The Scottish Midge Forecast has relaunched for its' ninth season, mapping midge levels across Scotland to help people plan their outdoor activities. Using a set of algorithms relating midge activity to a variety of environmental and seasonal factors, the forecast is supported by live catch data from a network midge traps operated by volunteers across the country. The Midge Forecast says, “Since it was first trialled in 2004, the midge forecasting system has proven to be as accurate as other established forecasts such sun and pollen indexes. “As the forecast uses historical midge catch data – which is continuously verified…

No further avalanche forecasts are expected to be issued for Southern Cairngorms, Glencoe, Creag Meagaidh, Lochaber and Northern Cairngorms. The Sports Scotland Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) has been issuing weekend forecasts for these mountain areas since the daily service stopped. SAIS says, “We will continue to monitor weather and,snowpack conditions and recommend the following: “Avalanche hazard considerations should always be part of any winter hill goers daily plans and we would recommend that climbers, walkers and off-piste skiers currently venturing into the hills, continue to note snow and weather conditions in respect of any potential avalanche hazard. Be prepared to…

The Strathspey town of Kingussie will be hosting a mini walking festival later this month. The Highland settlement, which prides itself on the number of small festivals which take place throughout the year, is planning an evening of speaker on Friday 17 May followed by a choice of seven walks of differing lengths the following day. Friday 17 May, 7.30 pm Talla Nan Ros, Kingussie, Talk the Walks An evening listening to speakers talk about Kingussie’s footpath network, historical sites, settlements and routes Saturday 18 May, 10am Ardvonie Park, Kingussie, Walk the Talks The organisers invite you to celebrate Kingussie’s…