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INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOUNTAINS 2002 IN SCOTLAND
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IYM 2002 SCOTTISH NEWS "Summit to Sea: The Values of Scotland's Mountains and Water in the 21st Century" 2-3 December - NOW TAKING PLACE AT BATTLEBY, 20-21 JANUARY 2003 "Sustainable Futures for the British Uplands" conference 20 November The Kurt Diemberger IYM Lecture Tour, 24 - 26 November Torridon Mountain Heritage Weekend 26 - 27 October "Scotland's wild land - what future?" publication late October Escape for a Fiver - reduced rates in Scottish Youth Hostels 4 & 5 October "Why
Mountains Matter" lecture and book launch 17 September Exploration in the Karakorum and Hindu Kush (seminar)11 September The Cobbler Conservation Challenge, 14-15 September UIAA Mountain Protection Days 14-15 September Act Positively for the Mountains - UK Mountaineering Councils' statement on Mountain Protection Day Scottish Biodiversity Week, 31 August - 8 September Scottish Wildlife & Countryside Fair, 31 August - 1 September Scottish Wildlife Trust "Conquer a Corbett" 24 August IYM/walkingwild grants available Rock on Your Mountain - Poster Competition for Schools Hoot on the Fiddler - Ben More Coigach, 29 June Mountaineering Council of Scotland Gathering and AGM Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour - Fort William, 2 June North East Mountain Trust Festival and Seminar at Ballater 24-26 May Euromontana 3rd European Mountain Convention, Inverness, 16-18 May IYM T Shirts and other merchandise available 1/5/02
"Think like a Mountain" seminar cancelled Launch of "The Ecology, Land Use and Conservation of the Cairngorms" 19 April Launch and Inaugural Meet of the Munro Society, 20 April, Dundee Braemar Telemark Festival 8-10 March 2002 Parliamentary motion and debate on World Heritage Site Status for the Cairngorms Parliamentary motion on IYM and Glenmore Lodge Official Launch of IYM Scotland, 4 February 2002 Scottish Parliament has a Mountain to climb in 2002 Global IYM launch highlights peace
The Kurt Diemberger IYM Lecture Tour Dundee, Sunday 24 November Kurt Diemberger is the only person alive today who has made first ascents of two of the world's 8,000-metre mountains, Broad Peak and Dhaulagiri. With ascents of other Himalayan giants, including Everest, K2, Makalu and Gasherbrum II, new routes in the European Alps and extensive travels in Greenland and other remote areas, Kurt Diemberger tells an outstanding story of exploration and mountaineering. Click here for further information and booking
details. "Roots to the Summits" conference on Cairngorms Mountain Woodlands, Battleby, Perthshire, 16 November At this event the Cairngorms Campaign sets out to create a realistic vision for the protection and enhancement of woodlands in and around the Cairngorms, giving priority to naturally regenerated woodlands. In doing so the Cairngorms Campaign seeks to engage all interests in the planned Cairngorms National Park - official agencies, landowners and managers and the public at large. A booking form is available by clicking
here, or by contacting: "Scotland's wild land - what future?" The Scottish Wild Land Group is producing a special publication
as part of its contribution to the International Year of Mountains 2002.
Entitled "Scotland's wild land - what future?", this 36 page
A4 full colour booklet features articles by ten leading writers offering
a range of perspectives on the relevance of wild land and our relationship
to it, and their views on how we should secure its future. It will be
published in late October 2002. Escape for a Fiver - reduced rates in mountain Youth Hostels 4 & 5 October Escape to Scotland's wild places for only £5 per night · Braemar Promotional price available on the following dates: Friday 4th and Sat
5th October 2002. For general information on Scottish Youth Hostels, contact: SYHA National Office,
"Sustainable Futures for the British Uplands" conference 20 November The need for 'joined-up action' in the British uplands is becoming increasingly
evident. This conference will renew and strengthen networks by revealing
common challenges and sharing experiences. Presentations, using examples
from a range of upland areas, will emphasize linkages between sectors
and set the immediate priorities within three key themes of: economy;
environment and people. Click here for a registration
form in .pdf format "Why Mountains Matter," Tuesday 17
September, 7.30pm, AK Bell Library, Perth "Exploration In The Karakorum
And The Hindu Kush Mountains Of Pakistan," Wednesday 11th September
2002, 7pm, Glasgow University. Dr. Searle is a Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer at Worcester College, University of Oxford, and an internationally recognised geologist and mountaineer. He has unique experience of the mountains making up the Hindu Kush, Karakorum and Himalaya in South East Asia, and has undertaken many trekking expeditions in the area to study their geography and geology. Mike is also a superb photographer and a very entertaining speaker. In addition 11th September is the anniversary of the death of the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. It is of course also the anniversary of the 11.9.01 event. The lecture looks forward to better international understanding, and the need for peaceful dialogue between people of different beliefs and nations. For further details please contact : Azra Meadows, DEEB, IBLS, Graham Kerr Building,University of Glasgow. Tel. 0141 330 6622 Email: gbza31@udcf.gla.ac.uk How to get there: Glasgow University is on University Avenue in the West
End of Glasgow. Nearest Underground : Hillhead. Bus 44 stops outside the
main University Gate. Ask for the Graham Kerr Building at the main University
Gate House. See also website: http://glasgow2001.gla.ac.uk/general/maps/index.html
the Graham Kerr Building is B3 on the Campus map.
The Cobbler Conservation Challenge
14 - 15 September The Cobbler is one of Scotland's best-loved and most frequently climbed mountains. Being relatively accessible by bus and train, the Cobbler became a focal point for Scotland's first working class climbers and walkers in the 1920's and 1930's. They came in large numbers from the steelworks and shipyards of the Clyde, when employed, and increasingly when unemployed to camp, walk and climb in the area. Indeed, the Cobbler has had a strong affinity with Glaswegians throughout the last century and into this one. As part of International Year of Mountains, BTCV Scotland is organising a weekend of conservation volunteering on the flanks of the Cobbler. In partnership with the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, Forestry Commission, National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and local communities we will be helping construct a new length of footpath up the lower slopes of the mountain. Once completed, this will replace the very eroded existing path that takes thousands of people into the Arrochar Alps every year. We hope to get hundreds of volunteers out onto the hill over the weekend. If you, your local conservation group or community group would like to join in the fun then please contact BTCV Scotland for further information or turn up at the Ardgartan Campsite near Arrochar from 9.30am on Saturday 14th September and/or Sunday 15th September 2002. There will be something for all ages, all abilities and all weathers! Fancy making a weekend of it? - A local accommodation brochure listing local hotels, b&b's and campsites is available from the BTCV Scotland Stirling office (01786 479697). A barbecue for all involved will be held at the Ardgartan Campsite on the Saturday evening. Mountain Protection Day - Act Positively for the Mountains The British Mountaineering Council (BMC), Mountaineering Council of Ireland (MCofI) and Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) are calling on all hillwalkers and climbers to "Act positively for the Mountains" on the international Mountain Protection Days over the weekend of September 14th and 15th. Mountain Protection Days is a worldwide series of events being planned as part of the International Year of Mountains (IYM). The three Mountaineering Councils in Britain and Ireland are working together to co-ordinate the contribution to the international effort from these islands. The message from the BMC, MCofI and MCofS is that mountaineers can take
positive action on Mountain Protection Days in five easy ways: BMC President, Dave Musgrove, said "The 3 home nation mountaineering councils have long worked together for the direct benefit of climbers, hillwalkers and mountaineers. This initiative is aimed primarily at benefiting the very environment we use and enjoy - but often take for granted. Mountains evolve and then crumble and erode naturally over millennia but there is no doubt that without sensitive awareness our presence and pollution hastens that process considerably." Chair of the MCofI Executive Committee, Peter O'Neill, said: "Let us make the International Mountain Protection days the starting point for an ongoing effort to protect our mountain environment." MCofS President, Pete Hill, said: "The great thing about Mountain Protection Days is that everyone can do something. Everyone who has a concern for our mountain environment has the opportunity to feel connected with this worldwide event and make their personal contribution." The Mountain Protection Days Photographic Competition is on the theme of "Good, Bad and Ugly", with the senders of the three best entries each receiving a copy of the Adventure Yearbook 2003. A fitting prize, the Adventure Yearbook features stunning photographs from around the world and will inspire you in the year to come. Competition rules can be found on all three Mountaineering Council websites. For full details of the Mountain Protection Days aims and events, please
check the following websites: For further information in England and Wales please contact Graham Lynch on 0161 438 3333 or by e-mail at graham@thebmc.co.uk, in Ireland please contact Helen Lawless on 353-1-4507376 or by e-mail at mci@eircom.net, and in Scotland please contact Mike Dales on 01738 638 229, or by e-mail at mike@mountaineering-scotland.org.uk.
