FOR MEMBERS OF THE JOHN MUIR TRUST MEMBERS’ NEWS JANUARY 2012

Bliadhna Mhath Ùr Dhuibh Uile!

A Good New Year to you all! On a different note, in September I met for these trees, saved them from And thank you! Now that’s a good way Dick Gaughan, the Scottish folk singer, drought, disease, avalanches, and a to start the New Year, with a thank you. when he played in Fort William. Dick thousand tempests and floods. But he John Muir Trust members have shown was brought up in the same street as cannot save them from fools”. solid support for our work with a strong my father and was interested in my Welcome to 2012 – we have a job to do! response to October’s Glenlude appeal. links with John Muir. He and the writer Brian McNeil deserve great credit for John Hutchison We’ve exceeded our target, which is the powerful song ‘Muir and the Master Chairman great news. It’s really encouraging for Builder’, which asks the question often staff and trustees to know that we have in my own mind that, had Muir not left such support for protecting and , would he “have done the same enhancing our wild places. for Scotland … your home and your On another positive note, our chief father’s?” It’s an evocative presentation executive Stuart Brooks and I recently of an interesting question as we approach met our Patron, the Prince of Wales, at the centenary of John Muir’s death Birkhall. It was good to learn just how in 2014. familiar with our work he is, especially Sadly, there are still threats to our with regard to deer management and valuable landscapes and it is our job to energy policy. He was keen to ensure remind people why wild places matter. that I passed on his good wishes to our The character Neytiri in the film Avatar membership and staff. said: “Nature, our Great Mother, does We’ve also been meeting people living in not take sides; she protects only the the communities surrounding our estates. balance of life”. John Muir’s response We began a series of open meetings with to her might have been: “God has cared Schiehallion in October, and Sandwood and Nevis following early in 2012. While our work has strong support, I believe PROMISING SIGNS FOR Drew Bennellick, head of landscapes and it is important to keep open channels JOHN MUIR AWARD parks at HLF, said: “We at the Heritage of communication between us and Lottery Fund are pleased to support the those who want to ask questions or air Heritage Lottery Fund support John Muir Trust and help bring their disagreements. Quite often there is more could see the John Muir Award vision a step closer to reality. The John common cause between organisations expand its work in England Muir Award has been a great success and individuals than argument and we The Trust is delighted to have received in Scotland and Wales and has great have to build on this. initial support from the Heritage Lottery potential to do the same in England, This issue of Members’ News goes Fund (HLF) to expand the John Muir helping local people learn about and out with the annual call for five trustees. Award. The project aims to support enjoy their natural environment. We are If you think you might be interested in 90,000 Award participants in England looking forward to seeing plans progress taking up a role on our board you should over five years, helping people in some over the coming months.”

