DOCSLIB.ORG

Open University’S Repository of Research Publications and Other Research Outputs

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Open University’S Repository of Research Publications and Other Research Outputs Open Research Online The Open University’s repository of research publications and other research outputs Local scale assessment of climate change and its impacts in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland Thesis How to cite: Coll, John (2007). Local scale assessment of climate change and its impacts in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. PhD thesis The Open University. For guidance on citations see FAQs. c 2007 John Coll https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ Version: Version of Record Link(s) to article on publisher’s website: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.21954/ou.ro.0000fa2d Copyright and Moral Rights for the articles on this site are retained by the individual authors and/or other copyright owners. For more information on Open Research Online’s data policy on reuse of materials please consult the policies page. oro.open.ac.uk Open University - UHI Millennium Institute ‘Local scale assessment of climate change and its impacts in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland ’3 By John Coll A thesis submitted to the Department of Earth Sciences of the Open University, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) December 2006 UHI Millennium Institute Environmental Research Institute, The Open University The North Highland College, Milton Keynes, UHI Millennium Institute, MK7 6 AA, UK Thurso KWH 7JD, Scotland © This copy of the thesis has been supplied on condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognise that its copyright rests with the author and that no quotation from the dissertation, nor any information derived therefrom, may be published without the author’s prior, written consent. v v >-o<5fr A J o i ProQuest Number: 13889976 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a com plete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. uest ProQuest 13889976 Published by ProQuest LLC(2019). Copyright of the Dissertation is held by the Author. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States C ode Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106- 1346 Abstract Abstract The global climate is warming and there is consensus that recent warming trends will amplify, as the present century progresses, in response to a continued build up of atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations. However, there are limitations associated with Global Climate Model (GCM) and Regional Climate Model (RCM) outputs for topographically diverse regions. Strategic management decisions relating to maritime upland communities require locally resolved projections of change across a range of elevations, which are not supplied by the present generation of models. Here, some of these challenges are addressed via a series of distinctive analyses. Quality controlled baseline station data are used to assess performance outputs for seasonal mean values of temperature and precipitation from an RCM at representative locations across the region. In the case of temperature these inter-comparisons indicate a warm bias in the RCM-simulated seasonal minima for the transition seasons of spring and autumn, whereas for summer maxima there is a cold bias in RCM- simulated values. RCM-generated outputs of future changes to temperature and precipitation are then variably combined with station data to model altitudinal changes at western and eastern upland locations. These analyses indicate a substantial upward migration in key seasonal temperature isotherms associated with present vegetation zones for the climate change scenarios used. This approach is then extended by applying selected outputs to conduct Climate Change Impact Assessments (CCIAs) for the scenarios used in a series of upland case studies. The analyses flag a number of remaining research challenges. Principally, these are that scale-dependent controls on local topo-climates are not adequately captured in the GCM driven RCM projection. While the approach delivers more refined local-scale projections of possible change across a range of elevations than has hitherto been available, residual uncertainties associated with the use of GCM/RCM outputs remain. Table of Contents Glossary 1. Introduction....................................................................... 1 1.1 A Wider Context for Regional Climate Change Assessment......................... 1 1.1.1 Drivers of recent global and hemispheric trends.. .................................. 1 1.1.2 Sources of variability in the climate system ............................................ 2 1.1.3 Detection and attribution of recent changes ............................................ 4 1.1.4 Projected future changes at global and hemispheric scales ....................... 9 1.2 Hemispheric and Regional Influences on NW European Climate ............... 12 1.2.1 North Atlantic climate stability - the role of the Atlantic thermohaline (THC) circulation........................................................................................... 12 1.2.2 The influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) ...... ..................... 17 1.3 Context and Background to The Altitudinal Modelling of Temperature ............................................................................................................. 