The programme for the 2015 Isle of Harris Mountain Festival which takes place between Saturday 12th and Saturday 19th September has now been announced. As well as the expected mountain and hill based activities, including a walk up Clisham and a mountain skills course, there are a number of activities planned for the water including surfing sessions and a raft race. The programme includes a range of guided walks led by the North Harris Ranger Service, from stunning ridges & glens to glorious coastlines – including a set of superb hill walks and the North Harris Trust’s famous Eagle Walk.…

Highland Council is urging people who spend time in the outdoors to take “simple precautions” against being bitten by ticks and is offering free tick removal tools within the region. Over the last 10 years the insects have been linked to a rise in Lyme disease. Highland Council’s tick project co-ordinator Bob Murdoch said he knew of people who had fallen ill because of Lyme disease. He said: “I feel it vital that we raise awareness of the issues surrounding ticks. Increasingly, more people are aware of someone among friends or family who has been bitten or affected by ticks.…

For the last seven years a survey has been held in late August to try and survey every remaining snow patch in order to build up a scientific log of changing conditions. This year, the organisers are calling on hillwalkers to take part on 21 or 22 August. Survey organiser Iain Cameron says, “For the last seven years I’ve organised a late-August survey on the hills of Scotland, where we try and count up every last snow patch dotted throughout the country. In 2015, as in 2014, it is going to take a big effort by people. This is because…