The two MSPs behind the campaign for more regulation of hill tracks have expressed disappointment at the outcome of the recent Holyrood debate on the subject. Peter Peacock and Sarah Boyack were behind a campaign backed by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and Ramblers Scotland to introduce planning controls for new hill tracks and electrified deer fences. A petition was organised and a debate at the Scottish Parliament took place on June 9th. However the two MSPs say that the Minister’s response to the debate was disappointing. In a statement the two MSPs said, “While there was a recognition about…

The Scottish Government will today (Thurs June 9th) debate whether new hill tracks and electrified deer fences should require planning permission. The debate at Holyrood will take place just after 5pm today and you can watch a live feed at this link. The debate was secured by Labour MSP Peter Peacock following concerns raised by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and Ramblers Scotland about the number of bulldozed hill tracks appearing in the Scottish uplands, particularly in the Highlands. The MSP for Highlands and Islands said the tracks could be constructed without planning consent when justified as being for agricultural,…

Following the closure of the Ben Lawers Visitor Centre last year, the National Trust for Scotland has announced plans for new facilities together with the relocation of the car park at the site. Plans for the removal of the existing Mountain Visitor Centre have already been lodged with Perth and Kinross Council. The existing building was built on lower slopes of National Nature Reserve in the early 1970s to interpret the important features of the site and encourage thousands of visitors during the summer to minimise their impact. After decades of exposure to the elements, the NTS says that the…