20 1.3.1 A global context............................................... 20 1.3.2 Maritime upland sensitivity to climate change .......................................... 22 1.3.3 Altitudinal zonation of vegetation in the Highlands ................. ................ 25 1.3.4 The influence of oceanicity on vegetation zones ......................... 26 1.3.5 Species and habitat factors influencing migration in response to warming.......................................................................................................... 28 1.4 Uncertainty in Regional Climate Change Scenarios ........................................ 31 1.4.1 GCM and scenario limitations.................................................................. 31 1.4.2 Sources of uncertainty in the UKCIP02 scenario ................................... 35 1.5 Objectives 40 Table of Contents 2. Methods: Construction Of A Baseline Climatology For The Highland Region................................................................ 42 2.1 Creating A Temperature Station Network .......................................................... 42 2.1.1 Obtaining the raw data and determining a baseline period .................... 42 2.1.2 Deriving the annual means ........................................................................ 45 2.1.3 Deriving the seasonal means ..................................................................... 45 2.1.4 Adding existing data to the station network ........................................... 47 2.2 Creating A Precipitation Station Network........................................................... 49 2.2.1 Obtaining the raw data .............................................................................. 49 2.2.2 Deriving the annual totals .......................................................................... 49 2.2.3 Deriving the seasonal totals ....................................................................... 50 2.3 Variability in Observed Temperature and Precipitation Data Time-Series................................................................................................................ 52 2.4 Working With The HadRM3 Model Outputs And Baseline Data .................. 54 2.4.1 Obtaining the UKCIP02 data outputs from HadRM3 ............................ 54 2.4.2 Extracting the data for ‘Highland’ grid-boxes ........................................ 55 2.4.3 Spatially referencing stations to the HadRM3 grid cells ....................... 58 2.4.4 Inter-comparison: Station Observed 1961-90 Baseline Averages and HadRM3 Simulated 1961-90 Averages ................................................... 59 2.4.4.1 Temperature: Method I Inter-comparison. ...................................... 59 2.4.4.2 Temperature: Method II Inter-comparison ............................................. 61 2.4.4.3 Precipitation: Method I Inter-comparison .............................................. 63 2.4.4.4 Precipitation: Method II Inter-comparison ............................................. 63 2.4.4.5 Precipitation: Method III Inter-comparison ............................................ 64 2.5 Lapse Rate Models (LRMs) for The Projection of Future Temperature Changes ........................................................................................................... 2.5.1 Obtaining upland station temperature records for validating the lapse rate models. .............................................................................................. 66 Table of Contents 2.5.2 Constructing and testing the lapse rate models against the 1960-1990 baselines (observed and HadRM3 simulated) ......................................... 66 2.5.3 Perturbing the baseline model outputs with selected future scenario outputs fromHadRM3 ............................................................................... 69 2.5.4 Utilising the lapse rate models to infer future shifts in key seasonal isotherms.....................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Grey Corries, Golden Days by MIKE KENT
    34 GREY CORRIES, GOLDEN DAYS MIKE KENT My days in the Grey Corries began one Aberdeen Spring Holiday, late on a Friday afternoon. Friends were motoring down to stay in Lochaber for the long weekend and I took the opportunity of a lift, arranging to come back with them on the Monday night. Leaving Aberdeen early in the afternoon, I was very soon standing alone just off the A82 outside Spean Bridge. View of Grey Corries Massif from near Spean Bridge. (Drawing by Mike Kent) The weekend weather promised to be settled, with high pressure squatting over the country like a great warm hen, protecting all us wee birds from the vagaries of the normal climate. It was 4.30 p.m. and I set off briskly wanting to camp high on that first night. The road climbed steadily across open grassland then plunged through vernal green mature larches into the depths of the Leanachan Forest. After Theanother 2 km Cairngormthe farm of Leanachan appeared, alon e Clubin its clearing in the forest. There, concentrating on avoiding unplumbed depths of mud, I lost the path that I wanted so I struck straight up the hill through the trees heading for the disused tramway that ran from Loch Treig to Fort William during construction of the aqueduct to the smelter. Now it lies abandoned along the contour of the hill just fifty metres below the 'parallel road' at 260 m. Those shore line signatures of a long gone ice-dammed lake are well enough known in Glen Roy but also can be found on the hills around Glen Spean.
