Wildcat haven to be set up in Ardnamurchan

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Helen Webster

Work is currently underway to establish a haven for the Scottish wildcat in a remote location on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The idea is to encourage breeding of the pure wildcat, which is on the verge of extinction, by neutering local feral domestic cats to prevent them breeding with the wildcats. The project, which covers an area of 250 square miles, is being run by scientist Dr Paul O’Donoghue and the Aspinall Foundation who took over from the Scottish Wildcat Association (SWA) last year. Dr O’Donoghue told the BBC Radio that the animals had the best chance of surviving in the…

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Get Outdoors Weekend planned for 9 – 10 August

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Helen Webster

Ramblers Scotland is calling on everyone in Scotland to follow the inspiration of the Commonwealth Games and make a pledge to get outdoors and get active on the weekend of 9-10 August. The first ever ‘Get Outdoors Weekend’ aims to help everyone across Scotland discover the fun of getting active outdoors. Inactivity in Scotland is a huge problem with 39% of Scots not meeting the minimum recommended level of physical activity. To create a Commonwealth Games legacy Ramblers Scotland is inviting everyone to put on their walking boots or get the bikes out of the garage and plan some time…

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Walkers warned of dehydration danger

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Helen Webster

Hill walkers generally concentrate on keeping water out. But a mountain safety expert has reminded walkers and climbers that it’s important to take enough water in too. Dehydration can lead to a lack of alertness, which can have serious consequences on difficult or exposed ground. And it can lead to problems through poor decision-making and poor performance. That’s not to mention headaches and aching limbs. Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Adviser with the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS), said: “It’s important to drink plenty of fluids when hill walking – especially during the warmer weather in summer. “As we climb a…

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South Scotland could support many more golden eagles

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Helen Webster

A report published today finds that South Scotland could support up to 16 pairs of golden eagles. The Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) report found that, with suitable conditions, many more breeding golden eagle pairs could inhabit South Scotland. Currently, there are just one to two pairs attempting to breed in Galloway, and one to three pairs attempting to breed in the Scottish Borders. The report finds that South Scotland could support between 11 and 16 pairs. As a whole, the Scottish golden eagle population numbers 440 pairs, mainly in the Highlands and Islands. The report presents a novel approach in…

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9 million visits to National Forests last year

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Helen Webster

A recent survey carried out by Forestry Commission Scotland has revealed that 9.1 million visits are made to the National Forest Estate every year, with walking by far the most popular activity. 72% said they visited a forest to walk, with around 8% cycling, and the remainder enjoying sightseeing, wildlife and picnics. Scotland’s national forests are also contributing to the tourism economy. It is estimated that around 77 per cent of people spend money during their forest trip. Commenting on the All Forests Survey 2, Environment & Climate Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “Forestry Commission Scotland is the largest provider…

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Mountain Rescuers to gather in Aviemore

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Helen Webster

Over 300 mountain rescuers will descend on Aviemore in September for their bi-ennial gathering. The conference, which will take place from 12th to 14th September, will see team members from across the United Kingdom and Ireland take part in workshops, practice essential skills, and talk about the future of mountain rescue in Britain. Speakers include the climber Andy Kirkpatrick and delegates will also get the chance to climb with Lochaber-based climbing whizz, Dave Macleod. The following promotional film has been made to highlight the event. Conference Chairman Jonathan Hart said, “We’re delighted with progress to date. We’re on target for…

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Rannoch wind farm threatens iconic wild landscape

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Helen Webster

Mountaineers are fighting a wind farm proposal which threatens the iconic wild landscape of Rannoch, spoiling views from many popular mountains including Schiehallion and the tourist route to Glencoe and the western highlands. The Talladh-a-Bheithe wind farm, on the estate of the same name located just to the north-east of Rannoch Moor, is being proposed at the very moment when the Scottish Government is getting serious about protecting the best of our country’s wild land. The development would sit within an area identified as being of ‘nationally important environmental interest’ under Scottish Planning Policy, which calls for ‘significant protection’ from…

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Walkhighlands expands to include Orkney

Posted on July 8, 2014 by Helen Webster

Walkhighlands has today launched coverage of Orkney with the publication of 40 walking routes on the islands. Ranging from the classic walk from Rackwick to view the Old Man of Hoy, to rambles to bird spotting hides and days out on many of the smaller islands, the coverage also includes a recently established walk along the east coast of South Ronaldsay, as well as archaeological gems such as Quoyness Cairn on Sanday and Mid Howe Broch on Rousay. Walkhighlands plans to feature more walks on the islands, not covered so far, in addition to a couple of longer routes on…

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Skye Trail Guidebook available to order

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Helen Webster

Anyone planning to walk the Skye Trail this year can now pre-order a copy of the new Cicerone guide to the route. The guidebook will be published on 15 July and is available either to pre-order or as an e-book now. The 128km Skye Trail is a challenging unofficial route through the island aimed at experienced walkers. It crosses the very best of the island and includes some of the UK’s finest landscapes. The route follows much of the amazing Trotternish Ridge and later passes beneath the very shadow of the Cuillin, with the possibility of a detour to take…

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Climber dies in the Cairngorms

Posted on July 4, 2014 by Helen Webster

A climber has has died after falling about 200m in Glen Einich in the Cairngorms today (Friday 4 July). Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team said the man slipped and fell while climbing with a colleague who managed to raise the alarm. The fall happened around 12:45 and both Cairngorm Mountain Rescue and a rescue helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth were sent to the scene.

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