Stop raptor poisoning

CLIMBERS and hillwalkers are being recruited in the fight against the illegal poisoning of birds of prey in Scotland. The Cairngorms Campaign ( www.Cairngorms.co.uk ) is today launching a leaflet at its annual meeting in Perth to encourage mountain users to become an "extra pair of eyes" in tackling the issue. The campaign says that over the past ten years, tests have confirmed almost 300 instances of the illegal poisoning of raptors. These included 54 red kites, 14 golden eagles and four white-tailed eagles.

A group spokesman said: "The number of poisonings detected is a small fraction of those poisoned, as only a few of the total cases are detected, so the prosecution of offenders is difficult.

"Poisoning is a furtive business, kept hidden from public gaze. Most of these instances were chanced on by people whose hobbies and interests took them to the countryside.

"In the extensive Scottish uplands, only a small proportion of the cases of poisoning are ever chanced upon, and hillgoers who find them may not realise what they have discovered. Thus effective control is difficult."

The group says that, while protected birds of prey are the principal target of the poisoners, the indiscriminate use of poison can cause the death of other birds and animals.

The new leaflet gives guidance on what to look for, what to do and what not to do if people suspect they have discovered a poisoning incident.

It recommended people do not remove carcases, but to photograph them, mark their position on a map and report their findings to police or wildlife organisation.

Earlier this year, RSPB Scotland reported that crimes against birds of prey remained unacceptably high.

It said victims of poisoning during 2008 included a sea eagle, two red kites, 14 buzzards and three ravens.

in reference to: Hillwalkers asked to be alert to help stop raptor poisonings - Scotsman.com News (view on Google Sidewiki)

Shinty versus hurling event held

An annual game held between players of Scottish shinty and Irish hurling is to take place in Inverness as part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations.

A women's and under 21 fixtures will also feature before the international clash at Bught Park on Saturday.

Organisers hope the event will be one of the major markers of the year-long celebration of all things Scottish.

Played by Scottish emigrants on ice in Canada, shinty is believed to have had a role in the launch of ice hockey.

Hugh Dan MacLennan, who will be among the commentary team during the BBC's coverage of the international, said shinty could only envy the crowds drawn to hurling.

in reference to:

"An annual game held between players of Scottish shinty and Irish hurling is to take place in Inverness as part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations.A women's and under 21 fixtures will also feature before the international clash at Bught Park on Saturday. Organisers hope the event will be one of the major markers of the year-long celebration of all things Scottish. Played by Scottish emigrants on ice in Canada, shinty is believed to have had a role in the launch of ice hockey. Hugh Dan MacLennan, who will be among the commentary team during the BBC's coverage of the international, said shinty could only envy the crowds drawn to hurling."
- BBC NEWS | Scotland | Highlands and Islands | Shinty versus hurling event held (view on Google Sidewiki)

Glenmore LodgeMarmot, UKC competition

Glenmore Lodge Aviemore, Cairngorms National Park are currently running a competition in conjunction with Marmot and UkClimbing.com. This is a fantastic competition in which we are giving away a place on a weekend winter skills course and a place on a weekend winter mountaineering course...not only that but Marmot will kitting the two lucky winners out from head to toe in brand new winter kit!

So if your free on the weekend of the 6th and 7th of February then follow the link for more information on how to enter: http://www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/blog/2009/10/glenmore-lodgemarmotukclimbingcom.asp

in reference to:

"We are currently running a competition in conjunction with Marmot and UkClimbing.com. This is a fantastic competition in which we are giving away a place on a weekend winter skills course and a place on a weekend winter mountaineering course...not only that but Marmot will kitting the two lucky winners out from head to toe in brand new winter kit! So if your free on the weekend of the 6th and 7th of February then follow the link for more information on how to enter: Glenmore Lodge/Marmot/UKClimbing.com Competition"
- Glenmore Lodge, Cairngorms - Outdoor sports Instruction and Training Scotland (view on Google Sidewiki)

Some of the villages in the Cairngorms Park

Aviemore -

Aviemore (Scottish Gaelic: An Aghaidh Mhòr) is a town and tourist resort, situated within the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland. It is the first skiing resort to be established in Scotland and is also notable for being near the freely grazing reindeer herd at Glen More, the only one in the United Kingdom.

