HILL LAND USE AND ECOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP MEETING TUESDAY 16 MAY TO THURSDAY 18 MAY 1995 ARDNAMURCHAN AND MORVERN
Outline details were sent out in early January and I thank all those who responded with a firm booking. The programme is now complete and details are shown below. Group transport will be provided by a local coach operator who knows the narrow roads in the area well. Timings are shown for guidance but r every effort will be made to keep clo :e to them if everything is to be achieved on the programme. The Strontian Hotel will be the base for evening meals and talks.
PROGRAMME
TUESDAY 16TH - details of each individual's accommodation are shown on the separate note with Strontian village plan overleaf. Meet at the Strontian Hotel from 1800 after checking into your accommodation.
Dinner 1930 followed by : Evening talk on Sunart to Ardnamurchan Dr Ian Strachan - currently seconded to EC Habitats Directive project in Lochaber previously Area Officer, South Lochaber. Ian will be with the group during the field trip to Ardnamurchan on the following day.
WEDNESDAY 17TH - 08.45 Coach departs from Strontian Hotel. Travel to Salen to look at new road junction and widening scheme where sensitive management of important woodlands was necessary during the construction phase. (Approx 0915 to 0945).
Continue on narrow road" to Gl eribort odaia ViSIlOh CaN'iKa. en ; OULC rSH will describe some of the other road widening proposals currently in hand.
GLENBORRODALE VISITOR Centre operated by Michael and Karen MacGregor. An opportunity to see the new and innovative extension, probably the first group to do so following completion (almost!). After looking around tea/coffee and biscuits will be served during which time Michael and Karen will be on hand to answer questions and discuss aspects of this new development. There will be a charge of £3 per head to include refreshments - collected in advance on the coach would be easier. (approx 10.15 to 11.30)
Further commentary will be provided on route to the next stopping point, ARDNAMURCHAN LIGHTHOUSE. Now in the ownership of Highland Regional Council and Bill McDermott HRC Depute. Director Libraries and Leisure will be on hand to explain how they intend to manage and develop in conjunction with the local community, interpretive and educational opportunities centred on the Lighthouse. There will be ample opportunity to look around the site. (approx 12.15/2.30 to 1400).
Returning to Kilchoan for approx 14.30 to visit the ARDNAMURCHAN ESTATE courtesy of Mr & Mrs J Grisewood. This will be an opportunity to hear about deer management and visit one of the most up to date deer larders in Scotland, with the stalker, Neil Rowantree being or. hand to answer questions.
MINGARY CASTLE is close by and Dr Sandra Bardwell Monument Warden Highland South, Historic Scotland will be on hand to explain plans for future management. Returning to the estate Mr Grisewood and his woodland advisor will be on hand to discuss current and future management of both conifer plantations and native woodland. (approx 1430 to 1700). Page 2 HILL LAND USE AND ECOLOGY DISCUSSION GROUP 3 May 1995
Return by coach to the Strontian Hotel Dinner 1930 followed by : Evening talk on Glensanda Quarry, Morvern by Councillor Iain Thornber who is also the factor for the Glensanda Estate. (N.B. Logistics did not allow consideration of a visit, even if the quarry could have accompanied the group), but the talk should provide a useful insight from someone closely involved in the development from the outset.
There will be a further illustrated talk by Jeremy Evans SNH Area Officer, Morvern and Sunart, and Dr Jenny Rees Assistant Area Officer, South Lochaber, describing the Morvern area and specific aspects which will link into the field trip. Jeremy and Jenny will be on hand during the Thursday.
THURSDAY 18TH - 08.45 coach departs from Strontian Hotel. Travel to Morvern and meet up with Keith Miller, Forest District Manager, Lome Forest District to visit FUINARY FOREST. (See enclose copy article). Details of Forest re-structuring, harvesting, re-discovery of the village of Inniemore and deer management will all be presented and Keith will have colleagues on hand to assist with discussion, questions etc. approx 09.15/09.30 to 12.30)
Travelling a short distance by coach we visit the ARDTORNISH ESTATE courtesy of Mr Faith Raven. Angus Robertson the estate factor and hopefully Andrew Raven will outline the workings of the estate during lunch including a recent Objective 1 initiative. Hopefully it will be fine weather and the intention is to have lunch on the lawn outside with tea and coffee being provided.
There will be a number of operations, initiatives visited or explained including Che Salmon Hatchery, Hydro Electric Scheme, Lochaiine Ashwood PSSSI now under WGS regeneration scheme and returning by the Kitchen Garden. This is operated as a business by Ian Lamb in conjunction with the nursery. Stock up with plants before your depart! (approx 12.30 to 16.00)
The intention is to return to the Strontian Hotel for 16.30/16.45 in order for everyone to collect their own transport.
I believe the programme as outlined above will provide a full range of interesting subjects and sites to visit. The logistics of arranging a group meeting in the Ardnamurchan and Morvern Area are quite challenging but providing we endeavour to keep as closely to the timings shown, our local coach operator has intimated that the timings in between each visit are realistic. We shall see!
I look forward to meeting you on the 16th and if you have any queries my phone numbers are as follows :
Work SNH Office, Fort William -013970 704716 Home (Messages may have to be left but I will return your call). 01397 712407
Chris Eatough
N.B. John Hfrrobin has requested some time for HLUEDG business. Possibly the evening of the 16th will have more time available than the 17th but I leave that for your to decide.