Over 20 of Scotland’s Environmental Organisations Back the Beaver

Posted on June 17, 2015 by Helen Webster

A coalition of over 20 of Scotland’s environmental organisations including the National Trust and the RSPB, have written to Dr Aileen McLeod, Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, calling for the Eurasian beaver to be fully reintroduced and recognised by the Scottish Government as a resident, native species in Scotland. The group’s action followed publication of the Scottish Natural Heritage Report which will inform Ministers making the decision on the future of beavers in Scotland. In addition, the collective calls for the building on the current wild populations in Mid Argyll and Tayside, and permission for further licensed…

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Decision on Scottish beavers due soon

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Helen Webster

The final report on the future of beavers in Scotland has been sent to the Scottish government, paving the way for a decision to be made on whether the existing colonies will be allowed to remain and expand. The ‘Beavers in Scotland’ report, published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is one of the most thorough assessments ever done for a species reintroduction proposal. It provides a comprehensive summary of existing knowledge about the likely impact of beavers living in the wild in Scotland and options for their management, and sets out four scenarios for Scottish Ministers to consider. These range…

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Ramblers and MCofS call on public to oppose Loch Lomond camping ban

Posted on June 13, 2015 by Helen Webster

Ramblers Scotland and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) are urging the public to oppose the ban on wild camping proposed for large areas of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Last October, the National Park held a public consultation on proposals to introduce byelaws to ban camping in response to over-crowding and incidents of antisocial behaviour in the national park. Just over half of all respondents said they didn’t want this restriction to their rights. However the National Park wants to go ahead with this part of the proposals and has asked the Environment Minister, Aileen McLeod,…

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National Lottery grant to tackle path erosion on iconic Scottish peaks

Posted on June 5, 2015 by Helen Webster

A project which brings together Scotland’s two National Park Authorities to address the serious threat of man-made erosion to paths across areas of outstanding natural beauty has been given a major boost with the Heritage Lottery Fund today announcing a grant of £3.26 million. Taking in iconic peaks such as Ben Lomond, Ben A’an, Beinn A Ghlo and Lochnagar, the Mountains and the People project will tackle some of the worst path erosion problems in Scotland by training young people and volunteers to care for the upland landscapes and habitats. The project will give 48 young people the opportunity to…

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Arran Coastal Way now on Walkhighlands

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Helen Webster

The Arran Coastal Way has been greatly improved over the last year with new waymarking, path improvements and a new website. A monument to mark the start and finish of the walk in Brodick is planned for later this year. A detailed route description with free OS mapping is now available on Walkhighlands. The Arran Coastal Way is a challenging and rugged long distance route running for 109km mostly around the coastline of the Isle of Arran. The Way fits neatly into a week long holiday, and the excellent bus service around the island makes it possible to walk the…

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Top volunteering award given to MBA

Posted on June 2, 2015 by Helen Webster

The Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) has been honoured with the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Welcoming the the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, MBA Chairman, Simon Birch, said: “We are very proud to have received this award. It recognises the huge efforts that have been made by many, many volunteers over the half century that the MBA has been in existence. These volunteers have restored, and continue to maintain as open shelters, buildings that are greatly valued by those who explore the remoter parts of the country on foot or by bike. “I also want…

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Search continues for missing Mamores hillwalker

Posted on June 1, 2015 by Helen Webster

Police in Lochaber are searching for an overdue hill walker who set off to tackle the Ring of Steall on Saturday morning Eric Cyl, aged 62, hasn’t been seen since setting off in the Mamores, the alarm was raised when he had failed to return by Sunday. The search has involved both Lochaber and Glencoe Mountain Rescue teams, assisted by Search and Rescue Dogs and a Coastguard helicopter. Mr Cyl was last seen wearing a light grey jacket and dark trousers. He was walking alone and carrying two walking poles. Anyone who sighted Mr Cyl on the hill or who…

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Booking open for Moray Walking Festival

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Helen Webster

Booking is now open for the wide variety of events being put on as part of this year’s Moray Walking Festival. Enjoy long Midsummer days exploring Moray’s world renowned golden coasts, hills and forests full of hidden fauna and flora, whisky colored rivers and towns with stories to tell and culture to experience. Alongside the more usual guided walks there will be sessions on navigation, animal tracking, white water rafting, evening talks, walking challenges, an endurance races and even a couple of chances to have a go at the growing sport of disc golf. The festival kicks off on Thursday…

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Scottish hill tracks – your photos needed

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Helen Webster

The campaign to ensure adequate regulation of new tracks bulldozed across upland areas is appealing for walkers to photograph new hill tracks that they come across. Last year, the campaign was successful in getting a measure of protection for our upland landscapes. Local authorities now have to be notified in advance of any new hill track construction. This will mean building methods should be improved and at least authorities will know where new tracks are located. However campaigners including Ramblers Scotland and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland feel that this measure maybe inadequate as it does not require landowners to…

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Entries open for Mountain Writing Competition

Posted on May 23, 2015 by Helen Webster

Writers with a taste for the high life are being sought by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland for its long running literary competition. The MCofS Mountain Writing Competition seeks out the best in mountain writing, whether fact or fiction, prose or poetry. Entries should have some connection with mountains and mountaineering, rock or ice climbing, walking or ski-mountaineering, and winners will receive a cash prize and the chance to see their entries in print in the Scottish Mountaineer, the quarterly MCofS magazine which goes out to its more than 12,000 members. The first placed winners in prose and poetry categories…

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