The Mountain Weather Information Service will now revise it’s forecasts at 13:30 daily rather than 16:30. This seasonal change is made every year to help hill-goers plan their activities. Minor revisions to the forecasts will continue to be made throughout the day and particularly at around 7:30 so its always worth checking the current forecast at the MWIS website or via their phone forecast service.

Historic Scotland is once again offering free admission to its properties over the St Andrew’s Day weekend. The free weekend runs from Saturday 27 November to Tuesday 30 November. Highlights include Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness, Huntly Castle (pictured), Skara Brae on Orkney and Iona Abbey. Many of the properties can be combined with a local walk found on Walkhighlands for example why not visit Huntly Castle and take in this circular walk along the River Deveron? The participating properties are: Aberdour Castle ·Arbroath Abbey ·Arnol Blackhouse (not open on 28th November, Sunday) ·Blackness Castle ·Bothwell Castle ·Caerlaverock Castle ·Cardoness…

Following the tragic death of one walker and the serious injury of another from a bull attack in Nottinghamshire the Ramblers has issued advice for those walking near livestock and have suggested the need to look again at legislation allowing bulls in fields with public footpaths/access. Attacks by animals are extremely rare but do take place. The Ramblers advises its members and the public to be prepared for animals to react to their presence, especially if a dog is present. It advises the public to walk carefully and quietly near livestock and to close gates when walking through fields containing…

2010 is the centenary of the birth of the poet Norman MacCaig, who wrote much of his best-loved poems about the north-west Highlands, especially Assynt. The local community remembers Norman well, as he and his family were welcome visitors every summer for decades, and this week have organised a special celebration in his honour. The stella line-up includes Glasgow’s poet laureate, Liz Lochhead, literary editor and writer Alan Taylor, harpist Wendy Stewart, poet and literature professor Alan Riach and the painter of the masterpiece, ‘Poets’ Pub’, Sandy Moffat. The winners of the Norman MacCaig Poetry Competition will also be announced…

The independent hostel at Cannich, Glen Affric Backpackers has closed down. The hostel which was adjacent to the old SYHA hostel and housed in old army camp buildings was popular with groups and individuals wanting a budget base in such a prime walking location.

Shoppers in Inverness have the chance to receive a 15% discount at Tiso Outdoor Experience when they join the John Muir Trust this Saturday, 30 October. Members and staff of the John Muir Trust will be in the High Street store to tell customers more about the Trust, which is the UK’s leading wild land charity. The Trust is also offering half price membership for people who join on the day. Andy Bluefield, John Muir Trust team coordinator said: “Tiso shares our passion for wild land and wild places. I hope people will take advantage of this great opportunity to…

Police have confirmed that the body found on Beinn Fhada near Morvich on 10 October was that of missing walker Stewart Sutherland. Stewart went missing while staying at the Great Glen Water Park on 20 September, his car was later found at a car park near Morvich and extensive searches took place to find him.