UIAA Mountain Protection Days, 14-15 September The Mountain Protection Commission of UIAA, the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation, coordinates a "Mountain Protection Day" on the third weekend of September each year. In order for this year's MPD to be the most effective so far and a worthy contribution to International Year of the Mountains, the UIAA MPC has decided to launch a contest once MPD has taken place to invite all UIAA member associations who want to participate at the contest, to hand in a summary of the action that they have organised at this occasion. The Commission will select the most significant project and award a special "IYM 2002 prize" to the winning Federation. The UIAA member associations are invited yearly to publish the dates, to encourage and plan activities in their countries and to report on them. The Commission suggests a list of possible activities for event, as below: Possible activities: Mountain Protection Days are part of the overall programme of events
aimed at celebrating International Year of Mountains in Scotland. If you
are thinking of organising an event yourself, we have some funds available
to assist. See the entry under IYM/Walkingwild Grants
if you want to find out more.
Scottish Biodiversity Week 31 August - 8 September Nine days of events and activities for all ages across Scotland with
the unifying theme of biodiversity. Click here
for further information about the Week and local events. Further information
on biodiversity is also available from Sarah Hocknell of the Scottish
Biodiversity Forum: contact sarah.hocknell@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
or phone 0131 244 6328 Scottish Wildlife and Countryside Fair, 31 August - 1 September "Scotland's biggest and wildest conservation event", the Scottish
Wildlife & Countryside Fair welcomes over 12,500 visitors anually
to RSPB Vane Farm Nature Reserve and is organised in partnership by RSPB
Scotland, NTS, SWT, and the Woodland Trust Scotland and is supported by
Scottish Hydro Electric in association with Black & Lizars. Scottish Wildlife Trust "Conquer a Corbett" 24 August The Scottish Wildlife Trust is running a sponsored walk on Saturday 24
August with the aim of placing someone on the summit of every "Corbett"
(Scottish mountain between 2,500 and 3,000 feet, of which there are 221).
The event is supported by writer and broadcaster Muriel Gray: "This
is a great opportunity to conquer one of these undiscovered gems while
helping the Scottish Wildlife Trust to protect the native species and
landscape of Scotland at the same time. Just be very quiet while you climb
them and don't throw your orange peel at the Ptarmigan or there'll be
big trouble!" The Hillphones scheme has been running since 1996 and aims to minimise the potential for conflict between walking and stalking during the stag stalking season from August through to October. Estates participating in the scheme leave a daily recorded message informing walkers which areas will be affected by stalking, allowing them to plan their route accordingly. Sporting estates across Scotland are taking part in the scheme run in conjunction with Scottish Natural Heritage and the Mountaineering Council of Scotland providing daily information on where stalking is taking place. Hillphones operates in 12 areas of Scotland, covering a quarter of the Munros as well as many smaller hills. Last year Hillphones received around 4,000 calls to access messages outlining stalking information, and has been well received by walkers as well as by estate managers and government agencies.
Hillphones leaflets with the relevant telephone numbers and stalking dates are distributed to tourist information centres, outdoor shops, activity centres, hotels, B&Bs, bunkhouses and campsites and the scheme is publicised in mountaineering magazines and the mainstream press. The 12 areas and numbers for the 2002 Hillphones scheme are - Grey Corries / Mamore Tel. Kinlochleven (01855) 831511 Glen Dochart / Glen Lochay Tel. Killin (01567) 820886 North Arran Tel. Brodick (01770) 302363 South Glen Shiel Tel. Glenshiel (01599) 511425 Drumochter Tel. Dalwhinnie (01528) 522200 Glen Shee Tel. Blairgowrie (01250) 885288 Callater and Clunie Tel. Braemar (013397) 41997 Invercauld Tel. Braemar (013397) 41911 Balmoral / Lochnagar Tel. Braemar (013397) 55532 Glen Clova Tel. Clova (01575) 550335 Paps of Jura Tel. Jura (01496) 820151 Atholl and Lude Tel. Blair Atholl (01796) 481740 Calls are charged at normal call rates according to time of day and distance. SMALL GRANTS FOR EVENTS SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT IN THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOUNTAINS 2002 Walkingwild is an initiative aimed at promoting walking trips in Scotland, originally stemming from the Highlands of Scotland Tourism Board but now covering the whole of Scotland. As a contribution to International Year of Mountains, Walkingwild has made funds available to support a number of grants for local events that underpin the objectives of IYM. As Walkingwild's aim is to encourage more people to take walking holidays in Scotland and in particular to visit less well known areas, funding will be subject to certain conditions that ensure that these aims are supported and that Walkingwild is promoted as the source of further information to help people plan these trips. Although considered on a case by case basis, grants will typically be in the range £200-£500 (larger amounts could be given if approved by Walkingwild), and be awarded to projects that meet the following criteria: · Schemes must be Scotland-based. Examples of events and expenditure likely to attract funding include: For further information contact the IYM project officer "WalkingWild: providing everything you need to plan your walking holiday in Scotland including accommodation, walking holidays, travel, events and over 400 walks."
'Rock On Your Mountain' Poster Competition Background For the 2001 event, a 'Design a Postcard' competition was run for school pupils. Through drawing or painting their favourite landscape and articulating the reasons in a few words why they liked it, the competition was aimed at getting pupils to look at and appreciate landscapes. Beyond the competition, 'Rock On' as a whole was a great success, with thousands of people taking part across the country. The next one is not due until September 2003; however, the Scottish Geology Week organising committee is keen to have a schools event every year. 'Rock on your Mountain' is to be the first such event organised solely for the participation of Scotland's schools, in the years between Scottish Geology Weeks. Aim Curriculum The three most relevant Environmental Studies Attainment Outcomes are: · 'People and place' 'The physical environment' and 'Human-physical
interactions' The project will also be relevant to Higher Still Geology (Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2 and Higher) and to Standard Grade and Higher Still Geography. Competition The poster, which should measure no larger than A2, must include annotated pictures and drawings with accompanying text. Another component of the poster should be a description of the interaction of humans with the hill or mountain, in the form of a short tale or poem. There are five categories: P1-3, P4-5, P6-7, S1-2, S3-6 Prizes A winning poster will be selected from each of the five categories. Prizes include: · The pupils in the winning groups will receive book tokens, replica
fossils and free entry to Dynamic Earth. Star Prize * This trip must be covered by the local authority and school's own risk assessment and insurance. Confirmation of this will be sought before the trip. Rules Entries should be sent to: Note British Geological Survey - Schools Week Contact: Hoot on the Fiddler - Open air mountaintop ceilidh on Sgurr an Fhidhleir, Ben More Coigach, 29 June Midday on the summit of Sgurr an Fhidhleir (subsidiary top of Ben mor Coigach, 5 miles SE of Achiltibuie), followed by talks at Achiltibuie Piping Centre and a dance with Achiltibuie's finest band in the village hall. All welcome - but participants will be expected to carry their own musical instruments and make their own way to the top an Sgurr an Fhidhleir for miday on Saturrday June 29. Evening meals available in local hotels, accommodation at Achnahaird campsite. Further information from Alex Sutherland on 01463 702282 or 01456 486711
after office hours.