read what Deirdre Wilson and Richard of the most densely populated parts of PHOTOGRAPHER: Fraser Darling have to say about their the UK to connect with wild places. experiences as trustees on the next Rob Bushby, John Muir Award manager, page. I hope they inspire you to consider said: “This is great news for us. If we get LOW BANK GROUND such a role or even to attend this year’s the full HLF grant, we’ll be able to create AGM at Ardlui in Loch Lomond and the three new posts over five years and take National Park where members the Award into parts of England where will vote for the new trustees and consider we know there’s huge demand. We look recommendations for changes to our forward to refining our plans and rolling Articles of Association following our out this project next spring should we Award participants ghyll scrambling in the Governance Review. get full HLF support.” Lake District 02 Trustee tales Two current trustees reflect on their roles and the challenges involved Dr Deirdre Wilson Richard Fraser Darling Trustee for three and a half years. Member of the Trust since 1994. Trustee for two and a half years. Member of the Trust since 2002. What made you want to be a trustee? What made you want to be a trustee? I’ve had a lifelong interest in wild places and been actively I became aware of the Trust on purchasing a property adjacent involved in many of the Trust’s activities as a volunteer – from to Trust land in 2002. Wild land is something I grew up with and conservation work parties to recruitment events. In a way, I have been fortunate enough to have experienced it in diverse becoming a trustee seemed a natural progression; a way of parts of the world. I am a passionate believer in the robust becoming more deeply involved and contributing to its future application of conservation principles to wild and derelict land in development and a way of increasing my commitment towards Scotland and saw becoming a trustee as a means of contributing the protection of wild land. to this aim. My long experience in the Foreign Office dealing What do you enjoy about the role? with conflict resolution, strategic planning, public presentation and so on might also have something to contribute. Bringing my knowledge and experience as someone who has worked in ecology and conservation to the board, being involved What are the challenges? What do you enjoy? in the evolution of the Trust, giving something back to wild land Being a trustee presents a number of challenges in that you and the organisation, and the range and variety of activities that have to get up to speed quickly on the issues the Trust deals I’ve been involved in as a trustee – from board meetings and with. Learning something new brings a reward of its own and specialist working groups to recruitment events and work I enjoy that. I’ve met a number of people whose company I parties. enjoy and whom I respect. That has been a dividend. The slight What are the biggest challenges of being a trustee? surprise has been the time commitment (if you decide to take an active part, but if you don’t why do it?) but this is a soluble As a research ecologist many of the business aspects within issue. You just have to be organised. the role of trustee were new to me so it was a steep learning curve at the start. There are also challenges in rationalising Have you had any problems finding the time for it? time commitments, especially with a demanding full-time job. Living where I do, getting to meetings (four hours to Pitlochry, It definitely helps if you can read and assimilate board papers five to Edinburgh or Glasgow) means effectively two or three quickly. days per meeting. Fortunately, I have been able to dovetail What advice would you give anyone thinking of standing Trust commitments with travel overseas from either of the as a trustee? latter. For someone in more constrained employment it might be a bigger issue. I’m not sure I can offer advice but I’d say if you have the time to give and you like to be challenged at times then go for it. What advice do you have for aspiring trustees? I am somewhat diffident about giving advice to aspiring trustees but would emphasise the importance of making sure one has the Trustees listen to a point being made by time to commit to the Trust’s affairs and the commitment/ability Mike Daniels, head of land and science, to master some complex briefs and issues, sometimes at short during a recent visit to Corrour notice. Successful candidates should aim to acquaint themselves at first hand with all of the Trust’s properties.

