One of the highest impacts on wildness reported to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) is continued construction of new hill tracks. Ugly and environmentally damaging hill tracks are built every year with no requirement that they are considered through the planning system. Beautiful wild areas, appreciated by Scotland’s residents and visitors, are being blighted by these uncontrolled eyesores. The national importance of this has finally come to the notice of the Scottish Parliament. Peter Peacock MSP – following discussions with MCofS Access and Conservation Officer Hebe Carus – raised the issue at Parliamentary Questions in response to Hebe’s highlighting…

The largest charity organisation dedicated to the protection of Scottish wildlife has called for starving deer to be culled across Scotland. Calling for an extension of the stalking season of female deer which ended earlier last month (15 February) in line with current legislation (Deer (Scotland) Act 1996), the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) today claimed that culling starving animals which are battling to survive through harsh winter conditions, would prevent inhumane suffering as well as helping to halt further damage to Scotland’s environment. Simon Milne, SWT’s Chief Executive, explained: “We are a wildlife protection charity calling for more deer to…

SAIS Avalanche Hazard Statement 26 February 2010 There will be a high avalanche hazard in all of the mountain areas of Scotland for the start of the weekend- in particular on slopes that are to the lee of the prevailing wind which is forecasted to remain strong North-East to Easterly. Therefore slopes that face South -South-West, West, North-West and Northerly mainly above 400 m will be affected with very unstable windslab . Slopes of moderate steepness are currently unstable ( over 15 degrees) Natural avalanches will occur and attention should be given to avalanche runout zones in corries and glens.…

The tragic accident on Buachaille Etive Mor yesterday is being followed by large snowfalls forecast across much of the Highlands. Some of this snow is falling onto a layer of surface hoar which can lead to a very high risk of avalanches. We would urge all walkers planning to take to the hills to take heed of the latest forecasts from the Scottish Avalanche Information service. The forecasts for today (Thursday) include a high risk on slope aspects ranging from north through west to south in all areas. You can access their forecasts via this link. Take care.