Aviemore lies on the B9152 (the "old" A9 road since the main road from Inverness to Perth was rebuilt further west in the 1980s). Aviemore railway station is on the Highland Main Line and Aviemore is also the southern terminus of the Strathspey Railway, a heritage railway, currently being extended to Grantown-on-Spey.

Kingussie

Kingussie (Gaelic: Ceann a' Ghiuthasaich) (pronounced king-yewsie). The name "Kingussie" comes from the Gaelic, "Ceann a' Ghiuthsaich" which means "Head of the Pines". Kingussie is a small town and is head of Badenoch and Strathspey, Highland, Scotland, adjacent to the A9 road, although the old route of the A9 served as the town's main street. Kingussie is the capital of the district of Badenoch and is 3 miles from Newtonmore, which is its greatest rival in the game of Shinty. Kingussie have been the dominant team in Shinty for the last 20 years although Newtonmore had it for 20 years before this and indeed have been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as being the most successful sporting side in history.

The ruins of the early 18th century Ruthven Barracks (Historic Scotland; open to visitors at all times) lie near the original site of the village which was moved to avoid the flood plain of the River Spey.

The main railway line to Inverness passes through from Edinburgh, Glasgow and points south. Kingussie railway station is about 200 metres south east of the High Street. In the past few years, the TV series Monarch of the Glen has been filmed in and around the area of Kingussie. Ardverikie Estate, where Monarch of the Glen was filmed, is about 12 miles from Kingussie. You can park in a lay-by across from the Gatehouse and hike back to the 'Big House'. It is about an 8 mile round trip hike but is well worth it, especially if you are a Monarch of the Glen fan.

The Highland Wildlife Park is sited very close by. The Highland Folk Museum is in Newtonmore, 3 miles from Kingussie. It is free and well worth the visit.

Newtonmore

Newtonmore (Baile Ur an t-Slèibh in Gaelic) is a village in the Highlands of Scotland with a population of about 1000. The village is only a few miles from a location that is claimed to be the exact geographical centre of Scotland.

Shinty - The town is renowned for having a shinty team, Newtonmore Camanachd Club.

Walking - Newtonmore calls itself the "Walking Centre of Scotland", referring both to its geographical location and to the great walking opportunities locally, like the Wildcat Trail. An extension to the Speyside Way could soon add Newtonmore to a Long Distance Route and it will become the new end to this trail.

Golf - Newtonmore has a golf course on the banks of the Spey.

Bowling. The club is open to visitors. It has regular competitions with other clubs in Badenoch and Strathspey and with clubs from Perthshire and Aberdeenshire.

Mountain Biking - Lots of trails in the local forests and tracks on the surrounding hills, as well as the purpose build Wolftrax MTB trails at nearby Laggan.

Fishing

Horse Riding and Pony Trekking: Pony Trekking was credited with being started in Newtonmore in 1952 by Ewan Ormiston, it is still possible to ride in Newtonmore with his grandson Ruaridh at the Newtonmore Riding Centre. Ormiston Highlands

Shooting

Laggan

Laggan is a village in Badenoch, in the Highland region of Scotland. It is beside the River Spey, about 10 km west of Newtonmore. The A86 road passes through the village and crosses the river on a nearby bridge.

It featured as the fictional village of Glenbogle in the BBC TV drama series Monarch of the Glen.

Laggan is in the Cairngorms National Park.

Ruins of a Pictish fort can be found near Strathmashie, Laggan.

The Laggan Wolftrax, a mountain biking centre located in the nearby Strathmashie Forest, opened in 2004. This facility, owned by the Forestry Commission, features over 17 km of purpose-built trails.

Dalwhinnie

Dalwhinnie (Scottish Gaelic: Dail Chuinnidh; NN634848) is a tiny village in the Scottish Highlands. It is a little north of Drumochter, and functions mainly as a service stop. Because the pass is often closed in winter, this is seasonal.

Dalwhinnie is also the site of a railway station on the Highland Main Line from Perth to Inverness.

The light, heathery Single Malt Scotch that bears the town's name is also made here (the highest-elevation working distillery in Scotland). Dalwhinnie Single Malt Scotch is part of the Diageo Range.