    [Show full text]
  • Scotland's Great Glen Hotel Barge Cruise ~ Fort William to Inverness on Scottish Highlander
    800.344.5257 | 910.795.1048 [email protected] PerryGolf.com Scotland's Great Glen Hotel Barge Cruise ~ Fort William to Inverness on Scottish Highlander 6 Nights | 3 Rounds | Parties of 8 or Less PerryGolf is delighted to offer clients an opportunity of cruising the length of Scotland’s magnificent Great Glen onboard the beautiful hotel barge Scottish Highlander, while playing some of Scotland’s finest golf courses. The 8 passenger Scottish Highlander has the atmosphere of a Scottish Country House with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. At 117 feet she is spacious and has every comfort needed for comfortable cruising. On board you will find four en-suite cabins each with a choice of twin or double beds. The experienced crew of four, led by your captain, ensures attention to your every need. Cuisine is traditional Scottish fare, salmon, game, venison and seafood, prepared by your own Master Chef. The open bar is of course well provisioned and in addition to excellent wines is naturally well stocked with a variety of fine Scottish malt whiskies. The itinerary will take you through the Great Glen on the Caledonian Canal which combines three fresh water lochs, Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and famous Loch Ness, with sections of delightful man made canals to provide marine navigation for craft cutting right across Scotland amidst some spectacular scenery. Golf is included at legendary Royal Dornoch and the dramatic and highly regarded Castle Stuart, which was voted best new golf course worldwide in 2009. In addition you will play Traigh Golf Club (meaning 'beach' in Gaelic) set in one of the most beautiful parts of the West Highlands of Scotland with its stunning views to the Hebridean islands of Eigg and Rum, and the Cuillins of Skye.
    [Show full text]
  • Plot at Banavie, Fort William
    Plot at Banavie, Fort William PRICE GUIDE: £80,000 Building Plot with Planning Permission in Principle Prime & Desirable Location Views to Ben Nevis Around 0.54 Acres Services On Site MacPhee & Partners MacPhee & Partners Tel: 01397 702200 Airds House Fax: 01397 701777 An Aird www.macphee.co.uk Fort William [email protected] PH33 6BL Enjoying a desirable location with stunning views to Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor, the subjects for sale form a generally clear and level building site. Extending to around 0.54 acres, the site benefits from Planning Permission in Principle. Location Banavie is situated on the banks of the Caledonian Canal, just off the Road to the Isles, approximately three miles from Fort William. There are both primary and secondary schools nearby, as well as local amenities. The town of Fort William is now recognised as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’, and benefits from year round visitors taking advantage of the excellent outdoor pursuits available throughout the year including walking, mountaineering, ski-ing, sailing, fishing, golfing and sight seeing. Mountain biking and motor sports have gained popularity in the area in recent years and the town and surrounding areas have seen an influx of enthusiasts to associated events. Planning Permission Planning Permission in Principle was granted on 23rd March 2016 for the erection of a dwellinghouse of traditional design and finish. Copies of the Planning Permission is available on the Highland Councils website (Ref:15/03354/PIP). Services It will be the purchaser’s responsibility to connect to the services, however, electricity and water are locat- ed on site.
    [Show full text]
  • Scottish Highlands Munro Bagging Holiday I
    Scottish Highlands Munro Bagging Holiday I Tour Style: Challenge Walks Destinations: Scottish Highlands & Scotland Trip code: LLMNB Trip Walking Grade: 6 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW Bag some of Scotland’s finest mountain tops on our specially devised Munro-bagging holiday. Munros are Scottish Mountains over 3,000ft high, and this stunning selection has been chosen for you by two experienced HF Holidays' leaders – Pete Thomasson and Steve Thurgood. They know these mountains well and they’ve chosen a fantastic variety of routes which offer you the opportunity to bag Munro summits that aren’t within our usual Guided Walking programme. All routes are within an hour's travel of the comforts of our Country House at Glen Coe. From the summits of these majestic giants, we can enjoy different perspectives of Scotland's highest mountain, Ben Nevis, as well as much of the Central Highlands. WHAT'S INCLUDED • Great value: all prices include Full Board en-suite accommodation, a full programme of walks with all transport to and from the walks, plus evening activities • Great walking: challenge yourself to bagging some of Scotland’s finest Munros, in the company of our experienced leaders www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 • Accommodation: our Country House is equipped with all the essentials – a welcoming bar and relaxing lounge area, a drying room for your boots and kit, an indoor swimming pool, and comfortable en-suite rooms HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Discover Pete and Steve’s favourite routes through this stunning mountain scenery • Bag ten Munros in one holiday, including three on a high level route on Creag Meagaidh • Traverse quieter Beinn Sgulaird with its views west to Mull and beyond • Explore the dramatic glens and coastal paths seeking out the best viewpoints.