CALL FOR TRUSTEES If you’d like to get more involved with the Trust, and help us towards future success, please consider standing as a member of the board. Find out more and download a nomination form at www.jmt.org/trustee-noms.asp or call the Pitlochry office on 01796 470080. Nominations must be received by 24 February. PHOTOGRAPHER: SUSAN WRIGHT stop problems before they happen. This MEET AND GREET 03 Generous support will be a more efficient way of maintaining access to our important wild places.” Trust working on first exhibition, gallery and retail for Trust appeals The Scottish Mountaineering Trust – a wild space Trust members and supporters grant-making charity founded in 1964 that have contributed generously helps people enjoy and appreciate mountain The Trust has taken over the shop environments in Scotland and throughout premises below its Tower House towards reviving Glenlude the world – is making a generous donation offices on Pitlochry High Street with and maintaining footpaths on towards the setting up of this team, the intention of creating an exhibition, Sandwood and across Trust land which will comprise young trainees, gallery and shop space. “This is the first public engagement project for the Trust The Trust is delighted to report that contractors and Trust volunteers. so it’s hugely exciting,” said Stuart we’ve exceeded our target of £25,000 for “We’re thankful to the Scottish Brooks, chief executive. “We want to October’s Glenlude appeal (which now Mountaineering Trust and to all the make creative and innovative use of the stands at around £47,000) and work can charitable trusts that make such a valuable space to share our love of wild places now begin on developing our management contribution to our work,” said Kate Barclay, and help people connect with our plan for the property. We also intend to head of fundraising. “We’re delighted to natural landscapes.” employ a part-time volunteer coordinator have just received a generous pledge to begin the ecological restoration work from Brown Forbes Memorial towards the The project, which is intended to as soon as possible. essential costs of path improvements on help make the Trust more visible to the public, is being funded primarily The generous response has enabled our the Steall Gorge Path. We’re at the early through a generous donation by the Land Management Endowment Fund to get stages of fundraising for this path, which Reece Foundation. “We’re extremely off to a good start. The current balance – needs some urgent attention to help grateful to Dr Reece and his support for thanks to the appeal – now stands at maintain access for the 40,000 annual the principle of improving our visibility, £22,000. This fund ring-fences money for visitors to this stunning gorge.” and we look forward to welcoming our work on our properties, ensuring the land first visitors in early 2013,” said John we own can be maintained and enhanced Hutchison, chairman. The project will into the future. If you are interested in WANTED: SHIPPING CONTAINER also offer the opportunity to make key donating (through a gift or legacy) Sandy Maxwell, the Trust’s conservation environmental improvements to the specifically towards the Trust’s land activities coordinator, is keen to hear office space. management, please contact Kate from anyone who might be able to help

Barclay, [email protected] source a 20ft shipping container free of PHOTOGRAPHER: Elsewhere, members and supporters charge! He is hoping to find one to make have also raised £92,000 for the Sandwood a tool store at Glenlude. Contact Sandy at [email protected] footpath appeal over the last two years. RORY SYME “This has been a truly amazing response” said Mike Daniels, the Trust’s head of land and science. “After using the money HELP US RECRUIT planned for repairs on Sandwood, Quinag If you have a business or somewhere and Schiehallion, we are now aiming to use suitable to distribute the Trust’s the remainder to adopt a new proactive membership leaflets and other literature, approach to all of our footpaths. The plan please get in touch with Maggie Briggs is to employ a full-time footpath officer who can send a supply for giving out to who will lead a dedicated footpath team customers and other interested people. to survey all paths on our properties and Contact [email protected], or call The Trust’s Stuart Brooks and Linda Coupar do regular remedial repair work – to 0131 554 0114. outside the Tower House shop premises

RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR VOLUNTEERING Our Local Members’ Groups also got their hands dirty in Volunteers on the Trust’s annual programme of conservation 2011. The North East Scotland group organised monthly work work parties clocked up a record 5,600 hours of work in 2011. parties at Glen Tanar in , while the Glasgow More than 150 volunteers took part in 24 work parties which and West of Scotland group returned to the island of Gigha took place right across Scotland from the Western Isles to the for a work party in July. In August, the Yorkshire members’ Borders, as well as a week at Skalanes, Iceland. group celebrated its tenth year of conservation work in the Yorkshire Dales, and the newly established Scottish Borders PHOTOGRAPHER: members’ group has met regularly at Glenlude (see page five for more details). Staff from two of our Corporate Members also came out to

BEN THORBURN, WILDERNESS SCOTLAND do some work on our properties. In July, Berghaus removed conifer seedlings on Skye, while Wilderness Scotland helped out with path work at East Schiehallion in September.

