A local councillor in Badenoch and Strathspey has expressed concern at the prospect of another new line of pylons over the Monadhliath. Cllr Gregor Rimmel told the Strathspey and Badenoch Herald newspaper that “I know it’s still early but alarm bells are already ringing over the prospect of a line of pylons from Creag Meagaidh – pylons the same size as the old Drumochter towers – further desecrating the previously unspoilt area towards Laggan. It’s not just the line, it’s the sub-station which it involves and that could be a 10-acre metal kit-and-kaboodle plant bang in the middle of our…

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland has said that the debate around the referendum on Scottish Independence has so far shed little light on what is in store for the country’s remaining wild landscapes. The body – which represents Scotlands’ mountaineers and hillwalkers – has called on both sides in the referendum for answers about the future of our threatened wild lands and mountains. The outcome will have far reaching implications for the land as well as the people of Scotland, and the MCofS believes that this needs to be at the forefront of discussions. The MCofS has set out five…

Some species of seabirds have had their most successful breeding seasons for a decade, reports the National Trust for Scotland. Dr Richard Luxmoore, the conservation charity's Senior Nature Conservation Adviser said: “Many seabirds have experienced a good breeding season at colonies in the west of Scotland. After several years of bad news it is encouraging to be able to report that several species have had their best season in 10 years.” The National Trust for Scotland’s studies on their property at Mingulay, showed that there were 1642 pairs of Kittiwakes trying to nest, up 46 per cent since last year.…

A team of scientists and mountaineers have made new discoveries on the highest mountain in the British Isles. Over the past two weeks, Ben Nevis has been the site of one of the most extensive and logistically challenging surveys to have taken place on a Scottish mountain. Project Manager, Tristan Semple of the Nevis Landscape Partnership, said “it has been a real privilege to add to the scientific understanding of our most iconic national landmark. The multi-disciplinary team of experts have been abseiling hundreds of metres down cliff faces and using new technology to uncover some of the mountain’s remaining…