Mountaineering Council of Scotland Annual Gathering & AGM, June 20th - 23, Glenmore Lodge Programme includes: Places are limited on the events and final events held will depend on demand. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Saturday Evening Events: Followed by Late Evening Entertainment Sunday Event Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour - Fort William, 2 June The World Tour of The Banff Mountain Film Festival held at the Nevis
Centre on Sunday June 2nd was a hugely successful event with nearly every
seat taken in the house. The Nevis Centre was transformed into a wonderful
display of local artists work in mountain photography and artwork as well
as an excellent mini trade show from the three local climbing shops and
their suppliers. The Atlas Brewery from Kinlochleven supplied their locally
brewed Latitude Pale Ale to the enjoyment of the audience and managed
to raise nearly £300 for Room 13's Nepalese Mountain Spirit Project.
Contact: Ryan Leamont - The Highland Mountain Culture Association North East Mountain Trust Festival and Seminar at Ballater 24-26 May Ballater experts hear that Capercaillie likely to die out in the Cairngorms
within ten years Capercaillie are seen as very sensitive barometer of environmental problems and their current poor numbers and increasing decline appears to be related to a number of issues that threaten wildlife and tourism. Dr Moss pointed out that current practices such as forestry fencing and setting large numbers of fox snares in woodlands was causing heavy mortality amongst Capercaillie at the same time as the birds were already trying to cope with the effects of a changing climate. There were, however, a number of ways in which the Capercaillie could be helped and these were largely in the hands of forestry and estate managers who needed to act immediately. Dr Moss pointed out that forestry fencing was required only because red deer numbers were immensely high and over-grazing prevented natural woodland growth and regeneration. Fences killed many birds which simply fly straight into them. While some estates are already drastically reducing deer populations this was still a big problem in some areas of the Cairngorms. Forestry managers also need to plan for more open woodland, which allows more ground cover and food plants like blaeberry to grow. Dr Moss said that even slightly more open forests would assist Capercaillie greatly. The seminar, part of a whole weekend of events, also heard from a number of other Cairngorms experts from a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints including estate managers, wildlife and conservation specialists, local authority planners, mountaineering group representatives and politicians. The forthcoming National Park featured heavily in the discussions and a number of agreed conclusions were reached. These included the view that any future National Park authority had to have both locally elected representatives and those with special expertise in managing the resources of the Cairngorms so that the best options could be identified. The National Park would also need wider powers over land management, such as forestry, if it ever hoped to provide better protection and development for the area. There was also a strong view that it was not good enough to simply apply current planning controls to the Cairngorms and that much more targeted controls over management practices would be needed. The MSP, Mike Rumbles, also called for those with strong interests and views to make themselves heard through their elected representatives in the Scottish Parliament. The event organiser, Roger Owen, commented that the whole event had been
a great success with the combination of talks, walks and entertainment
throughout the weekend, culminating in a walk with Cairngorms expert,
Adam Watson, who provided a fascinating insight into the wildlife, culture
and environmental issues of the Cairngorms. Dr Owen added that the help
and hospitality they had received for this event by enthusiastic local
people in Ballater had been key to its success. Euromontana 3rd European Mountain Convention REPORT OF THE THIRD EUROPEAN MOUNTAIN CONVENTION : A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE MOUNTAINS The European Mountain Conventions are an initiative of the European association
Euromontana which comprises agricultural organisations, communities, research
institutes, development and environmental agencies or mountain associations
with a European Mountain Conventions are organised every 2 years for the attention
of professionals and aim at ensuring in relation to the general theme
of mountain rural sustainable development : Updated information on current
European issues and their The context of the Third European Mountain Convention: Inverness 2002 The Third European Mountain Convention took place within the framework of a special context : 2002, International Year of the Mountains the first stages of preparation of important reforms of the European policies for agriculture and for regional development, related to the enlargement of the Union which will be transformed from a group of 15 Member States to a group of 27 member states in the coming years. This Convention was strongly focused on the preparation of these reforms.
Taking place at an early stage of the reflections, the programme concentrated
on the organisation of The Convention gathered about 230 participants from more than 20 European
countries, with a balanced representation between countries and between
the different types of organisations. The event also benefited from the
presence of numerous elected Debates / current European issues for the mountain areas Firstly, the Third European Mountain Convention focused for an important part of the programme on issues related to the reforms of the EU policies. The future of the Common Agricultural Policy and the issues for European Mountain agriculture. The Common Agricultural Policy (implemented in the 15 current member
states of the European Union) is described as comprising 2 "pillars"
: one "pillar" for the supports to As Mr Sivenas - the Director for rural development of the Directorate for Agriculture of the Commission representing Franz Fischler, the European Commissioner for Agriculture - explained, a timeframe for reforming this policy is planned: a "mid-term review" in 2002 of the measures programmed for the period 2000-2006, and a reform in 2006 for the following period 2007-2013. Several factors can influence these changes : the enlargement of the
European Union (negotiations with the candidate countries, the conception
of an agricultural policy which It is very likely that one of the changes will be an increase of the second pillar (the measures for rural development) perhaps related to a decrease of the first pillar (supports to production). Already the transitional measures which apply in the candidate countries mainly address rural development and will continue to address rural development with 50% of the budget during their first years of membership. In this context, mountain agriculture can either have threats or opportunities.
The Inverness Convention was focused mainly on the opportunities notably
by exploring the following themes which could be the subject of a stronger
attention from the Quality products, which represent an obvious strategy for mountain products
which can never be mass products at low prices. Euromontana already initiated
a 2-year study on this theme to explore ways to better add value to and
promote mountain quality products at the European level. The Convention
facilitated a sort of preliminary consultation on The future of the European Regional Policy and the issues for the mountain territories in Europe. The Convention benefited from a long intervention by the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Michel Barnier, and from a vigorous discussion session with him. The current European Regional policy consists in structural supports allocated according to a few Objectives : Objective 1 Objective 2 : supports to industrial areas, fragile rural areas, areas
dependent on fishing, urban areas and mixed areas. The zones identified
for this aid are much more narrow than for Objective 1. In addition to
the Objectives, there are 4 "Community Initiatives ", EQUAL,
URBAN, LEADER and INTERREG, this latter supporting for example This policy is bound to be reformed in 2006, with the integration of
new member states, creating new regional disparities within the Union.
The scenario currently being All this of course needs to be approved by the member states and these are only proposals. Nevertheless a window of opportunities appears for the mountain areas,
which are among the "areas with permanent natural and geographical
handicaps" together with the islands Firstly, by presenting the results of a pilot study aiming at quantifying the socio-economic characteristics of European mountain regions Secondly, by inviting the participation of scientific and elected representatives of the islands and the sparsely populated areas. As regards the first point, this study was launched with the recognition
of the need to better quantify the socio-economic characteristics of mountain
areas to justify their specific support in the European policies. This
study has been extremely useful, perhaps less for its raw statistical
results than for the fact that it precedes a bigger study commissioned
by the European Commission itself. It has been possible to highlight the
advantages but also the defects of a statistical analysis and a certain
number of statistical anomolies and methodological difficulties have been
identified that could provide a useful guide for the following study which
will be carried out by the European Commission. As regards the second
point, the Convention was a new step in Other themes and events of the Third European Mountain Convention In addition to the exploration of the issues related to the reforms of the EU policies, other important themes for the rural development of European mountain areas were addressed. For the first time in the European Mountain Convention, the specific
theme of cultural identities was the subject of an individual innovative
workshop, dealing with the topic in the context of a sustainable rural
development allowing the valorisation of cultural heritages. The environmental
policy was also the subject of a specific session, scrutinising notably
the 6th Framework Programme for Environment of the EU, The Inverness Convention also offered the possibilities for meetings
and visits, the impacts of which should not be neglected : - discovering
Scottish mountains, real and big, Follow-up actions As regards the reforms of the European policies A legacy of this Convention will be a series of consultations on the development of the reflections on the future of the CAP and the regional policy. The objective will be to achieve by the middle of 2003 a concerted contribution of Euromontana, or a broader network if possible, highlighting the needs and opportunities of European mountain areas for the years to come. One step to remember in this process is the seminar of the European Commission
on the mountain areas organised in Brussels on 17 and 18 October this
year. For the first time, Euromontana plans to organise a seminar in May or June 2003 to take stock of the different consultations carried out between now and then. For the co-operation between mountain regions The debates opened at the Inverness Convention, notably on prospective
themes such as the evaluation of the positive externalities of land use,
should be continued in particular Numerous proposals were formulated in the workshops or in the conclusions, which all represented an encouragement for immediate further actions. A contribution towards the International Year of the Mountains. Even if the issues and reflections developed at the Third European Mountain Convention may seem very specific to the European Union or to the future member states, the concerns in these countries for mountain rural development are very similar to those from other European Countries and even from other continents. Only the political solutions differ and this is precisely why it is of great interest and added-value to exchange and co-operate. It is in this perspective that Euromontana works at the same time with partners from the European Union, from Switzerland, Norway, Central Europe, the Balkans or even oriental Europe, all of which have different political solutions to address their mountain issues. Euromontana is therefore confident that the Third European Mountain Convention is a key specific European contribution to the International Year of the Mountains. The full results will be disseminated widely and Euromontana will be available to provide any further information on the conference or on the themes of the conference. In a few weeks, most of the interventions at the conference will be available from the web site www.euromontana.org.
