With its application for a zoo licence pending, Alladale Estate has come under fire with local Highland Council Access Officer Matt Dent objecting to the renewal of its current licence under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act.
According to the Press and Journal, Mr Dent’s objection concerns the obstruction of access rights by the current scheme, following a complaint sent to Mr Dent by a mountaineer who had difficulty in descending from the hills past the enclosures.
The Mountaineering Council of Scotland’s access and conservation officer Hebe Carus told the P&J “It’s an important mountaineering area as the ridge on which the enclosures are on give access to a Corbett and some very good ground for hill walkers.
“Our members are also concerned about possible future expansion and plans for ever larger enclosures which we fear could end up with an application to remove access rights to the estate.”
However the renewal of the dangerous animals consent has been recommended for approval by Highland Council’s Environmental Health manager Chris Rattar. The decision on the renewal of the existing licence will be made at a meeting on Monday in Helmsdale.