather continuing, Mountaineering Scotland and Scottish Mountain Rescue are reminding people to keep within their limits, be aware of the extra challenges of winter conditions, and to remember the Scottish Outdoor Access Code applies in winter too. While there is no shortage of snow in the mountains – usually ideal conditions for winter walkers, climbers and skiers – COVID-19 restrictions on travel have meant that for most people access to the high mountains is either limited or totally out of reach. However, many people are being creative and venturing out to explore and enjoy what their local…

NatureScot is funding almost £111,000 of improvements to the path network, including many on Scotland’s Great Trails such as the West Highland Way. The aim is to reduce barriers and improve access for all. With a big increase in the number of people heading to the outdoors and connecting with nature over the past year, and more than 70% of the Scottish population living within 5 miles of a Great Trail, much of the work is designed to improve the accessibility of the network. The Clyde Walkway will benefit from around £20,000 for a new wooden boardwalk and the replacement…