"Think Like A Mountain" seminar cancelled The "Think Like a Mountain" seminar scheduled for 9-11 May
at Glenmore Lodge has been cancelled but plans are already under way to
put together a similar event next year. A series of courses based around
the theme of "The Ecology of Adventure" will be running at Glenmore
Lodge through the year, mainly in May and September. For further information
go to www.glenmorelodge.org.uk/courses/ecology.htm
or phone Glenmore Lodge on 01479 861256 IYM T Shirts and other merchandise now available IYM Scotland T shirts, mouse mats, clocks and mugs are now available. These have been produced by Tayside Aid, a medical charity, in conjunction with a local printshop. All profits from the sale of merchandise go to providing medical supplies and equipment to mountain communities. Examples of where Tayside Aid has worked in the past are listed below. The full range is: Adult T shirt £10 All subject to £3 postage & packing (ie one adult T shirt =
£10 plus £3 p&p) up to the following limits: Order by email bert@tay-shirt.com or fax 01382 802 092 only, sorry no telephone orders.
About the Tayside Aid Project Tayside Aid Project was set up to redirect to areas of need medical and dental items no longer of use to the NHS but still serviceable. The project also raises money to assist in the provision of healthcare in these areas. Launched in 1997 at Ninewells Hospital the project has the support of Tayside Hospitals Trust hospital management. The response to the project has been very heartening and over the last few years aid has been distributed in several ways. The following list is just a sample of how this has been done: The International Nepal Fellowship - a link has been established with this group. Several donations of cash and medical items have been made to assist in the running of "Ear Camps" where medical and nursing staff volunteer their services in the running of clinics and surgery for the treatment of chronic ear diseases. BELAID - a locally run charity who send aid to Belaruse where people are still affected by the Chernoble disaster. Tayside Aid has over the last three years gathered together medical items no longer of use to the NHS and passed these on to BELAID. Numerous volunteers travelling overseas taking small but greatly appreciated backpacks of medical items. Nebuliser masks, updrafts and tubing bought with Tayside Aid funds donated to Monifieth Rotary to send an equipped ambulance to Belaruse. Recondition portable anaesthetic machine, suction pump, sphygnomanometers, laryngoscopes and sundries donated by the Department of Anaesthetics - donated to an emergency room in Ghana. Radiologist's lead aprons and x-ray cassettes no longer required to BELAID - radiologists in Belaruse are using X-ray equipment with no protection. Two theatre tables no longer of use crated for transport by local company at cost price (cost met by Tayside Aid) for transportation to Nepal by Fife Rotary Club. £500 donated to local nuns to improve the conditions in an orphanage in Satu-Mare near the Hungarian border where mentally handicapped children between the ages of 7 and 17 years live in dreadful conditions. For further information on the Tayside Aid Project, contact Please do not contact this address for merchandise - contact bert@tay-shirt.com
or fax 01382 802 092, or if you encounter problems get in touch with the
IYM Scotland co-ordinator.
Friday 19th April saw the launch in Edinburgh of "The Ecology, Land Use and Conservation of the Cairngorms", edited by Professor Charles Gimingham. The book contains material from twenty contributors, ranging from scientists and conservationists to land economists, foresters and agriculturalists. It provides a broad and in depth picture of the Cairngorms, bringing together a diverse range of disciplines under one cover and edited by an acknowledged expert on the area, and is destined to become a benchmark reference and research resource. "The Ecology, Land Use and Conservation of the Cairngorms"
is published by Packard Publishing Ltd at Forum House, Stirling Road,
Chichester, West Sussex PO19 7DN. For a review on this book click here http://www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk/news/cairngorm_book.html Launch and Inaugural Meet of the Munro Society, 20 April, Dundee The Munro Society will hold its Inaugural Meeting on Saturday 20th April
2002 in the Bonar Hall at the University of Dundee. John Cleare, the internationally renowned photographer, will give a presentation placing the Munros in the context of the International Year of Mountains. Tickets £7.00 available from Tiso, Dundee and Mountain Supplies,
Perth or by post from The Munro Society is open to all who have completed the Munros and details can be obtained from Dr Iain Robertson, 28 Fairies Road, Perth PH1 1LZ Telephone 01738 625022 or e-mail: iain-robertson@usa.net The Objectives of the Munro Society: For more information see www.munrosociety.org.uk On Top Of The World - Scottish mountaineers at home and abroad Scottish National Portrait Gallery 25 October 2002- 19 January 2003 Mountains are the beginning and the end of all natural scenery
- John Ruskin On Top Of The World will examine the role of Scottish men and women who have explored, recorded and conquered some of the highest peaks of Britain, Africa, the Polar regions, the Himalayas, North America and the Alps. Works drawn from the collection of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and from other public and private collections will include paintings, sculpture, photographs, early instruments and documents. Famous mountaineers represented will include Professor James Forbes 'the discoverer of the Alps', Sir Hugh Munro, the first man to compile the list of 'Munros', John Buchan, John Muir, Norman Collie, the Reverend Archibald Aeneas Robertson, Sir James Wordie, William H. Murray and many others. A related lecture programme will explore the main themes of the display, which will be situated in the small exhibition gallery between the central hall and the Gallery café. On Top Of The World coincides with the United Nations designated International Year of Mountains 2002. Admission free
This unique skiing event will take place in Braemar and at the Glenshee ski area on 8th, 9th and 10th March 2002. Now in its fourth year, this successful weekend, hosted by the Braemar Telemark Club, attracts around 5000 Telemark skiers to the slopes to take part in the UK's largest on and off snow ski party. The weekend features free-heel skiing, music and more as participants ski, race and party. The packed programme will feature: Tuition from the Mountain Equipment sponsored team of 25 UK and international
instructors providing classes for all standards. New for this year K2 are sponsoring a free-heel free-ride race which will see contestants in the air as much as on the snow. So why do people come back each year? It's the street party atmosphere that's created with music playing, the torchlight parade from Braemar to Braemar Castle and the Ceilidh at the castle making this more than just an on snow event. Some just come for the party with any skiing a bonus. And what makes Telemark skiing so special that it attracts people from all over the UK and beyond to Braemar for this weekend? It's the freedom and fun - to ski in the lift served area and beyond - to explore the winter hills - to free the heel and free the imagination - to get out there. For more information contact Dave Latham Tel/Fax 01330 850 332 NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND - GUIDED WALKS IN INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOUNTAINS 2002 Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve Flora, Fauna and Fossils May 6, 19, 26 Top o'the Tail June 1 Mountain Wildlife May 18 Mar Lodge Estate The Big and the Black Rocky Hills - Sgor Mor and Sgor Dubh
High Top Walk: Derry Cairngorm Don't Get Lost! An Introduction to Navigation Glen Coe "Woodland ramble through time" Coire Gabhail Lairig Eilde Meal Mor mast Glencoe's Land Rover safari Ben Lawers The Lure of Mountain Plants Introducing Glencoe The Call of the Mountain Archaeology of Mountains: An uphill Task
High Level Walk Kintail, West Affric and Balmacara The Five Sisters Ridge Falls of Glomach Basic Mountain Navigation Deer Stalking with a Camera Falls of Glomach Kintail to Yellowstone Falls of Glomach Wilderness Experience Ben Lomond 1. Sat 29th June: Around Ben Lomond's crags - the mountain flowers. 10am
- 4.30pm 2. Sun 7th July: What's Special about Ben Lomond. 10am - 4.30pm 3. Wed 7th Aug: Ben Lomond - All about the Mountain. 7.30pm - 8.30pm 4. Sat 12th October: Red Deer in Rut. 10am - 4.30pm Contact details:
CAIRNGORM RANGER SERVICE EVENTS PROGRAMME 2002 All events meet at the Ranger Base in Coire Cas, are suitable for all ages unless indicated, and require hill going equipment such as boots, windproof and, if conditions are wet or cold, further protective clothing. Walks are free. Booking is required only for the all-day walks. Contact the Ranger Service on 01479 861 261 or email ranger@cairngorm.sol.co.uk 25th May 2002, meet at 2pm Coire an t-Sneachda Coire Cas 9th June, 1st, 18th, 29th July, 5th, 19th, 29th August Coire na Ciste International Year of Mountains hill walks. 31st August, 1st , 4th, 5th September, meeting at 10 am. Booking essential.