Free Holiday Planner

Get maps of Cairngorms Park, what's on info, coupons and more - it's everything you need to plan your Cairngorms Park Holiday www.scottishtourismguide.com/ac1009.htm

in reference to:

"Holiday Planner

Get maps of Cairngorms Park, what's on info, coupons and more - it's everything you need to plan your Cairngorms Park Holiday"
- Cairngorms Holiday Cottages - Self-Catering Accommodation in the Cairngorms National Park (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cairngorms Polar Explorer

MERCEDES the polar bear has cemented her status as Badenoch and Strathspey's latest celebrity, after she received over 4,000 visitors in her first week at the Highland Wildlife Park.

in reference to:

"MERCEDES the polar bear has cemented her status as Badenoch and Strathspey's latest celebrity, after she received over 4,000 visitors in her first week at the Highland Wildlife Park."
- Strathspey and Badenoch Herald (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cairngorms Recreation

You won't have to look far for adventure on your Cairngorms Holiday. The Park has something for everyone - whether it's simply admiring the ever changing views of the spectacular mountains, or walking with a Ranger-led group learning about the plants and animals in native pine woods. For the more energetic there are plenty of opportunities to go mountain biking, canoeing or climbing. in the winter there are a wide range of snowsports activities to do. The area also has a rich cultural heritage with castle, distilleries and estates all happy to welcome visitors. Hundreds of countryside events, outdoor activities, guided walks and talks take place throughout the Park each year.

in reference to:

"Recreation

You won't have to look far for adventure on your Cairngorms Holiday. The Park has something for everyone - whether it's simply admiring the ever changing views of the spectacular mountains, or walking with a Ranger-led group learning about the plants and animals in native pine woods. For the more energetic there are plenty of opportunities to go mountain biking, canoeing or climbing. in the winter there are a wide range of snowsports activities to do. The area also has a rich cultural heritage with castle, distilleries and estates all happy to welcome visitors. Hundreds of countryside events, outdoor activities, guided walks and talks take place throughout the Park each year."
- Cairngorms Holiday Cottages (view on Google Sidewiki)

Cairngorms Holiday Cottage

the Cairngorms National Park encompasses the highest landmass in Britain a broad mountain plateau, riven only by the deep valleys of the Lairig Ghru and Loch Avon, with an average altitude of over 1000m and including five of the six highest summits in the UK. The Cairngorms National Park includes a wide range of very diverse communities and villages. These communities are home to some 17,000 people and each place has its own distinct heritage and culture. To find out more about each community and plan your Cairngorms Holiday, please click on the link to the relevant region or village.

in reference to:

"he Cairngorms National Park  encompasses the highest landmass in Britain a broad mountain plateau, riven only by the deep valleys of the Lairig Ghru and Loch Avon, with an average altitude of over 1000m and including five of the six highest summits in the UK.  The Cairngorms National Park includes a wide range of very diverse communities and villages. These communities are home to some 17,000 people and each place has its own distinct heritage and culture. To find out more about each community and plan your Cairngorms Holiday, please click on the link to the relevant region or village."
- Cairngorms Holiday Cottages - The Cairngorms National Park Information (view on Google Sidewiki)

Aviemore Snow Sports

Aviemore is based in the highlands of Scotland, with impressive mountain views, and surrounded by country-side it stands 26,000 feet above rural farmland. The area is renowned for skiing, having recently had British Army Competitions on its snowy peaks in the last two months. The ski resorts success, with professional skiing has also lead to success with tourists, having thousands people hitting the slopes each month. These massive numbers are also attributed to snowboarding, with boarding specific parks on one side of the mountain.

Aviemore recently commissioned a state of the art ski train that can travel up to 15 miles per hour, withstand winds in excess of 110 miles per hour. The amazing structure travels from the base to the top and is certainly an amazing sight for any avid skier

Aviemore is an unfortunate to only have snow for 4-5 months in the year, ruling it out of hosting many competitions, and really placing Scotland up their with as one the top skiing destinations in Scotland. The skiing destination has recently hosted the snowboarding freestyle championships

With a thriving economy that survives largely of the tourism industry, Aviemore had the facilities to bed over 2,000 people a night,. The reasons for this was largely down to its proximity to a local town that was also able to provide bed and breakfast and selfcatering accommodation.

If you have never been to Aviemore then I recommend you visit, whether or not you are a skier. The fact is, the views are amazing, the fresh clear air is refreshing and the people are fantastic. If you have never skied before, then what better place to learn than Aviemore.