Volunteer achievements in 2011 included: – 654 bags of rubbish collected from coastal beaches and inshore lochs – 20 bags of rubbish cleared from Ben Nevis – 2.5 kilometres of deer and stock fence removed at East Schiehallion, Li & Coire Dhorrcail and Glenlude – More than 20 kilometres of path maintained and repaired – 3,600 non-native self-seeded conifers removed at Strathaird and Corrour – Two deer exclosures built at Quinag – 20 metres of dry stone wall repaired at Glenlude – Non-native invasive plants such as rhododendron, gunnera, and Himalayan balsam cleared at Sconser, Volunteers from Wilderness Scotland get in the spirit at East Schiehallion Inverie, North Harris and Glenlude 04 POLICY, PETITIONS AND PEOPLE Wild Days 2012 The policy team has been Formerly known as Land Days, we’ve given our property visits a name makeover engaging with policy makers, to reflect their wildness. Our 2012 Wild Days are an opportunity for members and supporters to find out how the John Muir Trust is realising its vision for wild land. radio listeners, consultations Each day is led by the conservation officer, who guides the group across a Trust and more property, allowing plenty of time for questions, discussion and debate on issues The policy team took the Wild Land faced by each individual property. The days are usually free of charge, but Campaign to a number of UK and donations are always welcome. Scottish political conferences in 2011, To find out more, or to book a place, please contact David Lintern on 0131 554 0114, engaging in lively debate with hundreds or [email protected] of delegates and opinion formers across the political spectrum, including Ministers and shadow spokespeople. 20 April The Trust’s head of policy, Helen McDade, Glenlude Discover Glenlude is in need of a rest after a string of public Visit the Trust’s newest property in the Scottish Borders and hear our ideas for speaking events. She spoke at the British turning it into one of our most exciting demonstrations of managing wild land. Mountaineering Council seminar on 7 May energy at Llanberis in September, the Glen Nevis Take a walk through Glen Nevis CATS wind conference in Ayr in November and on Call Kaye on BBC Radio Scotland. Among the spring birds and wildflowers, discover and discuss the Trust’s approach to She has also been asked to take part in managing one of our most accessed – and accessible – routes through Steall Gorge. a roundtable discussion at the Scottish 8 June Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Celebrate 25 years in Knoydart – Tourism Committee as a precursor on our new boat! to an inquiry in 2012 into the Scottish Take a trip across Loch Hourn on the Trust’s new boat, and see the results of our Government’s 2020 targets for renewable woodland and habitat regeneration work in Knoydart. energy. 9 June Meanwhile, at the time of press, the Skye Summer in Skye Wild Land petition was due to return See how the Trust’s vision is beginning to take shape on our Skye estates. before the Scottish Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee with Scottish 12 August Natural Heritage’s Wild Land mapping Schiehallion Celebrate the ‘glorious 12th’ in the style of the John Muir Trust work forming an important backdrop Visit Schiehallion to learn about its biodiversity and our vision for its future. to this. Thanks to all our members 14 September and supporters who have helped by Quinag Species spotting at Quinag taking time to write to their local MSP on this issue. Attempt to see ring ouzels and water voles amongst other key species at Quinag. In other news, the policy team 15 September is monitoring developments with Sandwood Sandwood in autumn respect to Allt Duine, the proposed See how members have made a difference at our Sandwood estate and learn about wind development in the Monadhliaths the Trust’s plans for future sustainable path management. on the edge of the , and the Calliachar wind farm in Perthshire where the application to LEARN ABOUT OUR WILD LAND HIGH DAYS OUT WITH A increase turbine height was expected MANAGEMENT STANDARDS HIGHLANDER RUCKSACK to come before Perth & Kinross Council by Christmas. The team has also The Trust has