The UK Government has announced that the 24 Scottish mountain rescue teams will share an extra £68,000 this year. The announcement follows vigorous campaigning to make Mountain Rescue exempt from VAT. This has not happened but instead Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey MP, said a total of £200,000 extra money would be split between all the UK mountain and cave rescue services which are affiliated to national bodies. Three more years of grants are expected.
Boozy Shag produces chicks
Scottish Natural Heritage staff are delighted to reveal that a seabird on their Isle of May reserve, which could have potentially died earlier in the year, has produced chicks for the ninth year running. The Isle of May National Nature reserve has a population of about 500 breeding pairs of shags during the summer. The striking dark emerald green breeding plumage of these seabirds distinguishes them from the similar cormorant. In April this year an SNH volunteer alerted SNH reserve staff to one of the shags at the south end of the island. The bird had a plastic beer can…
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Posted in Nature
Cowal Walking and Arts Festival line up announced
Plans are well underway for Cowalfest 2011 which takes place this year from Friday 7th October until Sunday 16th October. The main attraction of the programme is a wide range of walks offering something for all ages, all levels of fitness and interests whether you’re a hardy hill walker, a heritage buff, a family group, a wildlife fan or someone who likes to be busy and learn new skills on holiday, you’ll find a wealth of walks and events to fill your days and evenings during Cowalfest. Those who want a little less activity can simply relax and enjoy the…
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Posted in News
REVIEW: A year in the life of the Cairngorms by Chris Townsend
A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE CAIRNGORMS is a photographic journey through the four seasons of the Cairngorms, from the pinewoods to the plateau as seen through the lens of Chris Townsend. Chris is a life-long outdoors enthusiast and long distance backpacker, and has lived on the fringes of this remarkable wild landscape for many years. He has vast experience of walking, skiing and camping out on these mountains in all seasons – there could be few who have come to know these hills so intimately. The result is a book with a wealth of photos that capture the…
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Posted in Books, Gear reviews
Mountain body celebrates safety record
The organisation representing mountaineers and climbers in Scotland has issued its annual report for 2011. In it, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) celebrates the lowest annual number of mountain rescue incidents but raises concerns about the future for wild landscape, particularly the issue of windfarms. The report has been published ahead of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in Dunblane on Saturday 3rd September. The 2011 report highlights successes in the following areas: – Membership growth to over 11,000. – A record 1,379 people attended MCofS courses and lectures as a result of the Mountain Safety Programme. – Scottish athletes…
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Posted in News
Last chance to win case of organic beer
Walkhighlands has a mixed case of 20x500ml bottles of organic beer to give away, to celebrate the opening of the brand new brewery building at the Black Isle Brewery. However you need to hurry to get your entry in as the competition ends on Sunday 31 July. The Black Isle Brewing Company is a small intensely independent organic brewery in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Its mission is to produce a range of top quality organic beers packaged in recycled materials. The barley and hops used are grown on organic farms, without artificial fertilisers or herbicides. The folks at…
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Posted in Walkhighlands news
Cows return to Cow Hill
Cow Hill above Fort William could soon see the return of Black Grouse, thanks to the intervention of Lochaber Forest District’s Highland Cattle herd. Acquired by Forestry Commission Scotland in 2001, the site has benefited from new paths to improve access and is the home of a local allotment project. The addition of six cattle to the site is expected to have a significant impact on the local biodiversity. Kenneth Knott, Environment Forester for the Commission’s Lochaber team, said: “Using cattle to carry out work on sites such as Cow Hill, is a great way to improve the landscape and…
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Posted in Nature
Isle of Harris Mountain Festival
The Isle of Harris Mountain Festival is a new and exciting week long event featuring guided walks, photographic workshops, sea kayaking, the Harris Five Peaks Challenge, a ceilidh, films, talks and more. The Festival will run from 24 September to 1 October. Festival organisers say, “This is an opportunity to explore the spectacular landscapes of Harris where seas and mountains meet. The interior of North and South Harris encompass some of the largest un-roaded areas of wild land in Scotland, offering limitless possibilities for walking and exploring. Harris has an extensive path network with around 45 miles of path. North…
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Posted in News
Walkhighlands members in Nature of Farming final
Walkhighlands self-catering advertising members, Somerset and Carolyne Charrington have reached the final shortlist of four farms competing for a prestigious environmental farming award. The RSPB Telegraph Nature of Farming Award celebrates the fantastic work farmers are already doing for wildlife, with a top prize of £1,000 for the very best. The Charringtons who run a 750ha upland livestock farm at Treshnish on the Isle of Mull have taken to heart the need to manage the land in tune with nature whilst ensuring it provides a sustainable business. Their farm lies on some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on Mull…
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Posted in Nature, Walkhighlands news
Cairn Gorm parking charges
Parking charges look set to be on their way for skiers, visitors, and walkers and climbers at the main car park on Cairn Gorm. CairnGorm Mountain, which runs the ski centre and funicular railway, is planning to install 6 stone boxes to collect car parking fees for the Coire Cas car park. The charges will be voluntary in the first instance with the aim being to introduce compulsory charging if the scheme is successful. CairnGorm Mountain says it will use the money to help pay for improved visitor information and footpath repairs. It is understood that car park donations will…
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