Outdoors
Instagram star named Ramblers Scotland president
RAMBLERS SCOTLAND has selected Zahrah Mahmood, star of Instagram account The Hillwalking Hijabi, as its new president. “I have high hopes for my appointment and want to follow in the steps of my predecessors while putting my own stamp on the role,” she explained. “I’m looking forward to the next three years. “Some of the…
Read MoreDhoom helps Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park
DHOOM Indian Steatery & Bar in Dunfermline has donated £1,000 Peacocks in Pittencrieff Park, the community group that looks after the peacocks. Chef-proprietor Dhaneshwar Prasad said: “The Glen is one of Scotland’s outstanding heritage parks, with the peacocks a huge draw in attracting families and all sorts of visitors to the town. “It’s a tranquil…
Read MorePeatland restoration roadshow shifts into gear
MONDAY marks the start of a peatland restoration roadshow. Peatland consultancy firm Caledonian Climate Partnership (CCP) has organised the discussions, which are touring Scotland until 23 March. The roadshow – which is supported by NatureScot and Peatland Action – is aimed at “people with an interest in land management and nature restoration, including farmers, keepers,…
Read MoreIs this the ultimate ‘off-grid’ job?
THE island of Rona aims to double its population by offering what’s billed as the ultimate “off-grid” job. The island, which is accessed only by a private boat, wants to recruit a live-in estate worker, along with a partner who will work part-time. Duties include “estate and property maintenance and management, housekeeping, logistics, and assisting…
Read MoreScots projects get cash from The Prince’s Countryside Fund
FIVE projects in Scotland have received support from The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF). Berwickshire Swap, Helmsdale & District Development Trust, Kilmory Community Fund, Third Sector Hebrides, and Transition North Ronaldsay will share grants worth more than £100,000. Throughout the UK as a whole, 14 projects will receive a total of £250,000 to support more than…
Read MoreMountaineering Scotland Awards winners unveiled
THE winners of this year’s Mountaineering Scotland Awards have been named. The Mountaineering Scotland Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Ian Rendall, of the Orkney Climbing Club, at the YCS Grand Final at RockStar Climbing in Swindon. The ClimbScotland Young Climber of the Year Award went to Jamie Lowther from the Cairngorms Geckos…
Read MoreArran supports Arran Trust with donations
THE Arran Trust is receiving donations from Arran Sense of Scotland, the toiletries maker known formerly as Arran Arromatics. The trust, which was launched in 2010, funds projects that help to look after the island’s environment and landscape. Last year, Arran Sense of Scotland launched its “Naturals” collection. The company is donating 5% from sales…
Read MoreOld Man of Storr footpaths restored
FOOTPATHS at the Old Man of Storr on Skye have been relaid ahead of the busy summer tourist season. Phase two of the project involved relaying the path near the top of the “Photographer’s Knoll”. Duncan Bryden, chair of the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS), said: “OATS [is] delighted that the paths at the…
Read MoreScots adventurer returns after Antarctic row
SCOTTISH rower Jamie Douglas-Hamilton has returned home after breaking eight world records in the Antarctic, despite bad weather scuppering his hopes of reaching South Georgia. Douglas-Hamilton was part of a six-strong crew that set out from Northern Antarctica’s King George Island on 11 January, aiming to recreate Sir Ernest Shackleton’s escape to South Georgia after…
Read MoreScottish Youth Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture
THE Scottish Youth Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture has been presented to Steph McKenna from Lochaber. McKenna divides her time between local charity Lochaber Hope and local business Off Beat Bikes. Last summer, she worked as a seasonal ranger with the John Muir Trust and ran a junior ranger scheme. “We live in such…
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