    [Show full text]
  • Walking the Munros Walking the Munros
    WALKING THE MUNROS WALKING THE MUNROS VOLUME ONE: SOUTHERN, CENTRAL AND WESTERN HIGHLANDS by Steve Kew JUNIPER HOUSE, MURLEY MOSS, OXENHOLME ROAD, KENDAL, CUMBRIA LA9 7RL Meall Chuaich from the Allt Coire Chuaich (Route 17) www.cicerone.co.uk © Steve Kew 2021 Fourth Edition 2021 CONTENTS ISBN: 978 1 78631 105 4 Third Edition 2017 Second edition 2012 OVERVIEW MAPS First edition 2004 Symbols used on route maps ..................................... 10 Printed in Singapore by KHL Printing on responsibly sourced paper. Area Map 1 .................................................. 11 A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. Area Map 2 .................................................. 12 All photographs are by the author unless otherwise stated. Area Map 3 .................................................. 15 Area Map 4 .................................................. 16 Route mapping by Lovell Johns www.lovelljohns.com Area Map 5 .................................................. 18 © Crown copyright 2021 OS PU100012932. NASA relief data courtesy of ESRI INTRODUCTION ............................................. 21 Nevis Updates to this Guide Route 1 Ben Nevis, Carn Mor Dearg ............................. 37 While every effort is made by our authors to ensure the accuracy of guide- The Aonachs books as they go to print, changes can occur during the lifetime of an Route 2 Aonach Mor, Aonach Beag .............................. 41 edition. While we are not aware of any significant changes to routes or The Grey Corries facilities at the time of printing, it is likely that the current situation will give Route 3 Stob Ban, Stob Choire Claurigh, Stob Coire an Laoigh .......... 44 rise to more changes than would usually be expected. Any updates that Route 4 Sgurr Choinnich Mor ................................... 49 we know of for this guide will be on the Cicerone website (www.cicerone.
    [Show full text]
  • Road to Nowhere?
    Viewpoint Road to nowhere? Time: 15 mins Region: Scotland Landscape: rural Location: The very end of Belford Rd (the C1162), often known as ‘The Glen Nevis Road’, Fort William PH33 6SY Grid reference: NN 17796 68560 Getting there: Drive to the very end of Belford Road. From this car park at the very end of the road, follow the path for about a mile from the far end of the car park along the side of the ‘Water of Nevis’ (River Nevis). Shortly after the valley opens up a large waterfall is visible in front of you. Stop where the path splits. Since leaving the main road, you will have travelled from a flat and wide road which will gradually have turned into a more remote and winding pathway. As the road narrowed and became more of a rollercoaster track than a road with banked turns, steep drops, trees and boulders at every turn you headed deeper into the ever deepening valley. You have now walked a further mile with the rapid River Nevis weaving its way down the mountainside through the gorge to your right. Where does this seemingly ‘road to nowhere’ lead? The answer is all around you - nature, and people’s love for exploring it! Firstly, you can see and probably hear Britain’s second highest waterfall, ‘Steall Falls’. Also known as ‘An Steall’, which is Gaelic for “The White Spout”, this huge, roaring beast of a waterfall is the result of the stream Allt Coire a Mhail literally tumbling off the mountain side. On a clear day, whether in the hot humid summer or the icy colds of winter, this peak and the waterfall traversing it stand out in the open plain like a mirage in a desert landscape.
