Walkers in Scotland are being urged to record sightings of juniper bushes which may be affected by a deadly fungal disease. Charity Plantlife Scotland wants walkers to complete a survey form every time they see juniper and particularly if they notice the plant is brown or orange as this could be a sign of disease. The group said this would help track juniper numbers and the spread of the disease, which is affecting berries. The plant has been lost in many parts of the UK and campaigners are deeply concerned about its future. Recent findings show that juniper, used to…

Culra bothy has been closed with immediate effect because of safety fears due to the asbestos sheeting used when it was originally built. Although much of this sheeting has been replaced over the years a professional survey has just been carried out on the building and the Mountain Bothies Association (MBA) has been advised that the bothy is unsafe for public use. The bothy, which serves as an entry point for Ben Alder and other surrounding hills such as Aonach Beag, has therefore been closed with immediate effect. The MBA says that discussions are continuing with regards the future of…

The much anticipated extension of the Speyside Way moved on another step today, with planning permission for several key sections of the route having been secured. The Cairngorms National Park Authority's planning committee – meeting in Blair Atholl today – gave the go-ahead for four sections of the Long Distance Route, which will eventually see the Speyside Way extended from Aviemore to Newtonmore. The sections of the route approved today are: · 1.2km of new path and stock fencing south of the Highland Main Line opposite the Dalraddy Holiday Park, Aviemore. · 1.9km of new path from the Allt-na-Chriche burn…