Nature

Scottish government announces new controls on hilltracks

Posted on August 20, 2014 by Paul Webster

The Scottish countryside will receive extra protection from hilltracks through new planning controls, Local Government and Planning Minister Derek Mackay has announced. Through the introduction of a prior notification and approval process, planning authorities will be able to consider how proposed tracks will impact on the environment and intervene to ensure that design, siting and appearance are acceptable. Hilltracks for any other purpose will continue to require full planning consent. The requirements will be introduced across the country later in the year, and will be an extension of existing prior notifications under Class 18 agriculture and Class 22 forestry which…

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Cattle are key to new Trossachs woodland

Posted on August 16, 2014 by Helen Webster

A herd of Luing cattle is helping to speed up natural regeneration of woodland in the Trossachs. The cattle have been given access to a large area of newly established native woodland on the Woodland Trust’s Glen Finglas estate for the first time since it was planted fifteen years ago. They cause minimal damage to the young trees and their hooves are perfect for breaking up ground, allowing seeds to take root. They also help maintain healthy ground flora by grazing on coarse grasses and trampling bracken to keep them in check. This process can help to reduce the risk…

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Final appeal made to John Swinney over Monadhliath

Posted on August 15, 2014 by Paul Webster

Wind farm developers and power companies are on the verge of completely strangling a celebrated area of Highland beauty, according to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, which represents Scotland’s mountaineers and hillwalkers. “The Scottish Government has now given permission to so many huge commercial developments in the Monadhliath Mountains that the quality of their landscape and value as a destination for walkers, climbers and other visitors will be destroyed.” If consented by the Highland Council, Coriolis Energy’s recent application for the Dell wind farm at Whitebridge would place a further 13 turbines along the western side of the Monadhliath. Together…

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Black Isle bird of prey death toll rises

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Helen Webster

The number of legally protected birds of prey killed as a result of the mass poisoning on the Black Isle, near Inverness, has risen to 16. Police have also confirmed that they were illegally poisoned using a banned substance which the Police are not naming at the moment. Toxicology tests on the remaining six birds, four red kites and two buzzards, found dead in and around the Conon Bridge area are continuing. The total reward being offered for information on one of Scotland’s worst raptor poisoning incidents has now risen to over £32,000, including a £12,000 donation from a group…

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Glen Etive – is it being spoiled by partygoers?

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Cameron McNeish

IT’S one of Scotland’s finest glens, the gateway to some of the best hills in the Central Highlands and a place that was close to the heart of a Celtic princess. Glen Etive has been one of my favourite Scottish glens, ever since I discovered the story of Deirdre of the Sorrows, a first century Pictish princess who was betrothed to the High King of Ulster before fleeing to Scotland and Etive-side with her lover, Naoise, one of the Three Sons of Uisneach. Celtic tales tell of her love of these hills, and of her heartbreak at having to leave…

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Lottery grant will repair 41 upland paths

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Helen Webster

A project which brings together Scotland's two National Park Authorities to address the serious threat of erosion to paths has been given a major boost with the Heritage Lottery Fund today announcing an initial grant of £3.28m. From the high mountains and straths of the Cairngorms to the lochs and woodlands of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland’s National Parks encompass some of the country’s most iconic landscapes, vital for their contribution to tourism and the wider economy, as well as for the health and social benefits of the millions of people that enjoy them. However, their popularity combined with…

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Sharks, whales and dolphins could benefit from more marine protected areas

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Helen Webster

In addition to the 30 marine protected areas (MPAs) in Scottish waters announced last week, a further four sites could benefit species of whales, dolphins and sharks. This is according to a new report by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). The report follows the announcement of 30 MPAs by Scottish Environment Secretary, Richard Lochhead resulting from the public consultation which saw 99% of respondents in favour of an MPA network around Scotland. After further research, SNH has published advice on a further four MPA proposals for Minke whales, Risso’s dolphins and basking sharks, species which are not included in the suite…

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John Muir Trust and local businesses condemn Rannoch windfarm plans

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Paul Webster

The John Muir Trust has urged Highland Perthshire residents and visitors to object to a major wind farm on the Talladh-a-Bheithe estate between Loch Rannoch and Loch Ericht. As well as being located in the heart the Wild Land Area Rannoch-Nevis-Mamores-Alder, the 24-turbines each 125 metres high, would be visible from over 30 Munros and Corbetts, the iconic West Highland Railway line and the A82 – the main tourist route through the West Highlands. The Trust is set to submit its own detailed objection to both Perth and Kinross Council and the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents and Deployment Unit (ECDU).…

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Wonder of Sea Eagles revealed in Fife

Posted on July 21, 2014 by Helen Webster

A programme of activities to encourage more people to come and watch magnificent white-tailed sea eagles in Fife forests was launched today (Monday 21 July 2014). The latest stage in a long-running collaboration between RSPB Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, the programme highlights the success of the species since it was re-introduced to Scotland. RSPB Scotland’s Rhian Evans, who has played a key role in the reintroduction programme said; “Persecution wiped sea eagles off the UK map almost 100 years ago but they’re now back – and doing remarkably well, with three breeding attempts in east and…

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Wildcat haven to be set up in Ardnamurchan

Posted on July 19, 2014 by Helen Webster

Work is currently underway to establish a haven for the Scottish wildcat in a remote location on the Ardnamurchan peninsula. The idea is to encourage breeding of the pure wildcat, which is on the verge of extinction, by neutering local feral domestic cats to prevent them breeding with the wildcats. The project, which covers an area of 250 square miles, is being run by scientist Dr Paul O’Donoghue and the Aspinall Foundation who took over from the Scottish Wildcat Association (SWA) last year. Dr O’Donoghue told the BBC Radio that the animals had the best chance of surviving in the…

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