The Ranger Service reserves the right to accept or refuse to take
any person who is inadequately equipped, based on an assessment of the
conditions, plans for the walk and an assessment of the person's ability.
World Heritage Site Status for the Cairngorms (parliamentary motion S1M-2669) 14 Feb 2002 Elaine Thomson: —That the Parliament congratulates the United Nations on its co-ordination of the International Year of Mountains; believes that an appropriate way to celebrate the year would be to ensure that the Cairngorm Mountain Range, the largest continuous area of high ground above 1,000 metres in Britain, is designated a World Heritage Site, and therefore considers that the Scottish Executive should speedily propose discussions with Her Majesty's Government to achieve the ultimate international acclaim of World Heritage Status for this beautiful and environmentally unique part of our heritage. Elaine Thomson (Aberdeen North) (Lab): I am delighted to have secured the debate today. This year is the international year of mountains and there is no better time to achieve world heritage status for the Cairngorms. I thank Kevin Hutchens, convener of the United Nations Association committee for Scotland, for encouraging me to lodge the motion. Everyone has their own special mountains. Without doubt, mine are the Cairngorms. The views up Deeside looking across to Lochnagar or walking up past the Linn of Dee into the beginning of the Lairig Ghru, where one catches glimpses of red squirrels in the native Caledonian pine forest, are for me Scotland in its essence. One of my favourite views, which, amazingly, can be seen from just outside Aberdeen, is the view across to Lochnagar in winter, with its sheer rock faces etched in snow. I have made it to the top of Lochnagar only once, when the weather—in true Scottish fashion—ensured that we could see only 20ft in any direction. On that day I was part of a multinational group of Scots and Malaysians who had never walked so far or so high in their lives, but who knew nevertheless that it was a special place and a special experience. Scotland has many mountains to celebrate in the year of mountains. I argue that none are more spectacular that the Cairngorms. Aberdonians have a special affinity with the Cairngorms—perhaps it is the granite connection—and Aberdeen is the gateway to them. Many a family has climbed Bennachie or Clachnaben, the easternmost outcrops of the Cairngorms, on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We must not forget all the serious climbers, such as those in the Cairngorm Club, Scotland's oldest climbing club. The club is based in Aberdeen and counts among its members several members of my family, both past and present. The Cairngorms are a unique and special part of Scotland's natural and cultural heritage. The international year of mountains is the right time to achieve world heritage status for the Cairngorms. Someone not so familiar with the area asked me what made the Cairngorms any different from the Cuillins, the Mamores or parts of the Alps. The answer has three key aspects. First, the natural heritage is truly spectacular. The combination of geological, geomorphological and ecological features is unique. In the Cairngorms, Scotland has a little outpost of the Arctic, where flora and fauna from the Arctic north mixes with those of the formerly glaciated alpine south. That happens nowhere else. Even the Cairngorms' wet and windy climate is a unique feature. The Cairngorms also include large tracts of remnant Caledonian forest—the woodlands that gave the name to that kind of forest. Granny pines can be found in Glen Derry that are estimated to be up to 900 years old. Secondly, the cultural history of the Cairngorms and the variety of land uses have had such an impact that the area has produced some truly unique landscapes. I speak in particular of the eastern Cairngorms and the extensive rolling grouse moors, which are a feature that is unique to that part of Scotland—the habitat and flora and fauna that they support are not replicated elsewhere. There is also the historic and cultural interest in the Highland sporting estate. Although such estates are perhaps nearing the end of their more traditional days, they are nevertheless of importance in European historical terms, if only because they created such a significant cultural landscape. Deeside has been the preferred holiday location of the royal family for a long time. There is also the earlier history. This is not well known, but land improvements in the Cairngorms in the 17th century were some of the earliest clearances in Scotland. A remarkable archaeological record is emerging that shows the existence of sizeable villages many miles into some of the Cairngorm glens. Thirdly, there is the sheer scale and remoteness of the mountains, where one can walk for several days at a time and escape from the trappings of the modern day. From the summit of Ben Macdui, it is more than 30 miles due south to the first public road. I am aware that this is not the first time that the Cairngorms have been proposed for world heritage status. I know that they are on the United Kingdom's tentative list. Many of the inadequacies that resulted in the failure of the previous bid, which was made 10 years ago, are now being resolved. A national park is being created. Land reform legislation will protect and extend public access as well as help to bring land into public ownership. I was delighted when the Mar Lodge estate was taken over by the National Trust for Scotland. That put an end to the wanton environmental vandalism by some of the estate's previous owners, including the felling of some of the remaining fragments of the ancient Caledonian forest. Further legislation to protect Scottish natural heritage, which will comply with the European Union birds and habitats directive, is being considered. The opportunity to achieve the accolade of world heritage status has never been better. The minister might be aware of concerns that the proposed Cairngorms national park should have adequate planning powers to meet the criteria sought by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation for world heritage site status. I ask the minister to ensure that that point is considered as development of the national park moves into its final consultative stage. I am also interested to find out whether the Scottish Executive is having discussions with the relevant United Nations committee—the International Union for the Conservation of Nature—which advises on the suitability of world heritage status nominees. This undeveloped, extensive area of wild land will have increasing value to 21st century society as a repose, a retreat and a place to think big thoughts. It is a place that is not only worthy of designation as a world heritage site, but worth protecting. Fergus Ewing (Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber) (SNP): I am happy to
speak on St Valentine's day with my wife beside me—[MEMBERS: "Aw."]
