4000’ers MRT fundraiser Michael Tunney to appear on TV

Posted on August 16, 2009 by Helen Webster

Michael Tunney, who has been raising money over the summer for Mountain Rescue and the Police treatment centre that helped him to walk again following a mountain fall, is due to appear on STV’s The Hour on Monday 16 August 5 – 6pm. Michael, known as Bio-man to Walkhighlands’ Forum members, nearly died after a horrific mountain fall. He will recount the exciting tale and also talk about his efforts to raise £30,000 by climbing the Scottish peaks over 4000 feet this summer. Not only did Michael complete this gruelling challenge, just weeks after being warned by doctors that it…

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Pressendye wind farm likely to be rejected

Posted on August 14, 2009 by Helen Webster

Planning officials at Aberdeenshire Council are recommending the refusal of an application to build a controversial wind farm on Pressendye. The hill, which is a Graham popular with hill walkers, is an excellent viewpoint over Donside and lower Deeside. The Council says it received almost 600 letters of objection to the proposal for seven wind turbines on the ridge, which overlooks the Cairngorms National Park. Council planners have agreed with objectors who felt that the visual impact on the surrounding countryside would be unacceptable and that there would be knock on effects for the local tourism industry if people were…

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Beavers disturbed by shooting

Posted on August 8, 2009 by Helen Webster

The Scottish Beaver re-introduction trial taking place in Knapdale, mid-Argyll has had a roller-coaster first few months since its start at the end of May. One male has died and another family has moved from its original location having been disturbed by shooting in the area, but the rest of the beavers are thriving and adapting to their new environment. The Scottish Beaveer Trial has provided the following update, “On 29 May, we released 11 beavers in three family groups into three different and carefully selected sites within the trial area in Knapdale, Mid-Argyll. A family of four was released…

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Clachaig wins Best Walker’s Pub vote

Posted on August 3, 2009 by Helen Webster

The Clachaig Inn, Glencoe, has come out tops in our poll to find the most popular pub in the Highlands for walkers. With 18% of the votes, it beat its nearest rivals, the Applecross Inn and the Drovers Inn, Inverarnan and the Kintail Lodge Hotel into second and joint third places. The Clachaig is well known as a popular refreshment stop after a mountain expedition in Glencoe. It is also within walking distance of the Red Squirrel campsite and has recently been linked to the main A82 by an improved path network from the Signal Rock car park, where the…

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Free steam trip for Ben Nevis helpers

Posted on July 27, 2009 by Helen Webster

The Friends of Nevis are offering free trips on the Jacobite Steam train from Fort William to Mallaig to anyone willing to sell raffle tickets on board. The organisation, which has undertaken a number of projects to help keep the iconic mountain in good condition, is planning to have a month of activity to raise awareness of, and money for, the Friends of Nevis. During the week beginning 17 August, volunteers are needed to sell raffle tickets to visitors/passengers before boarding and during the trip to Mallaig. You need to be over 18 and available from 9:30 – 4.30 on…

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Ramblers Scotland may break away

Posted on July 24, 2009 by Helen Webster

Cameron McNeish, vice-president of Ramblers Scotland has reported on his blog that Ramblers Scotland may split from the UK organisation. The working group of the Ramblers Scotland Executive Committee, which includes McNeish as well as Ramblers Scotland convenor Dennis Canavan and President Dick Balharry, has met and decided to advise the Scottish committee that the best way forward is to seek independence. The full Ramblers Scotland Executive will meet in August when the recommendation will be discussed. The possibility of a split was brought about by the Ramblers deciding to make massive cuts in the Scottish and Welsh operations. Cameron…

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Shetland Wind Farm Warning from JMT

Posted on July 23, 2009 by Helen Webster

The John Muir Trust – the UK’s leading wild land conservation charity – today warned that around one fifth (19%) of mainland Shetland will be significantly affected by 150 giant wind turbines if plans by Viking Energy are approved the Scottish Government. The Trust is urging members of the public to object before the consultation period closes on Tuesday the 28th of July. The John Muir Trust formally lodged its objection to the proposal this week, arguing that the development will have a serious and hugely damaging detrimental impact on the landscape and visual quality of these unique and outstanding…

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MCofS Annual Gathering announced

Posted on July 21, 2009 by Helen Webster

Scotland’s mountaineers will welcome Dave MacLeod to the Mountaineering Council of Scotland’s Annual Gathering, to be held at Glenmore Lodge on Saturday 5 September. Recognised as one of the world’s best climbers, Dave has successfully challenged some of the hardest rock, winter and bouldering routes in the world. David Gibson, MCofS Chief Officer said ” The Gathering offers something of interest for all mountaineers. It’s a great opportunity to get together and do what mountaineers do best – celebrate the mountains. We are delighted to welcome Dave, who features in a range of events and activities which will entertain and…

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Michael Tunney completes 4000er challenge

Posted on July 20, 2009 by Helen Webster

Michael Tunney (known to Forum members as Bio-Man) has completed his epic fundraising challenge. A fall in the Scottish mountains in November 2006, while out walking with his son, left Michael with a broken neck, hip and several smashed ribs. Unconscious for five days he was lucky to survive and endured many painful months of rehabilitation to be able to walk again. This year Michael returned to the Scottish peaks to undertake the massive challenge of climbing the nine mountains over 4000 feet taking in another 14 Munros on the way. The effort was to raise money for the Oban…

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Oldest Puffin, 34, found in Hebrides

Posted on July 18, 2009 by Helen Webster

Bird experts say that Europe’s oldest known puffin has been found on the Shiant Islands in the Hebrides. The puffin was first ringed 34 years ago and was found by the same ornithologist, Ian Buxton, who ringed it back in June 1975. Members of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) have been ringing birds on the Shiant Islands for many years to add to scientific data on the species. After years of poor breeding patterns, the BTO is reporting that the puffins on the Shiant Islands appear to be having a good breeding season, bringing in plenty of sand eels…

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