launched a new website Adam Butler was the lucky winner of our responded to relevant national and local showcasing our wild land management prize draw for a rucksack kindly donated consultations and planning applications standards. We hope to use the site as by Gold Corporate Member Highlander for areas such as Loch Lomond & the a tool to inspire and encourage other (Scotland) Ltd. Adam told us that he was Trossachs and Cairngorms National Parks, landowners to adopt our management very pleased with the rucksack and only Comhairle nan eilean Siar (Western Isles) principles, which have developed from a couple of weeks after having received and the Scottish Borders. our own experiences in managing wild it, put it to good use on walks in East land. Take a look at Lothian and the Ochil Hills. Happy In 2012, the message continues to be that www.wildlandmanagement.org.uk walking Adam. action is desperately needed to protect our remaining wild land. You can keep PHOTOGRAPH: up-to-date with policy news and other Trust news through our monthly e-news (subscribe at www.jmt.org). COURTESY OF ADAM BUTLER

NEW FACES AT BIRTHPLACE TRUST John Thomas, trustee, and Susan Wright, the Trust’s head of communications, have taken positions on the board of the John Muir Birthplace Trust in Dunbar. They replace Trust supporters Adam Gillingham and Robert Russell The home page of the new website who have been long-serving members. John Hutchison, chairman, said: “I would like to thank Adam and Robert for giving GET INVOLVED their time and serving us so well on We need people to help at Trust events in the board of the Birthplace Trust. Susan 2012. If you are interested in getting out and John will be able replacements and and talking about the work of the Trust, we look forward to continuing strong please contact Fiona Mackintosh on Prize winner Adam sets out for a walk in links between the two Trusts in the 01796 484970, [email protected] East Lothian years ahead.” to hold further discussion evenings with TENTH ANNIVERSARY 05 Back with a bang key people from within the Trust talking IN YORKSHIRE

Members’ groups have been about all aspects of the Trust’s work. PHOTOGRAPHER: In other news, local member James extremely active in 2011 – Brownhill has taken responsibility for not least the North East of organising (and attending all) monthly Scotland Group conservation work parties at Glen Tanar, JOHN PAGE The North East of Scotland Group resurrecting an informal arrangement was brought out of hibernation over that had remained dormant for a couple 12 months ago and since then has of years. Head ranger Eric Baird and the seen a good level of activity. Steven estate have many similar values to the Pyke (Spyke), who completed a round Trust and appreciate the work performed of Scotland’s Munros on foot, bicycle and by volunteers who are all keen to “give by kayak in a recording breaking time of something back” to the hills and glens 39 days, 6 hours, gave the first talk in that continue to provide so much pleasure. what is hoped will be an annual event Work has varied from nest box building of invited speakers to the northeast. in the comfort of the visitor centre in Spyke’s talk proved very popular, with the snowy depths of last winter, to tree the evening a sell-out and great interest and footpath maintenance high on the shown by the local walking, running and foothills of in the summer. climbing community. Spyke gave more Only the June event, one week before than a passing tribute to Hamish Brown Midsummer’s Day, had to be curtailed due to inclement weather – just 9 and seemed delighted that the great man Yorkshire group members and rangers take a degrees celsius and continuous rain. himself made a point of meeting up with breather while working in Upper Wensleydale him on the round. Spyke’s almost casual, The work parties will continue but safe approach to such a mammoth through 2012 and will benefit from a Over the weekend of 13–14 August, physical and logistical challenge left greater supply of tools funded through Yorkshire region members and friends some of us breathless in contemplating a generous donation to the Trust by celebrated the tenth anniversary of his