Yes, and I remembered the flowers. As I was saying, I am happy to talk
today about my love affair with the Scottish Cairngorms. They are truly
magnificent and I congratulate Elaine Thomson on suggesting this interesting
idea for a debate. As a former mountain rescue team member and hillwalker,
I have visited many of the tops of the Cairngorms and indeed participated
in the Cairngorm hill race in 1995, in which I had the distinction of
coming last. Just before the race, Gordon Lennox, who was a local I am pleased to participate in the debate and I will make a few brief comments. First, although I welcome any new idea, the local community must be fully engaged. The feeling in Badenoch and Strathspey that ideas are imposed from above should be taken into account. Secondly, Elaine Thomson's idea might well be an excellent means of promoting the number of tourist visitors to the area. However, the local chamber of commerce and community councils—certainly those in my constituency, which includes most of the Cairngorms—should be consulted. Thirdly, there is concern that giving the national park structure its own planning system will add an extra layer of bureaucracy. There is no desire for a such a system. Although I know that a number of interest groups believe that that view is wrong, I feel that, instead of having a two-tier planning structure, local planners simply need more resources to deal with the work that they already have. The introduction of such a structure would set a bad precedent. Other members will have strong views on the issue, but I believe that it would be a shame to spend resources on introducing such a system when so much needs to be done to improve the environment. Elaine Thomson's suggestion would best be pursued through consultation with the local communities. Indeed, it should be pursued after the national park board has been set up and people are comfortable with the way in which it operates. Although the board does not have full support, it is generally seen in Badenoch and Strathspey more as an opportunity than as a threat. I welcome this debate and hope that it plays a part in the appreciation of the Cairngorms as a mountain range of worldwide significance. Mary Scanlon (Highlands and Islands) (Con): For obvious reasons—my voice—I will be very brief. Although I am pleased to support Elaine Thomson's motion, I must disagree with her suggestion that Aberdeen is the gateway to the Cairngorms—I think that many people in Strathspey and Badenoch would not agree with her either. The Cairngorms are one of several mountain ranges in Scotland that fit the criteria for world heritage status. Others that come to mind are the Cuillins, the Torridon range and the Nevis range. Such a site must be an example of a state of evolution on earth; be representative of biological evolution; contain natural habitats of endangered animals; be a scene of exceptional beauty; or have a spectacular view of large concentrations of animals. Indeed, Loch Ness also fits those criteria. Since the world heritage convention was signed in 1972, hundreds of sites, including some of the most famous places on earth, have been accorded world heritage status. Those sites are of such universal value that protecting them should be the concern of every man and woman. It is beyond doubt that the Cairngorms mountain range is one such place. Like others, I regularly walk in the Cairngorms, although, as more of a flat walker than a mountain walker I do not achieve the heights of my colleague Murray Tosh. It has been said that attaining world heritage status means that an area is fully protected and cannot be knocked down, dug up or painted over. Although I support the granting of world heritage status, I do so on the basis that the areas that are covered should be recognised rather than on the basis that there is any threat of their being knocked down, dug up or painted over. Managing a world heritage property is an ever-changing task that calls not only for special knowledge of the site but awareness of what is going on around it and in society at large. If world heritage status means that future planning would be more realistic than was the case for the funicular railway, which had the longest-running planning application in Scottish legal history, it would be worth while and I would fully support it. Mr Mike Rumbles (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) (LD): I fully support Elaine Thomson's motion, the first part of which states: "That the Parliament congratulates the United Nations on its co-ordination of the International Year of Mountains". I was happy to sign the motion to show my support, but I am a little perplexed about why Elaine Thomson has not so far supported the motion on that very subject—the international year of mountains—that I lodged a few weeks ago, which now has the support of 18 MSPs from across the range of parties in the Parliament. It is very important to gather as much support as possible, to encourage Scottish Executive ministers to take action to celebrate the international year of mountains. I encourage Elaine Thomson to support my motion. I have the great privilege to represent many people who live and work in Deeside and Donside—identified so eloquently by Elaine Thomson a few moments ago—in the Cairngorm mountain range. While I support Elaine Thomson's suggestion that the Cairngorms be declared a world heritage site, she may be a little premature. Due to the UNESCO regulations, the UK can submit only one site for world heritage status each year. The submission—from the tentative list drawn up in 1999—was due on 1 February. The Cairngorms are on the tentative list but the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew has received this year's nomination. A Cairngorms management committee and the Scottish Executive have to prove to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport that the Cairngorms are ready for nomination. To satisfy UNESCO regulations, a fairly strict management regime has to be in place—which suggests that the national park will have to be up and running before the Cairngorms will be considered for nomination. The first piece of legislation that I helped deal with as a member of the Rural Affairs Committee was the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000, which is the enabling legislation for the national parks. We are well on course for setting up a national park in the Cairngorms, but as has been pointed out by the Cairngorms Campaign and others, if the Cairngorms are to have any possibility of achieving world heritage designation, the Cairngorms national park authority needs to have far stronger powers than are presently envisaged. I am talking about planning powers. What is currently proposed is an arrangement of shared responsibilities between the various councils. There would be input from the park authority, but there is the possibility of confusion. Will the minister consider changing the Executive's stance—although, as it is really Scottish Natural Heritage's recommendation, it is SNH's stance—on giving full planning powers to the proposed Cairngorms national park, on the same lines as those proposed for the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs national park, so that we can achieve world heritage status for the Cairngorms? Rhoda Grant (Highlands and Islands) (Lab): I welcome the opportunity to debate this issue and congratulate Elaine Thomson on securing the debate. It is fitting that the debate should take place during the international year of mountains. It is also fitting that the third European Mountain Convention is being held in Inverness later this year. It is a European association that promotes co-operation between mountain regions. The Cairngorms are a place of outstanding natural beauty and have attracted visitors from all over the world for many years—people who are interested in mountaineering, wildlife and nature conservation. The question is, what would world heritage status add to the Cairngorms and what benefits would it bring? The most obvious benefit would be recognition. The list of sites with world heritage status is impressive and includes the great wall of China, the cathedral of Notre Dame, the giant's causeway in Northern Ireland and, more recently, New Lanark. Those sites are all well known and stand out as visitor attractions. There are four world heritage sites in Scotland: the Neolithic monuments of Orkney, Edinburgh's old and new towns, St Kilda and New Lanark. They are regarded as the gold standard of Scotland's heritage and are recognised throughout the world because of the historic value they add to it. It cannot be doubted that tourism would be boosted through the granting of such status to the Cairngorms. I am sure that some tourists who come to Scotland would be swayed to visit the Cairngorms if the area attracted world heritage status. That would be a welcome boost to the communities in the Cairngorms. Tourism would not be the only industry that would be helped; there would be a knock-on effect on local industries and the local economy. The part of the Cairngorms that lies in my constituency is dominated by the ski resort of Aviemore. With the award of world heritage status, the attraction of the area would be further enhanced. The opening of the funicular railway has also provided an incentive for tourists to come to the Cairngorms. The creation of the national park will affect the area, too. With that development, there is potential to promote the area. Furthermore, the national park development and world heritage status will not confine economic activity and development. Throughout the passage of the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000, serious issues were raised about the balance between economic and environmental concerns. I believe that those issues have been resolved. If granted, world heritage status would recognise the natural beauty of the Cairngorms and would have the potential to bring economic benefit not only to the tourism industry, but to the wider local economy. I hope that the Scottish Executive will back the proposal and that the minister will seek to persuade Westminster colleagues that it is worth supporting. Robin