    [Show full text]
  • Hi All, If Anybody Can Make It and Fancies a Weekend in the Highlands
    Hi All, If anybody can make it and fancies a weekend in the highlands travelling up Friday evening June 7 th , back Sunday afternoon 9 th , Im going to have a go at the Charlie Ramsay Round. I’ve highlighted in red on page 3 the sort of support jobs that would be really useful. Feel a bit cheeky asking, after such tremendous support in January on my BG. But if anyone does fancy it would be a real bonus, and much appreciated! I have also booked the following week off work, and it the weather is looking dodgy for the weekend, but improving, I might choose to delay a few days. I would make a decision on this on the Thursday evening 6 th June at the latest. So if anyone thinks they may have flexibility for midweek the following week (i.e. from 10 th -13 th ) – again would appreciate if you could let me know. Thanks again Jules 1 3. Fersit dam 2. Support to 1. Support to changeover summit of summit of point leg 1 to Aonach Mor Ben Nevis 2. Park as and descend P close to dam to ski gondola as poss, 1 k (last descent walk, support 5:15) point at west side of Dam Start Glen Nevis Youth Hostel1300 4. Meanach Bothy support point. 5. Par tial support 2:00 am. Walk in leg 3, Walk in from Glen Nevis. from Glen Nevis, Changeover point to col approx. time leg 2 to 3 0830. Flask of tea 2 Support Leg 1 (Glen Nevis to Fersit Dam – 8 hours) Complete leg: Graham Briffett Support to summit of Ben (carry support gear – set off 15 mins before) Support to summit of Aonach Mor and descend via ski area and Gondola (last Gondola 5:15pm) (map 1) Changeover – Fersit Dam – 9pm ish - drive to within 1 kilometre of Dam – support point west side of dam – flask and/or stove.
    [Show full text]
  • The Gazetteer for Scotland Guidebook Series
    The Gazetteer for Scotland Guidebook Series: Fort William Produced from Information Contained Within The Gazetteer for Scotland. Tourist Guide of Fort William Index of Pages Introduction to the settlement of Fort William p.3 Features of interest in Fort William and the surrounding areas p.5 Tourist attractions in Fort William and the surrounding areas p.9 Towns near Fort William p.11 Famous people related to Fort William p.14 This tourist guide is produced from The Gazetteer for Scotland http://www.scottish-places.info It contains information centred on the settlement of Fort William, including tourist attractions, features of interest, historical events and famous people associated with the settlement. Reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited without the consent of the authors ©The Editors of The Gazetteer for Scotland, 2011. Maps contain Ordnance Survey data provided by EDINA ©Crown Copyright and Database Right, 2011. Introduction to the city of Fort William 3 Located 105 miles (169 km) north of Glasgow and 145 miles (233 km) from Edinburgh, Fort William lies at the heart of Lochaber district within the Highland Council Settlement Information Area. The first fort was built at the mouth of the River Lochy in 1645 by General George Monk (1608-70) who named it Inverlochy, whilst the adjacent village which Settlement Type: small town became established due to the trade associated with the herring trade was named Gordonsburgh. In 1690 the Population: 9908 (2001) fort was enlarged and was renamed Fort William, whilst Tourist Rating: the village underwent several name changes from Gordonsburgh to Maryburgh, Duncansburgh, and finally National Grid: NN 108 742 by the 19th Century it took the name of Fort William, although remains known as An Gearasdan Fort William Latitude: 56.82°N Ionbhar-lochaidh - the Garrison of Inverlochy - in Gaelic.
