The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) YouTube Channel reached the 100,000 downloads mark this week. The MCofS channel on YouTube is a great place to find useful information, especially on issues relating to mountain safety. Three video clips in particular have achieved a phenomenal number of downloads. These are: “Crevasse rescue” (39,000), “Roping up for glaciers” (30,000) and “Ice axe self arrest” (23,700). However, the MCofS channel doesn’t just contain videos about winter safety. Videos about aspects of year-round mountain safety include “Water hazards in the mountains”, “When lightning strikes” and “Ticks”. MCofS Mountaineering Development Officer, Kevin Howett, said: “Our…

A new timetabled water bus service means that visitors will now be able to arrive by train and set sail to some of the most scenic towns, villages and beauty spots around Loch Lomond. Following a successful pilot last year, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park has supported the introduction of daily scheduled services that take in 12 destinations covering south, east, west and north of the Loch. Only 45 minutes from Glasgow, people can now leave their car at home and take ScotRail train services to Balloch or Tarbet stations to catch a boat to places rich in…

The historic Invergarry footbridge over the River Garry, cited as an important early example from the “pioneering” days of steel in construction, has been saved from collapse by Forestry Commission Scotland. The elegant, B-listed bridge spans 60m over the dramatic River Garry and has been a feature in the landscape ever since it was constructed in 1892. However, the worst ravages of the Scottish weather had taken its toll and some of the steel trusses were badly corroded and the bridge had been shut for over two years. Kenneth Knott, the Environment Forester for Lochaber Forest District, said: “The bridge…

With less than a week to go before new laws come into effect along the shores at east Loch Lomond, the National Park Authority is warning walkers that they could face a £500 fine if they camp in breach of the new rules. The new byelaws come into force on 1 June and apply to the area running from Drymen to Rowardennan (approximately 9 miles) which includes part of the West Highland Way and the shoreline of the loch. Under the new byelaws, it will be an offence to camp anywhere in the restricted zone outside designated camping areas. The…