Harper (Lothians) (Green): I have many happy memories of the Cairngorms. When I was 16 and attending Elgin Academy, I visited Loch Morlich and climbed Braeriach. In my 20s, I took school groups to the Cairngorms. We stayed at the Lagganlia centre for outdoor education and went skiing. In my 40s and my Munro-bagging days, I went up all three major ridges and climbed all the Munros in the area. It is a stupendously beautiful area of Scotland of which I am very fond and I was glad when it was made a national park. Nonetheless, I have two reservations. First, the present set-up, in which the separate local authorities bargain with each other, will not be workable. Something much stronger is needed, such as an overall planning authority. Secondly, I have concerns about the National Parks (Scotland) Act 2000. I appeared at the Rural Affairs Committee on several occasions to ensure that the Sandford principle was enshrined in the bill. I was reassured by Sarah Boyack, on the day when the bill was passed, that it was. I asked her to give me a copper-bottomed assurance that the Sandford principle was incorporated in the bill and she said that it was. However, I still hae ma doots. World heritage status for the Cairngorms would make absolutely certain that the Sandford principle was protected in the Cairngorms. I have two questions for the minister. First, does he intend to take steps to meet the world heritage committee's requirement that appropriate management arrangements be put in place—in effect, an integration of planning controls and a proper parks authority? Secondly, how large would the Cairngorm world heritage site be? Would it extend to the boundary of the forthcoming national park or would it be just a small part of that? The latter option would not be acceptable. Mr David Davidson (North-East Scotland) (Con): I congratulate Elaine Thomson on securing the debate. An opportunity exists for Scotland, but with every opportunity there are threats. The Parliament must work hard to guard against the threats. As I come from the north-east, the Cairngorm mountain range is naturally one of my favourite areas. I have been in many of the world's famous ranges but still look at the Cairngorms with a different eye. They are comforting whereas some ranges can be quite awesome, although it is obvious that someone in the Cairngorms in the wrong weather can be in real trouble. Balances must be considered. Conservation and protection must be borne in mind while we look at the potential for tourism. There must be discussion of the management of people and infrastructure support to ensure that people can obtain access in a way that does not damage the fragile ecology. Controls have been mentioned. As always, I am concerned about who manages controls. I agree with Fergus Ewing that we must get the national park authority in and up and then look outwards from there. I have lived in the new national park in Loch Lomond and worked there as a community councillor and as a councillor. I saw all the tensions not just with funding, but with getting local control and input, proper consultation and management and recognition that people live in the area. Not everyone is a tourist. Normal life must be encouraged wherever possible, but the economy must be developed. There must be a single planning authority for that area, otherwise there will be mixed messages. Members saw what went on at the beginning of the national park exercise at Loch Lomond—it was a disaster, a shambles. There are other issues. Access to the mountains has been mentioned. Access has never really been a problem, but it is important that if there is to be further development—I always worry when nature is developed—proper measures are in place. The land managers—organisations or trusts, for example—should not be burdened with costs with which they cannot cope. We must ensure that in any application for the status of world heritage site, all such matters are considered. I am glad that Elaine Thomson has brought the matter to our attention and I look forward to what the minister has to say. Mr Keith Raffan (Mid Scotland and Fife) (LD): In 1894, that great Scot, John Muir—founder of the conservation movement and the Yosemite national park—wrote in his book "The Mountains of California": "Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home. That wilderness is a necessity." During my childhood in the 1950s, I had the privilege to be brought up partly in upper Deeside on the edge of the Cairngorm massif—that great wilderness of startling beauty. I have no doubt that the Cairngorm mountains meet the criteria to be a world heritage site. The area has outstanding and universal value. As colleagues have said, the Cairngorms have been on the tentative list since 1999, with the flow country and the Forth bridge, but it would be premature to nominate them as a world heritage site before the Cairngorms national park is established in February 2004. A rushed or premature nomination could be counterproductive. Colleagues have also said that for a nomination to be successful, a rigorous management plan involving strong planning powers will have to be in place to meet UNESCO regulations and to satisfy the IUCN. UNESCO and the IUCN advise the world heritage committee on the suitability of a candidate site. I understand that that is also SNH's position. There is also the sensitive issue of the boundaries of the Cairngorms national park, which have yet to be finalised. If the boundary is drawn tight along the lines of SNH's proposed minimum boundary, only half of the park would be a world heritage site. I do not want a premature nomination to complicate or affect the boundary issue. That is a particular concern to those of us who wish the park to be drawn closer to its maximum boundaries to include not just the heads, but the whole of the Angus glens. Like others, I want to celebrate the Cairngorms in the international year of mountains. I am a passionate supporter of the Cairngorms national park and I want the Cairngorms to be a world heritage site. Again in the words of John Muir, I want us "to do something for wildness and make the mountains glad"— but let us do it in a considered way and in a logical order. Mr Murray Tosh (South of Scotland) (Con): I am a signatory to both of the motions that have been mentioned. I confess a partiality for the mountains of western Scotland, for Lochaber and Wester Ross and the Skye Cuillin. The hills of eastern Scotland are generally rounder, offer much less rugged walking and are often a beast to get to. However, among the hills of eastern Scotland the Cairngorms are surely the jewel in the crown. There is no scenery more spectacular than that to be had when, for example, standing on Sgor Gaoith looking over Loch Einich, or standing out on the northernmost top of Beinn a'Bhuird—I will not try to pronounce the name of the top—or walking round the spectacular corrie walk from Braeriach to Carn Toul. The height and remoteness of the Cairngorms is unparalleled in this country. Hillwalkers and climbers have delighted for generations in scrambling on the remote and spectacular tors and mountains, such as Bynack More, Beinn Mheadhoin or Ben Avon. Standing on those tors in a howling gale, or retreating from them under the threat of an impending storm, brings home to us how insignificant man—or indeed woman in these politically correct times—is in the midst of such grand and impressive scenery. Elaine Thomson referred to the important work that is being done now that Mar Lodge is in the ownership of the National Trust for Scotland, such as the removal of the obtrusive vehicular tracks and the restoration of forests. That is all valuable work. All of us in our political life, and the excellent people who are involved in the work on the ground in these areas, have a responsibility to do all that we can to recognise and celebrate those wild and wonderful places. Everyone should know and visit them. A day in the Cairngorms is a marvellous experience. One can spend it with thousands of people, yet the area is so vast that one hardly comes across anybody. I can think of no better antidote to a strenuous week in the Scottish Parliament spent jousting with members over the length of their questions or the relevance of their speeches than to escape to the wilderness that is the Cairngorms. Long may they survive to provide the relief that is necessary for we stressed city dwellers. The Deputy Presiding Officer: Off you go then, Mr Tosh. The Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Development (Allan Wilson): I am sure that we would all like to express our gratitude to Elaine Thomson for giving us the opportunity to debate one of Scotland's most attractive areas. As we have heard from Elaine Thomson, Fergus Ewing and others, the Cairngorms area is quite remarkable. It is the UK's most important area for nature conservation and has some of Scotland's finest wild landscapes. It is the largest block of wild high land in the country and the best area for sub-Arctic terrain and wildlife in the European Union outside Sweden and Finland. The old woods of pine and birch on the Spey and Dee date back thousands of years. Throughout the area, the landforms, lochs, rivers, moors and marshes are all of outstanding beauty. It is of little surprise that, as members have mentioned, every year thousands of visitors from home and abroad come to walk, climb, ski, fish or simply enjoy the many attractions of the Cairngorms that have been outlined by Murray Tosh and others. Over the years, a great deal has been done to protect the natural heritage of the Cairngorms. Much of the area is already designated as a site of special scientific interest, a special protection area, a special area of conservation, a national nature reserve or a national scenic area. Those designations all apply in the Cairngorms. We are also committed, as all members who have spoken have mentioned, to the establishment of a Cairngorms national park. We must ensure the sustainable development of that important area. The establishment of the national park is the optimum means of achieving that. I recognise the arguments for seeking world heritage status for the Cairngorms.