    [Show full text]
  • Calendar of Events 2021
    Calendar of Events 2021 April 30 Apr Aonach Eagach Guided day rock-scrambling along the Aonach Eagach Ridge in Central Highlands, 2 Munros Summits : Meall Dearg (Aonach Eagach), Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (Aonach Eagach) http://www.stevenfallon.co.uk/guide-aonach-eagach.html May 1-2 May Kintail's Brothers and Sisters Hillwalking days on high crests in the Western Highlands, 7 Munros Summits : Ciste Dhubh, Aonach Meadhoin, Sgurr a' Bhealaich Dheirg, Saileag, Sgurr na Ciste Duibhe, Sgurr na Carnach, Sgurr Fhuaran http://www.stevenfallon.co.uk/guide-kintail.html 3-4 May Kintail Bookends Hill-walking day in the Western Highlands, 5 Munros Summits : Carn Ghluasaid, Sgurr nan Conbhairean, Sail Chaorainn, A' Ghlas-bheinn, Beinn Fhada http://www.stevenfallon.co.uk/guide-cluanie.html 4-7 May Skye Munros Hill-walking and rock-scrambling to summit the 11 Munros on the Cuillin Ridge of Skye. Includes some moderate climbing on the Inaccessible Pinnacle and Sgurr nan Gillean Summits : Sgurr nan Eag, Sgurr Dubh Mor, Sgurr Alasdair, Sgurr Mhic Choinnich, Sgurr Dearg - the Inaccessible Pinnacle, Sgurr na Banachdich, Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh, Sgurr a' Mhadaidh, Sgurr nan Gillean, Am Basteir, Bruach na Frithe http://www.stevenfallon.co.uk/guide-skye-munros.html 7 May An Teallach Day rock-scrambling the An Teallach main ridge in the Northern Highlands, 2 Munros Summits : An Teallach - Sgurr Fiona, An Teallach - Bidein a' Ghlas Thuill http://www.stevenfallon.co.uk/guide-anteallach.html 8-10 May Inverlael Munros Extended hill-walking weekend in the Northern Highlands, 6 Munro Summits : Eididh nan Clach Geala, Meall nan Ceapraichean, Cona' Mheall, Beinn Dearg, Seana Bhraigh, Am Faochagach http://www.stevenfallon.co.uk/guide-inverlael.html 10 May Aonach Eagach Guided day rock-scrambling along the Aonach Eagach Ridge in Central Highlands, 2 Munros Summits : Meall Dearg (Aonach Eagach), Sgorr nam Fiannaidh (Aonach Eagach) http://www.stevenfallon.co.uk/guide-aonach-eagach.html 11-14 May Skye Munros Hill-walking and rock-scrambling to summit the 11 Munros on the Cuillin Ridge of Skye.
    [Show full text]
  • St Andrew Highland Gathering
    the www.scottishbanner.com Scottishthethethe Australasian EditionBanner 37 Years StrongScottishScottishScottish - 1976-2013 Banner A’BannerBanner Bhratach Albannach 41 Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 Years Strong - 1976-2018 www.scottishbanner.com A’ Bhratach Albannach Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 VolumeVolumeVolume 41 36 36 Number Number Number 7 11 The11 The The world’s world’s world’s largest largest largest international international international ScottishScottish Scottish newspapernewspaper newspaper May JanuaryMay 2013 2013 2018 Scotland Let it What’s new for 2018 » Pg 14 snowUS Barcodes Creating snow and boosting the Highland economy »7 Pg25286 16 844598 0 1 7 25286 844598 0 9 7 25286 844598 0 3 7 25286 844598 1 1 7 25286 844598 1 2 Band on Australia $4.00; North American $3.00; N.Z. $3.95 2018 - A Year in Piping .......... » Pg 6 Nigel Tranter: the Run Scotland’s Storyteller ........... » Pg 25 Scottish snowdrop’s Playing pipes with - A sign of the season .............. » Pg 29 Robert Burns: Sir Paul McCartney Scotland’s Bard ........................ » Pg 30 » Pg 6 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Scottishthe Volume Banner 41 - Number 7 The Banner Says… Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 Publisher Valerie Cairney January-Celebrating two great Scots Editor Sean Cairney growing up. When Uncle John came however) and the story has crossed to town we all chipped in and helped over into books and a film and surely EDITORIAL STAFF where we could with the shows. It must be considered one of the great Jim Stoddart Ron Dempsey, FSA Scot was only a little later in childhood I stories about ‘man’s best friend’.
