John Muir Trust says Xmas used to bury wind farm news

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Helen Webster

The John Muir Trust (JMT), the UK's leading wild land conservation charity, is dismayed to see that another festive season has been used by the Scottish Government to bury bad news. The Trust notes that the announcement post-Christmas, of approval of the East extension to the Muaitheabhal wind farm in South Lewis potentially brings further destruction to one of the UK’s best wild land areas. Helen McDade, head of policy for the JMT, said, “This approval comes before a sod has been turned on the original site. If developers can come back after the whole planning process, including a Public…

Posted in Nature

Kyle to Lochcarron road still closed

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Helen Webster

A further rockfall means that the A890 between Lochcarron and Kyle will remain closed indefinitely. More than 100 tonnes of rock came loose from the hillside above the road and blocked the road near the tunnel opposite Lochcarron on 22 December. Repairs had meant that the road was about to open when a further rockfall on 30 December blocked the raod again. Highland Council now say the road will be shut indefinitely while work is undertaken and that drivers should check Traffic Scotland for updates. This section of road has suffered from numerous landslips and major work to stablise the…

Posted in Access issues

New Deer Code places more responsibility on land managers

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Helen Webster

A new Scottish deer code comes into effect this month, with a focus on cooperative and voluntary deer management across the country. The code, developed by Scottish Natural Heritage, is aimed at anyone involved in deer management, including lowland tenant farmers, recreational stalkers, crofters and upland deer managers. As part of the Wildlife and Natural Environment (WANE) bill passed by the Scottish Government, the deer code sets out how those who have deer on their land can deliver sustainable deer management. The code puts new responsibilities on land managers and helps to identify what they must, should or could do…

Posted in Access issues, Nature

Personal Locator Beacons legalised for hillwalkers

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Helen Webster

Hillwalkers and climbers will be able to legally carry Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) from 12 January following a change in UK regulations. Previously the devices, which send out a distress signal identifying the user’s exact location when activated, could only be licensed for use on boats and planes. Some mountain rescuers have expressed concern following a potential rise in call outs from PLBs because the devices do not allow two way communication so there is no way for the rescue services to check whether the device has been activated in a genuine emergency and therefore allowing the call to be…

Posted in News

Artworks planned for John O'Groats paths

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Helen Webster

Artworks are to be installed on coastal paths near John O'Groats as part of a wider plan to revamp the town. Imaginatively called Path, the scheme will cost £15,000 and is being funded by Highlands and Islands Entreprise (HIE). HIE is calling for artists to submit proposals for permanent artworks as part of a plan to invest £6m in the area. In June the crumbling Hotel was painted with murals as a temporary measure prior to the re-development. The Path project will start in May 2012. Nick Scroggie, from HIE, told the BBC that it was hoped to make the…

Posted in News

Win £100 outdoor gear with Walkhighlands

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Helen Webster

To celebrate the start of 2012, Walkhighlands is giving away a rucksack and sleeping bag worth £100 to one lucky visitor. The Echo 400+ sleeping bag is rated at 4+ seasons, whilst the Summit 25 rucksack has been designed for the hillwalker. The prize has been provided by Highlander, a Scottish based company specialising in the manufacture and design of camping and outdoor equipment. With over 25 years experience, the company is still a family owned business with products ranging from sleeping bags, tents, camping furniture & accessories to waterproofs, walking poles,gaiters, socks and footwear to lightweight sleeping bags, insect…

Posted in Walkhighlands news

Fort William Mountain Festival line up announced

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Helen Webster

The line up for the 2012 Fort William Mountain Festival in Lochaber has been announced and includes Artic explorer Bob Shepton and downhill mountain biker Steve Peat. The festival kicks off with an evening launch on Wednesday 15 February and runs until Sunday 19, closing with the Best of Banff World Tour films. The winner of the 2012 Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture will be announced during the festival and there is also a film competition. For tickets and more information see the Festival website. To browse and book accommodation in Fort William and the surrounding area see…

Posted in News

Mountain lecture series kicks off in Aviemore 28 December

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Helen Webster

The first of this winter’s free Mountain Safety Lectures will take place this Wednesday (28 December) at Aviemore’s Mountain Cafe. Simon Steer, the deputy team leader from the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team is the first of a series guest speakers taking part in this year’s lectures organised by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS). A spokesman for the MCofS said, “Simon’s entertaining anecdotes; combined with a meal prepared by Kirsten at the Mountain Cafe provides the perfect combination for a great night out. Please note if you would like a meal, book early on 01479 812473 to avoid disapointment. Meals…

Posted in News

Happy Christmas from Walkhighlands

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Helen Webster

Posted in Walkhighlands news

Lochcarron to Kyle road closed

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Helen Webster

A massive rockfall has caused the closure of the A890 between Lochcarron and Kyle of Lochalsh. Highland Council says that the road will remain closed on for the rest of Friday 23 December and is likely to be closed on Christmas Eve. The Council says every effort will be made to have the route open on Christmas Day. The nearby railway line is unaffected. More than 100 tonnes of rock came loose from the hillside above the road and has blocked the road near the tunnel opposite Lochcarron. This section of road has suffered from numerous landslips and major work…

Posted in Access issues