achievement both daily and over one of the regular volunteers. Other conservation activities in the Yorkshire the whole five and a half weeks of the opportunities for volunteer work with Dales National Park. We revisited the challenge. His love of the mountains additional partners are currently being original task that was undertaken ten also shone through. explored and if any local members have years ago to the month which was to contacts with suitable projects that could John Muir Trust chief executive Stuart remove overgrown turf on a flagged path benefit from a group of enthusiastic (and that runs from Burtersett to Hawes in Brooks and Mike Daniels, head of land skilled!) volunteers please get in touch. and science, also gave talks about the the Upper Wensleydale region. We had Trust itself, which enabled members Finally, trustee Rohan Beyts planned a obviously not done the job well enough and friends to learn much about the personal challenge to cycle from Ellon in the first place! organisation, its history, current policies to Jura, climb the Paps of Jura and swim Burtersett was the industrial centre of and plans for the future. It is planned across the Corryvreckan – the world’s Wensleydale in the 19th century, although third largest natural whirlpool – to

PHOTOGRAPHY: now it can only be regarded as a hamlet. Scarba before cycling home. Rohan It boasted a flagstone quarry at that time was pleased to complete the 1.1km with the stone being exported from the swim in 30 minutes, raising over £2,200 dale to be used mainly for roofing. To JAMES BROWNHILL for the John Muir Trust in the process. allow inhabitants to reach the nearby James Brownhill village of Hawes, some of the flagstone Contact: was used to lay a path almost a metre Rohan Beyts, [email protected]; wide which linked the two centres. The James Brownhill, [email protected] path first appears on the Ordnance Survey map of 1851. A total of 21 Trust members and friends BORDERS GROUP BUSY AT took part over the course of the weekend. GLENLUDE We were even joined by the same National Park rangers who led us ten years ago: In recent months, the Scottish Borders Matt Neale, Upper Wensleydale area Local Group has joined other Trust ranger and Michael Briggs, now Swaledale volunteers from across the country at area ranger. The ages of participants Glenlude to tackle some much needed varied but all showed great enthusiasm ground work. Tasks included restoring and determination to get the job done. the march dyke to keep out marauding sheep, removing fences and clearing The original competition to produce the away an old shed. At the same time we longest complete turf was revisited and have campaigned against inappropriate a joint effort resulted in a turf that took wind farm applications, lobbied local six people to hold. However, time had Volunteers of all ages enjoy some construction MSPs and commented at length on the clearly taken its toll as we struggled to work high up Glen Tanar on the footpath leading local authority’s proposed new landscape finish the length of path cleared previously. to Mount Keen (top); Glen Tanar Head Ranger Eric designations. Matt said that he would find a younger Baird (second from left) answers questions about group to complete the task! the estate from the volunteer group (bottom) We look forward to developing the management plan for Glenlude in Despite not quite finishing, everyone 2012 and beginning its implementation. had a great time and vowed to return in 2021 to do it all again. It is hoped TELL US YOUR WILD STORIES! Trustee John Thomas will be arranging local work parties for most months next that everyone’s memories hold out. Are you a Group Member of the John year. Glenlude will also be included in Two or three weekends are organised Muir Trust? Why not share your news in Sandy Maxwell, the Trust’s conservation every year, with new blood always Members’ News! We’d love to hear about activities coordinator’s, work parties required and very welcome. your visits to wild places, conservation programme for 2012 (see page four). activities and John Muir Award projects John Page that you are involved in. If your group has John Thomas Contact: a story they’d like to share, please email Contact: John Page, [email protected], [email protected] with details. John Thomas, [email protected] or call 01904 425175. 06 Classifieds See more classifieds at For our members www.jmt.org/classifieds.asp

