Loch Lomond camping ban approved

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Helen Webster

New by-laws to ban camping in specific areas of east Loch Lomondside have been approved by the National Park. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park approved the proposal following a public consultation. Various groups such as Ramblers Scotland and angler’s associations had opposed the ban. The consultation report showed that 60% of those who responded were in favour of introducing a “restricted zone” from Drymen to Rowardennan where no camping can take place other than at formally designated sites or existing commercial sites. Under the byelaws, it will be an offence to camp in tents or similar shelters within…

Posted in Access issues, News

Hill Tracks development rules to be reviewed

Posted on June 22, 2010 by Helen Webster

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) reports that Dave Thompson MSP has announced a review by the Scottish Government of the planning rules surrounding hill tracks. Currently many such tracks do not require planning permission as they are deemed to be “permitted development” in the same way that many garden sheds and larger agricultural buildings do not need permission. There has been a long running campaign to impose tougher regulations on hill tracks, many of which are seen by conservation and access groups as damaging to the environment. The MCofS as well as Ramblers Scotland have been actively campaigning for…

Posted in Nature, News

Loch of the Lowes Osprey fights for survival

Posted on June 21, 2010 by Helen Webster

Fears are mounting for the future survival of the UK’s oldest breeding female osprey. The 25-year-old bird, which has significantly outstripped the average eight-year lifespan of an osprey, began showing signs of poor health last Friday night (18 June) and continued to decline over the weekend as it became unable to open its eyes, stand over its chicks, and stopped eating. The bird had astounded wildlife experts when it returned to the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of the Lowes Wildlife Reserve for the 20th consecutive year this March. As the demise was watched by Scottish Wildlife Trust staff along with…

Posted in Nature

Rescue service privatisation scrapped

Posted on June 20, 2010 by Helen Webster

As part of the coalition Government’s budget cuts, the privatisation plans for search and rescue services (SAR) will not now go ahead. This means that the planned transfer of (SAR) from HMS Gannet in Prestwick to Glasgow Airport and the replacement of the ageing Sea Kings with new search and rescue helicopters to be run by a private consortium has been put on hold. The Treasury has announced a review of the privatisation of SAR operations across the UK which was signed off by the previous Labour government. A private consortium, Soteria, had been appointed to take over SAR operations…

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Steall Bridge to be repaired

Posted on June 19, 2010 by Helen Webster

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland has announced that plans are in hand to repair the wire bridge over the Water of Nevis at Steall, Glen Nevis. The bridge has been closed since one its cables snapped on Wednesday 26 May. The bridge links the Glen Nevis property, owned by the John Muir Trust, with land owned by Rio Tinto Alcan. As soon as a date is known for the bridge’s re-opening, it will be announced here.

Posted in Access issues

Luxury Rannoch resort plans turned down

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Helen Webster

Plans for a massive luxury resort at Dall on the shores of Loch Rannoch have been turned down by Perth and Kinross Council. The development, which was to have been for private members only, would have consisted of two 18 hole golf courses, a luxury hotel and shopping complex and houses, as well as a five storey, fake broch emerging from the Loch itself. The proposals were said to be costed at £1.3 billion, with estimates that members would pay an average of £14,000 for a night’s stay and a yearly £2 million membership fee. Perth and Kinross Council voted…

Posted in Access issues, Nature

Disappointment with Hill Tracks outcome

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Helen Webster

The two MSPs behind the campaign for more regulation of hill tracks have expressed disappointment at the outcome of the recent Holyrood debate on the subject. Peter Peacock and Sarah Boyack were behind a campaign backed by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and Ramblers Scotland to introduce planning controls for new hill tracks and electrified deer fences. A petition was organised and a debate at the Scottish Parliament took place on June 9th. However the two MSPs say that the Minister’s response to the debate was disappointing. In a statement the two MSPs said, “While there was a recognition about…

Posted in Access issues, Nature, News

Small Isles placed on dragon alert

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Helen Webster

Visitors to Rum and the Small Isles over the summer are being asked to help track large carnivorous flying insects which have evolved on the islands over the past 300 million years. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is calling on island hoppers to help the British Dragonfly Society (BDS) complete its first survey of dragonflies in the area by reporting any encounters with the giant insects during their visits. Coinciding with National Dragonfly Week (June 19-27), SNH is promoting a new publication ‘Dragonflies of the Small Isles’ as a local guide for sightings of these spectacular insects in the area. Funded…

Posted in Nature

Cairngorms navigation courses

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Helen Webster

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) is offering the chance for walkers to brush up on their navigation skills in a series of one day courses being held in Strathspey and Braemar. Whilst the £25 courses to be held in September, are already booked up in Edinburgh and Glasgow, a few places remain on the days in Strathspey (11th and 12th September) and Braemar (25th and 26th September). Open to all, the courses will be run by Heather Morning, the Mountain Safety Adviser and will give a gentle introduction to navigation theory followed by a practical session on the hill.…

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New Coast to Coast race seeks entries

Posted on June 9, 2010 by Helen Webster

A new two-day challenge involving running, cycling and kayaking 109 miles across the Highlands is set to take place this September. The Nokia Coast to Coast will take competitors from Nairn in the east to Ballachulish in the west of Scotland. The race, which will take place on 18 and 19 September, will feature stages around Loch Ness and Ben Nevis. It is open to individuals and pairs of racers. Double Olympic gold medal rower James Cracknell has reviewed the route on the organisers’ behalf. He said: “The natural assets of the region, coupled with its fascinating human history and…

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