As the motion states, it would be fitting to take that idea forward this
year, which is the international year of mountains. We support fully the
aims of that UN initiative. We are aware of the importance of our mountain
areas and we welcome the programme Mr Rumbles: Will the minister mention the planning issue and say why the two national park plans are different? Robin Harper: Does the minister agree— The Deputy Presiding Officer: One at a time, please. Your chance will come, Mr Harper. Allan Wilson: In my concluding remarks, I will come to the issue of planning and to other issues connected to the national park. Robin Harper: Does the minister agree that the issue has been around for some time? In 1990, Lord James Douglas-Hamilton agreed to the proposal to include the Cairngorms on the tentative list for designation as a world heritage site. He stated: "the case for conservation of not just the Northern Corries but the Cairngorms as a whole outweighed the case for further development". Allan Wilson: Rhoda Grant made that point fairly effectively. My colleague Mike Watson launched the international year of mountains in Scotland. He was impressed by the enthusiasm of the wide range of organisations that promote Scotland's mountains. Those organisations will be engaged in that process during the coming months. I am sure that they will pursue many of the recreational interests that Robin Harper mentioned. Unfortunately, as Keith Raffan, Mike Rumbles and others said, there is no prospect of progressing the nomination of the Cairngorms as a world heritage site this year. The Cairngorms was one of 25 sites on the UK tentative list, which is the list of sites that the UK is considering for nomination to UNESCO for world heritage status by 2010. In the present climate, the UK does not expect to nominate more than one site from the tentative list each year. As was mentioned, the site for this year has been identified as Kew gardens. The case for the Cairngorms will require careful preparation. In recent years, UNESCO has adopted an increasingly critical approach to the consideration of nominations. Although members recognise the worth of the Cairngorms, we must demonstrate that they meet the detailed criteria that are laid down by UNESCO for world heritage status. That process cannot be rushed through in a couple of months. We are aware from informal discussions with UNESCO and its advisers that the Cairngorms cannot be considered for world heritage status until we put in place an effective system of management to protect the proposed site. The changes that we have proposed to the way in which we protect and manage our most special natural places will go a long way towards establishing such a system. As "The Nature of Scotland: A Policy Statement" explains, our aim is to work more effectively with land managers and communities to protect and manage those areas. The integrated management that UNESCO looks for, which was mentioned by Robin Harper and others, will follow from the establishment of the Cairngorms national park. When the park is in place and the policy and measures to manage the area through the first park plan have been set out, we will be in a stronger position to promote the Cairngorms as a world heritage site. Mr Raffan: I strongly agree with what the minister has said. Will he tell members when he expects the boundaries of the proposed Cairngorms national park to be finalised? Allan Wilson: I will come to that point. The Cairngorms national park will ensure the sustainable development of the area in a way that is in keeping with the aims of the international year of mountains. I will address some of the questions that were posed. The next step in the creation of the national park is for Scottish ministers to publish a draft designation order on which there will be further consultation. We expect to do that shortly. Following that, the responses will be considered and, if necessary, the draft order will be revised. The draft order will be laid before the Scottish Parliament for approval. The size of the park will be determined by the draft designation order. The world heritage site must be determined by the UNESCO criteria, which will be relevant to the draft order. I look forward to joining everyone again here in the chamber when the draft designation order is published, as it will be in the foreseeable future. Then we will be able to have a debate about the size of the national park and about the planning authority, which will be retained. Meeting closed at 17:40. Glenmore Lodge and International Year of Mountains (parliamentary motion S1M-2721) Maureen Macmillan: National Outdoor Training Centre, Aviemore—That the Parliament notes, in this International Year of Mountains, the excellent training and adventure courses provided by sportscotland at the National Outdoor Training Centre at Glenmore Lodge, Aviemore and recognises the importance of outdoor pursuits to the development of young people’s health, fitness and self-reliance, the worth of careers as instructors for young people in rural areas and the importance of outdoor pursuits such as skiing and mountaineering to the rural economy. Supported by: Mr Jamie Stone Official Launch of International Year of Mountains in Scotland - Edinburgh, 4 February 2002 "Sports, tourism and an appreciation of the magnificence of the Scottish countryside can play a major role in rural regeneration" The official launch of International Year of Mountains took place at the Dynamic Earth Centre in Edinburgh on 4 Febuary 2002. The event was led by the Scottish minister for tourism, culture and sport Mike Watson MSP. Senior delegates from three government agencies, Scottish Natural Heritage, sportscotland and VisitScotland were present, in addition to members of the Scottish Parliament from all political parties and representatives from the voluntary, private and academic sectors. "Sports tourism and an appreciation of the magnificence of the Scottish
countryside can play a major role in rural regeneration," Tourism
and Sports Minister Mike Watson said today as he launched the International
Year of Mountains. In a written statement, Scottish Natural Heritage, the major funder of IYM in Scotland, stressed that "we need to care better for our hills to ensure that the manner they are used, whether in recreation, agriculture or other economic development, does not disturb the fragile ecosystems which thrive upon them. International Year of the Mountains 2002 will be important in helping remind us of their value, both nationally and locally. It will help to refresh our commitment to their care, and spread the message that land which is of natural character and relatively free from development has great value to the nation in its own right." sportscotland echoed the themes of care for mountains and benefit to communities: As the national agency responsible for the development of sport in Scotland, sportscotland is delighted to be involved in the celebrations to mark the International Year of the Mountain 2002. Through our National Centre in Aviemore, Glenmore Lodge, we are organising a seminar on the weekend of 11 and 12 May called 'Thinking Like a Mountain', that will involve indoor and outdoor workshops aimed at looking at the ecology of the mountains. Scottish hills and mountains are world-renowned and contribute significantly to the economy of Scotland through tourism. The rise of tourism as a business has brought great benefits to mountain regions throughout the world and Scotland is no different. Tourism has been responsible for opening mountain regions to new ideas, new modes of production and cultural exchange. Today people in many mountain regions of the world owe their survival to tourism." VisitScotland stated that "Scotland's natural landscape is a worldwide 'bestseller' and while we encourage visitors to our shores it is crucial that the health and well-being of our landscapes remains at the forefront of our minds. I am therefore delighted to welcome the work being undertaken by partners involved in International Year of Mountains in Scotland. This is a good year for sustainable tourism - we have the ongoing International Year of Mountains campaign, the prospect of Scotland's first ever National Park moves closer and we look forward to the Land Reform Bill improving the way that we live, work and play in the countryside." Full text of all speeches and statements made at the launch available. "Scottish Parliament has a Mountain to climb in 2002." "International Year of Mountains a Unique Opportunity for Scotland" These were the headlines for a press release issued by the Scottish Liberal Democrats for 29 December 2001 to mark the following parliamentary motion lodged by Mike Rumbles MSP (SLD, West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine): International
Year of Mountains Mike Rumbles
commented that: "Mountains are significant in their socioeconomic, ecological and cultural importance both in Scotland and throughout the world. The Cairngorms in my constituency is just one example of Scotland's world class resource. To ensure the future of such a fragile resource there is clearly need for a wide-ranging debate. This means government bringing together communities, land management interests, conservation groups and the public who use these mountains for recreation. The need to build a clearer consensus on how these areas are managed has been illustrated be the recent controversies over the Cairngorm funicular and ownership of the Black Cuillin on Skye. "The International Year of Mountains must be exploited as it provides an excellent opportunity to bring back the type of foreign visitors who were most affected by the foot & mouth restrictions in 2001. It also must be recognised that mountains face increasing pressure from recreation and new threats from global warming. I will be writing to the Executive and seeking support from all parties urging them to back measures aimed at maximising the opportunity offered by this unique event." The Motion is supported by the following MSPs: Mary Scanlon, Mr Jamie McGrigor, Michael Matheson, Mr Duncan Hamilton, Mr Murray Tosh, Tommy Sheridan, Nora Radcliffe, John Scott, Roseanna Cunningham, Irene McGugan, Mr Kenneth Gibson, Dennis Canavan, Mr Keith Raffan, Scott Barrie, Fiona McLeod, Alasdair Morgan, Robin Harper, John Farquhar Munro, Donald Gorrie "Global IYM launch highlights peace" This headline and the text below are taken from the global IYM website: "As we begin commemorating the International Year of Mountains, conflict may be the single greatest obstacle to achieving our goals. Without peace, we cannot reduce poverty. Without peace, we cannot ensure secure food supplies. Without peace, we cannot even consider sustainable development." This was one of the points Jacques Diouf, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) made in his keynote address to the 11 December global launch of International Year of Mountains at the UN headquarters in New York. For more information on the launch,see the global IYM website at www.mountains2002.org This page was last updated on 13 December 2002 |
CONTACT
PERSON
Andrew Macpherson,
Co-ordinator for IYM 2002 Scotland
Centre for Mountain Studies, Perth College, Crieff Road, PERTH PH1 2NX
Tel +44 (0)1738 877 885 Fax +44 (0)1738 631 364 email andrew.macpherson@perth.uhi.ac.uk