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Non-smoking. Mallaig, PH41 4PL. > enquiries.bl@field-studies- NNR. Fully modernised cottage, council.org 3 bedrooms, sleeps 6. Sleeps 4, 3 bedrooms, 3*. Spacious > 01687 462 656 01445 781 307 accommodation with spectacular > [email protected] > LOGIERAIT [email protected] views and secluded garden. £310–400 > www.doune-knoydart.co.uk > pw; 10% John Muir Trust discount. Highland Perthshire - Character > www.seasidecroft.co.uk > 0131 667 2267 EILEAN SCALPAIGH 2-bedroom cottage overlooking River Tay and hills, near Pitlochry, > alison.kilpatrick@ Western Isles - Not a regular B&B SANDWOOD Aberfeldy and close to Schiehallion Lovely croft house near Polin beach southmorningside.edin.sch.uk but often available for John Muir and Glen Lyon Munros. Dogs by Kinlochbervie; sleeps 7/8. Trust members. English spoken. welcome. £225 - £400 pw. ASSYNT Use of kitchen by arrangement. Sutherland- Fully equipped STB 4* Guided walks possible. > 01952 242 088 > [email protected] > [email protected] cottages (inc. Sky TV & Wi-Fi) with > Jean Mills: 01859 540 319 stunning mountain and coastal views. SECLUDED SNOWDONIA Sleeps 4 – 6. Close to Quinag and GLENELG MORAR Self-catering rooms, bunkhouse, yurt, Self catering cottage in converted camping in upland valley overlooking convenient for Sandwood Bay. Traditional cosy cottage, sleeps 4. croft building, near the Road to the Conwy valley; panoramic views of Open all year. Ideal for Skye (summer months) and Isles. Stunning views over quiet & > 01571 855277 Snowdonia. Good base for your John Knoydart, as well as Glenshiel hills. beautiful Loch Morar. Perfect retreat > www.cathairdhubh.co.uk Muir Award project, advice available. > Robert: 02089 463 319 for 2 on working croft for a romantic Contact Del Davies. > [email protected] AVIEMORE and unforgettable holiday. > 01492 640 906 Luxury 2-bedroom cottage; sleeps 4. GRANTOWN-ON-SPEY > 01687 462 235 > [email protected] > www.lochmorarself Discount for John Muir Trust A cosy, modern, fully equipped catering.co.uk SEDBERGH members. self-catering cottage for 4 persons. Self-catering and B&B in fabulous > 01738 550 412 2 double bedrooms (1 en-suite), MORAY Victorian house, foot of Howgills. > george.henderson@ bathroom, breakfasting kitchen and Secluded, comfortable, well Sleeps 6 or 8, double/twin rooms, CH. mdgltd.co.uk lounge. Ideally located to escape equipped Moray farmhouse (sleeps 3 bathrooms, shower. Open fire/stove, > www.aviemore-self-catering.org to the wonderful Cairngorms or 8) available for rent year round. Aga in kitchen, utility room, garden. explore beautiful Strathspey. Excellent all year round walking. > 01539 620 360 > [email protected] > [email protected] > [email protected] 07

SKYE ULLAPOOL ROWAN IN THE ROCK HOLIDAYS Sligachan and Carbost. Two Self-catering studio. Bright and Songs of Love, Land and Nature – by comfortable, well equipped, comfortable, fully equipped – sleeps Alison McMorland, Geordie McIntyre ALPINE EXPLORATORY traditional cottages sleeping 2. Sea views over Loch Broom and with Kirsty Potts. Enjoy this great CD Walking holidays in UK and Alps. max 8. Either makes ideal base to the mountains. Direct access to (which includes The Ballad of John Tour du Mont Blanc, West Highland for exploring or climbing. Details, hill tracks. Wi-fi. £350 pw less John Muir) for just £10.50 (inc. P&P). Way, Walker’s Haute Route, Julian Alps, Pennine Way, Coast to Coast. including availability calendar, Muir Trust Members’ Discount 10%. > [email protected] interior and exterior photos Join our guided treks or follow our > 01854 613325 / 07876 588084 > 01786 825 598 routecards self-guided. available on-line. > www.ullapoolselfcatering.com > 01478 640 218 SCOTLAND’S WILD PLACES > 01729 823 197 > [email protected] IN WATERCOLOUR > www.alpineexploratory.com SERVICES Fine original paintings by artist SKYE NORDIC WALKING FLASH: and John Muir Trust member Courses in