Next week, outdoor enthusiasts are invited to join the Ranger at the National Trust for Scotland’s Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve, near Moffat, to learn how to navigate in the mountains. Knowing how to navigate with a map and compass is an essential skill for those who want to explore the hills safely, so this is the ideal opportunity to learn from the mountain leader qualified expert. Senior Ranger Richard Clarkson said, “Come along and learn new skills whilst exploring the stunning landscapes of the Grey Mare’s Tail safely – under expert guidance. Bring a map – either Landranger sheet…

Celebrations are planned for Saturday 11 September to coincide with the official opening of the new finish point for Scotland’s most famous long distance walk. Walkers are being invited to take part in a ‘last mile’ walk from the old end point to the new finish in Fort William’s main square. The 96-mile long distance route from Milngavie on the outskirts of Glasgow to Fort William ended at the busy roundabout at the entrance to Glen Nevis. The finish features sculptures and a seating area which is already proving popular with walkers, tourists and locals. The works, which include a…

Clubs and individuals can now apply for one-off grants from the Mars Refuel Drink Fund. Mars says that the fund has helped over 10,000 individuals and sports clubs with donations for specific activities, projects or equipment. Stirling University Mountaineering Club received funding from Mars. The club has an active membership who regularly attend climbs and expeditions, which means it is essential that qualified leaders are present. Sven Leman, club president, told Mars, “We are absolutely thrilled about our donation as it means we can afford to send 10 members on a first aid course specifically tailored towards mountainside incidents. Once…

More than 100 people are expected to step out for the 2010 TanaLonga, a new 8km gastro ramble which leads walkers through the beautiful Glen Tanar Estate in Royal Deeside. Organised by Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms Destination Management Organisation, the route takes in some of the most stunning beauty spots in the area and includes four mouth-watering food stops along the way. During the day walkers will stumble upon a number of historic sites, including the Chapel of St Lesmo and Victoria’s Fountain, while indulging in the finest local produce Deeside has to offer. To bring the TanaLonga experience…

The epic journey across Britain being undertaken for the BBC’s Secret Britain series comes north of the border on Sunday’s programme as Julia Bradbury and Matt Baker explore Glencoe, Corrour and the Uists. Matt will take the West Highland line to Corrour, Britain’s most remote railway station and the starting point for a number of hill and long distance through routes. Julia will be in Glencoe exploring the Lost Valley (Coire Gabhail) and finding out about the history of the area. The programme is broadcast on BBC 1 on Sunday 5 September at 9pm and will also be available on…

Police are warning walkers and other members of the public after two sightings of a large panther type cat in Easter Ross and Sutherland. The latest animal was seen by a member of the public walking between Dornoch Caravan Park and the greenkeeper’s shed at Dornoch Golf Club on Saturday morning. Police are advising members of the public not to approach the animal if they come across it and report any sightings to their nearest Police station. The sighting is the second in area in the past week. Another member of the public spotted what they described as a “very…

People visiting Scotland’s beaches are being urged by the National Trust for Scotland to look out for a tiny wooden mailboat which was launched from St Kilda yesterday (Sunday 29 August) to mark the 80th anniversary of the evacuation of the islands. Staff from the conservation charity say the vessel, which is similar to those used by St Kildans in the past to communicate with the outside world, could wash up anywhere almost anywhere on the coastlines of Scotland or Scandinavia. “We suspect the boat is likely to turn up somewhere in the Western Isles,” said Susan Bain, who manages…