LOCHABER TIMES & OBAN TIMES

The Lochaber area has not been branded as the Outdoor Capital of the UK without good reason, given its stunning scenery and plethora of activities.

As we report this week, however, a definite link has been made between an increase in the number of kayakers and canoeists and the critical decline in the population of black-throated divers, one of the country’s rarest waterfowl.

The warning, from Lochaber Biodiversity Action Group (LBAG), comes after numbers of breeding pairs on Loch Shiel have crashed from 11 to none in the past 20 years, although birds do still attempt to breed there. LBAG, in fairness, has added that there are also several other reasons that could be cited, including predation and a loss of nests caused by increased rainfall in Lochaber.

LBAG has, quite reasonably, called for a campaign to educate locals and visitors, particularly those who have boats, to raise awareness of black-throated divers, where they are likely to nest and the challenges they face.

We would hate to see access to some of these stunning sites restricted and would urge all kayakers and canoeists to heed the appeal from LBAG.