Ramblers Scotland is calling on the outdoors community to unite to save globally-protected Highland dunes that are once again at risk of becoming a golf course. The walking charity is “shocked and extremely concerned” that developers have applied to build an 18-hole course at Coul Links, near Embo, just three years after the Scottish Government blocked a similar application.   Ramblers Scotland has a launched a petition against the controversial new bid.   The latest plans would permanently transform Coul Links, harming the natural landscape, access and the experience for people trying to enjoy its tranquil dunes.  Seven holes would cross the John o’ Groats…

Glasgow woman Zahrah Mahmood – known as ‘The Hillwalking Hijabi on Instagram – has today been named the new president of walking charity Ramblers Scotland. The 31-year-old chartered accountant is well known for championing diversity in the outdoors and climbing hills wearing her hijab head covering. She was interviewed on Walkhighlands in 2020. Zahrah, a Muslim woman of South Asian heritage, hopes to use the high-profile honorary role to break down barriers and encourage greater representation within the walking community. Zahrah said: “I feel honoured to be appointed to the role of president. I have high hopes for my appointment…

Organisers of the Fort William Mountain Festival are delighted to announce that Stephanie McKenna (22) from Fort William, an inspirational campaigner who works tirelessly to empower members of the Lochaber community to engage with nature, the environment and outdoor activities, is the ninth recipient of The Scottish Youth Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture, sponsored by UHI West Highland. The festival’s youth ambassador award, established in 2015, celebrates adventurous young people, the landscapes they choose to explore and the outdoor pursuits in which they excel.  The young winner needs to have shown resilience and determination to succeed within their chosen area of expertise, shown…

Organisers of The Fort William Mountain Festival have announced that David Whalley, one of the UK’s most experienced mountain rescue experts, whose distinguished service at the forefront of mountain rescue and mountain safety education in Scotland has spanned more than 40 years, is the 16th recipient of the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture, sponsored by JAHAMA Highland Estates. David Whalley known to most by his nickname, Heavy, was a member of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Mountain Rescue Service for 37 years.  The team’s primary task was to attend to aircraft crashes, whilst training in the mountains all over Scotland.  He was Team…