Vigilence vital, say mountain minders
The organisation that represents Scotland’s h i l l w a l ke r s and climbers has warned tha t “cont inued vigilance” is needed to protect the country’s landscapes.
In an article to mark Mountaineering Scotland’s 50th anniversar y, its president Brian Shackleton said there was much to be proud of.
He pointed to the blocking of a plan to drive a road into Loch Coruisk on Skye – an inland loch lying at the foot of the Black Cuillin.
It would have involved the destruction of the “Bad Step” feature by Loch Scavaig.
Wr iting in Scot t ish Mountaineer, Shackleton said: “Such a proposal seems unimaginable today and much has taken place over the past 50 years that has been positive, such as the introduction of historic access legislation.
“However, continued vigilance is required by organisat ions such as Mountaineering Scotland in the light of unrelenting development pressures on the landscapes and on the access freedoms we enjoy today.”
Other battles fought by Mountaineering Scotland over the years have included obtrusive hydro schemes and windfarms.
A survey of its near-15,000 members showed that 93 per cent felt that climate change was of concern and 98 per cent reported a pos i t i v e impa c t on their physical and mental health from taking part in outdoor activities.