The organisers of this year's Isle of Harris Mountain Festival say that despite the unsettled weather it turned out to be the best festival yet. Matt Watts, the North Harris Ranger, said, “We had plenty of guided walks including a couple of excellent hill walks up Bleabhal in West Harris and Giolabhal Glas behind Tarbert, and a packed golden eagle walk (with plenty of sightings as always!). Alison O’Neill led two guided walks over the Machair, getting everyone to go barefoot for both walks! Unfortunately the Clisham Horseshoe walk had to be called off, to save anyone from being blown…

Clive Dennier (50) was a well know journalist around the Highlands, a free spirit and a lover of hill walking. In his recent roles he worked as Media Officer for two Highland MSPs. His last role was as a reporter with the Badenoch & Strathspey Herald. Every one who met Clive was infected by his good humour and zest for life and he had many, many friends and colleagues. Often he could be heard regaling all kinds of stories about his many escapades to an assembled audience. On Friday 22 March 2013, Clive left work for the weekend off. He…

Cowalfest, the walking and arts festival based in Cowal, is back for 2013 and kicks off on Friday 4 October. Running until Sunday 13th October, the main attraction is a wide range of walks offering everything for all ages and abilities. The organisers say, “Whether you're a hardy hill walker, a heritage buff, a family group, a wildlife fan or someone who likes to be busy and learn new skills on holiday, you will find a wealth of walks and events to fill your days and evenings during Cowalfest.” Those who want a little less activity can simply relax and…

As the days grow shorter, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland has announced a series of winter safety lectures around the country. Heather Morning, MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser, will deliver the talks, which will provide advice for people taking to the Scottish mountains in winter conditions, and will look to improve people’s awareness and knowledge of topics such as navigation, equipment, route choice, avalanches and weather conditions. With a lifetime’s experience in the mountains, Heather has been a professional mountaineer for 20 years and for the last 12 years has been an active member of the Cairngorms Mountain Rescue Team. The…

As winter approaches, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) have released dates of this year's Winter Skills and Avalanche Awareness courses. Last year was a particularly avalanche-prone winter, and the MCofS is urging anyone heading out into the snowy conditions to consider topping up their knowledge of avalanche conditions and the best ways to avoid getting caught up in one. These subsidised courses are available to MCofS members (you can join as part of the application process) and are either a weekend or a series of one day courses. Based at Glenmore Lodge near Aviemore, they are aimed at anyone…

Police have confirmed that a man's body has been found in the search for a hillwalker missing on Skye since Tuesday evening. The Police have said they will not release his name until a formal identification has been made. The missing man, who is understood to have been in his 60's, was reported overdue by a member of his family on Tuesday. He had been walking in Coire Ghrunnda in the Skye Cuillin. The search and rescue operation, which was co-ordinated by the Police, involved the Skye Mountain Rescue Team, search and rescue dogs, and RAF and Coastguard helicopters.