    [Show full text]
  • MASTERPLAN March 2015
    THE NEVIS FOREST & MOUNTAIN RESORT MASTERPLAN March 2015 SMITH SCOTT MULLAN ASSOCIATES SMITH SCOTT MULLAN ASSOCIATES PROJECT TEAM THE NEVIS FOREST Architects: Smith Scott Mullan Associates Structural: Will Rudd Davidson & MOUNTAIN RESORT Cost: Summers Inman Services: EDP Consulting Engineers Transport: SKM Colin Buchanan MASTERPLAN Economics: Yellow Book Landscape: Smith Scott Mullan Associates March 2015 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Design Team worked closely with both Forestry Commission Scotland and with Highlands and Islands Enterprise throughout the evolution of this Masterplan. Prepared for The FCS team contributed their experience of forest management, conservation, visitor experience and interpretation. Forestry Commission Scotland HIE contributed their extensive knowledge of the economic and and strategic aspects of regeneration and development. Highlands and Islands Enterprise The images contained in this masterplan were contributed by Highland Wildlife Photography, Forestry Commission Scotland, Nevis Range and Smith Scott Mullan Associates. Smith Scott Mullan Associates t 0131 555 1414 378 Leith Walk e [email protected] Edinburgh w www.smith-scott-mullan.co.uk EH7 4PF © 2014 Smith Scott Mullan Associates Ltd PAGE 3. SMITH SCOTT MULLAN ASSOCIATES CONTENTS SUMMARY 7 VISION 9 CONTEXT 11 PRINCIPLES 13 PLANNING 15 ENGAGEMENT 19 ECONOMIC 21 THE FOREST 23 LANDSCAPE 25 PRECEDENTS 27 MASTERPLAN 29 WELCOME ZONE 31 DEVELOPMENT ZONE 1 33 DEVELOPMENT ZONE 2 41 DEVELOPMENT ZONE 3 43 DEVELOPMENT ZONE 4 45 MATERIALS 47 LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES 49 DELIVERY 51 CONCLUSION 53 PAGE 5. MASTERPLAN AREA FROM AONACH MOR SMITH SCOTT MULLAN ASSOCIATES SUMMARY Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS) in conjunction These Development Zones broadly propose the with Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) following: appointed Smith Scott Mullan Associates in March 2013 to undertake a comprehensive Masterplan for m Creation of a Nevis Forest and Mountain Resort an area of potential development within Leanachan Hotel and Spa with luxury lodge development.
    [Show full text]
  • Near-Zero Humidities on Ben Nevis, Scotland, Revealed by Pioneering Nineteenth-Century Observers and Modern Volunteers
    FINAL ACCEPTED VERSION (includes Figures) v1.0 15 March 2019 6136 words excluding references and figure captions Near-zero humidities on Ben Nevis, Scotland, revealed by pioneering nineteenth-century observers and modern volunteers By Stephen Burt and Ed Hawkins Department of Meteorology, University of Reading ORCID ID (SB) 0000-0002-5125-6546 (EH) 0000-0001-9477-3677 Abstract The weather on Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the British Isles, 1345 m AMSL – sometimes shows episodes of remarkably low relative humidity (RH) with few precedents anywhere else in the British Isles. We are able to quantify this for the first time using a high-quality series of hourly dry- and wet-bulb observations, made on the summit. These observations were made between 1883 and 1904, but have only just become available to modern science, thanks to thousands of volunteers who worked to rescue this unique and exemplary dataset from published volumes. Careful examination and analysis of the original observations using modern psychrometric theory revealed several occasions where we are confident that the summit RH fell close to zero as a result of anticyclonic subsidence. Three case histories are examined in some detail. The nineteenth-century Ben Nevis humidity records are also compared with contemporary automatic weather station (AWS) data from two high-altitude Scottish mountain sites. Keywords Ben Nevis; relative humidity; anticyclonic subsidence; psychrometric calculation; crowdsourcing; Scotland; Cairngorm; Aonach Mor Why investigate occasions of very low humidity? Knowledge of the amount of water vapour in the air, whether measured directly or derived from indirect methods, remains one of the most important parameters in meteorology, whether in climatological studies or in forecast models.
    [Show full text]