Clubs News
Blairgowrie and Rattray Access Network
BRAN fielded two teams last week, both working in the vicinity of Stormont Loch.
On Friday Alasdair Shaw, Roger Mackey and Eric Grant worked on the path that runs from Signal Box House to the corner of Meikleour Woods, where it meets the golf course.
Using strimmer and a mower, the path was cut to a good width and side growth trimmed back.
The second team worked on the path that runs along Stormont Loch’s eastern side the following day.
Ally had mowed it previously but side and overhead growth was making life difficult for walkers.
Bob Ellis, Cyril Reid, Ian Cruickshank, Stuart Sutherland, Richard Townsend, Ally Donald, and Ian Richards used shears, secateurs and loppers to clear all the offending material, including a lot of fresh bramble growth.
The weather was not kind and waterproofs were the order of the day. The path is now clear along its entire length.
The group welcomes new volunteers. Contact secretary Ian Richards on ian_richards2007@ yahoo.com, 01250 871122 or 07787 317022 for more information.
Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club
A dry day with sunny intervals and occasional light showers blown on a strong wind welcomed Blairgowrie and District Hillwalking Club to Glen Feshie.
One group started just south of the glider airfield, walking east through the forest on well made tracks and then south and east again to Meall Tionaill.
Continuing east to the ridge above Glen Einich, the party diverted north to Sgoran Dubh Mor before heading south to the munro Sgor Gaoith.
From there excellent views were enjoyed down into Glen Einich and across Strathspey but the high Cairngorms to the east were obscured in mist.
Easy walking north to Carn Ban Mor and then west down good tracks finished the walk at the car park in Glen Feshie.
Another group started at this car park and walked through the magnificent pine forest alongside the river to where the bridge at Carnachuin had been washed away by the floods before returning to the car park. There were several detours required where sections of the old path had been eroded by the floods.
Wildlife seen included red deer, buzzard, golden eagle and a dotterel, with the paths brightened by orchids, bell heather, cross leaved heath, lady’s bedstraw, golden bedstraw and bog asphodel.
The next club event is the barbecue on Saturday, July 29.
Anyone interested in attending can contact the secretary on 01350 727144.
The next meet is on Sunday, August 6, and is a through walk from Dalnaspidal Lodge on the A9 to Loch Rannoch via Loch Garry.
Visitors are welcome. Names should be given to Bruce Henderson via www.bdhc.org. uk or by calling 01334 870866 by Wednesday, August 2.
Rotary Club of Blairgowrie
At the recent meeting outgoing president John Gray presented Paul Harris Fellowships to Liz Mason, Grant Findlay and incoming president Deborah Rogers before handing the chain of office to Deborah, who will be president during the club’s 70th year.
A dinner celebrating this milestone anniversary will be held in the Royal Hotel, Blairgowrie, in November.