Future Of Gelncoe Ski Resort....uncertain

Glencoe Mountain, Scotland's oldest ski resort, may not open for business this winter season due to a lack of investment. The future of the resort hangs in the balance after it failed to attract investors when it was put on the market in March 2009.

Glencoe has opened an online petition and had gathered 1882 signatures by Oct. 12. The intention is to demonstrate the level of support for skiing, snowboarding, and winter activities to continue at Glencoe. The resort will leave it open for the next six weeks and the results will be presented to the Scottish Government.

The Glencoe ski area (305-1108 metres) is set near Glencoe village in the west of Scotland. The resort is surrounded by untouched mountain terrain and boasts the longest single descent and steepest on-piste run in Scotland.

Its 20 kilometres of pistes are suitable for all levels and served by seven lifts. The 19 runs are divided into four green, six blue, seven red, and two black. The lifts can transport up to 4300 skiers per hour.

Skiers and snowboarders will also find off-piste skiing, ski schools, equipment hire shops, and mountain huts serving hot food and beverages.

Ben Nevis

Regular walkers on Britain’s highest mountain "Ben Nevis" west of the Cairngorms National Park are being asked to keep an eye on things until the spring.

Path repairs had to be suspended on a section of the tourist track in August as the summer came to an abrupt end on Ben Nevis, with the result that there is a danger of erosion where finished section meets parts of the track still to be repaired.

Helicopters moved contractors’ accommodation and equipment off the ben ten days ago, just as the first snow arrived. Now, the Nevis Partnership, which manages the mountain, is looking for volunteers to check four cross-drains and, if necessary, clear them of debris so any damage is kept to a minimum.

The area in question is between John’s Wall and zigzag corner one.

A spokesperson for the partnership said: “If you would be willing to take part in ‘trackwatch’, say once a fortnight or so, please do get in touch. We will provide all necessary information and guidance on what to do – it’s not an onerous task.”

Volunteers can ring 01397 701088.

Polar Bear in the Cairngorms National Park

The UK's only polar bear has been given a public unveiling at her new home in the Highlands.
Mercedes was relocated from Edinburgh Zoo to the Highland Wildlife Park, near Kincraig, on Monday.
Her new enclosure extends over four acres of land regarded as more typical of the natural habitat of polar bears.

A public appeal helped to raise £75,000 needed to fund her transfer and the Army assisted in building the bear's home and a nearby visitors' car park.

David Windmill, chief executive of the zoo and park's owner, the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said watching Mercedes leave Edinburgh had been a poignant experience.
He added: "We have been gradually moving animals that are better suited to colder climates from Edinburgh Zoo up to the Highland Wildlife Park and Mercedes is the latest of these moves.

"The animal collections at both parks will continue to evolve and visitors can expect to see new species introduced in the coming months."

Douglas Richardson, animal collection manager at the wildlife park, said her transfer went smoothly.

He said: "When she arrived here, she walked out of her crate and immediately began investigating her indoor dens and holding pen.

"She has settled in very well and we're looking forward to seeing her explore her outdoor enclosure which, at around four acres, is one of the largest polar bear enclosures in the world."

New surroundings

Mercedes was rescued from her native Canada and brought to Scotland after she was scheduled to be shot because she had begun roaming into a nearby town in search of food.

It is thought she is 27-years-old. Polar bears can live into their early 30s.

A crate used for moving rhino was modified to transport the bear by road and was allowed time to settle into her new surroundings before the public unveiling.

Her arrival is expected to further boost visitor numbers at the park.

The public unveiling of three rare Amur tiger cubs in June was followed by record-breaking entries with 80,000 visits within weeks.
In 2008, numbers of visitors for the year reached 65,000.
Sappers helped to prepare the wildlife park for the bear's arrival.
The soldiers from 51 Parachute Squadron Royal Engineers built a road and car park for the enclosure.
They also constructed a viewing platform and bridge at the park's tiger enclosure.
Dubbed Caledonian Thor, the exercise trained the sappers in military aid and civil community tasks.
Previously, Territorial Army soldiers of 75 Engineer Regiment worked on the polar bear enclosure.
Mercedes' move north has also brought the animal closer to where the only remains of a polar bear that was resident in Britain thousands of years ago were found.
It was thought the bear was washed into caves at Inchnadamph in Sutherland 18,000 years ago.
The bear's skull was found in 1927 and is held in the collections of the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.