beautiful Ross-shire with : STB 4* traditional Paul Antony Lynn. 20% discount for crofthouse, sensitively modernised. THE INTERNATIONAL SHORT- a qualified instructor. Small, friendly members, plus 20% to John Muir groups to suit any level of fitness. Totally unspoilt situation. Panoramic SHORT STORY MAGAZINE Trust funds. views of sea, islands, mountains - Quality stories and reviews of up Guided walks, instruction and hire > www.paullynnpaintings.co.uk, to 360 words. Published April and of equipment; just come and enjoy. Torridon, An Teallach, etc. click on Gallery 3 Sleeps five; two bathrooms. Mature October. To order an issue, subscribe, > 01997 414 376 garden. Contact David Hudson. or submit stories, visit: SKYE > [email protected] > www.chester.ac.uk/ > 01449 760 428 Serpentarium Reptile World, RICHARD McGUIRE > www.freespace.virgin.net/ flash.magazine award-winning exhibition, breeding Skye guiding since 1995. Skye david.hudson5 centre & refuge. Frequent handling Munros, scrambles and climbs with HOUSE SITTING sessions. Excellent coffee shop with SKYE Keen walker and amateur an experienced local guide. Winter gifts. Easter-Oct. Old Mill, Harrapool, skills and rockclimbing instruction. Double & family en-suite and archaeologist is willing to house Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9AQ. single en suite. £37.50 pp/pn. and pet sit while you are away. 5-day courses or private guiding. > 01471 822 209 4-course evening meal (£27.50) by No fee involved. Contact Bob. > 01478 613 180/07796 467 886 > snakesalive@skye > [email protected] arrangement. Ron & Pam Davison, > [email protected] serpentarium.org.uk Tir Alainn, 1/2 of 8 Upper Breakish, > www.blavenguiding.co.uk > www.skyeserpentarium.org.uk Skye IV42 8PY. MOUNTAIN AND VILLAGE SKYAKADVENTURES > 01471 822 366 PICTURE POSTCARDS SOUVENIR SCOTTISH Sea kayak expeditions, courses > [email protected] Scotland, England and worldwide, BANKNOTES and guiding. BCU level 5 coach. > www.visitskye.com 1900-2011. John Muir Trust donation Four mint Royal Bank £1 notes with every sale. Chad Neighbor, Unique sea kayaking experiences commemorating European Summit, in a world-class location. Gordon SOUTH BRITTANY 8 Dalgarno Park, Hillside, Montrose, Scottish Parliament, R.L. Stevenson House near Quimperle; 5 beds – Angus, DD10 9JF & Morag Brown, 29 Lower Breakish, and A.G. Bell. £10 cheque secures Breakish, Isle of Skye, IV42 8QA. comfortably sleeps 7 adults; large > [email protected] delivery and 20% donation to > 01471 820002 garden. £500 pw. On estuary, with > 01674 832 823 John Muir Trust. small fishing port, cliff walks, coastal > [email protected] path, beaches. 10% discount for ON & OFF THE TRAIL OF > A. Balsillie, 5 East Milton Grove, > www.skyakadventures.com John Muir Trust members. G75 8SN JOHN MUIR SOUTH WEST FRANCE > 01344 845 395 evenings Book by Tony Hobbs. A humorous SPEAKERS’ SERVICE Writer’s charming retreat. Sleeps account of his attempt to walk the Volunteers for the Campaign for 4 adults. Bergerac airport 30 mins. SOUTH OF FRANCE trail. £5.95 (inc. p&p) from Tony Hobbs. National Parks offer illustrated talks Wonderful guest reviews. Two bedroom house in picturesque > 1 Karen Court, Dilwyn, on the National Park movement; > www.maison-bb.com village with vineyards and wooded Hereford, HR4 8HU they can reach groups in almost hills. Huge variety of walking and any city, town or village in cycling from the door. Caroux gorges ORGANIC KNOYDART LAMB WALKDEESIDE LTD England & Wales. Offer guided walking holidays in and mountains nearby. Béziers Naturally reared, professionally > Adrian Thornton: 01865 880359 Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms; airport 30 minutes. From £375 pw. jointed, vacuum packed, couriered > www.cnp.org.uk NNAS mountain navigation courses; > www.faugeresrental.com fresh and freezer-ready. Available Cairngorm Munros, W Highland Way, Dec-Feb, whole or half. Members’ WALKING THE JOHN MUIR Speyside Way. Quality hotels, local, SOUTH-WEST LAKES orders earn the Trust £3. Iain & Jo experienced leaders. Remote cottage with stunning views; Wilson, Inverguserain Farm, WAY An illustrated 58-page guide book sleeps 2 to 6. Knoydart, Mallaig, PH41 4PL. > Alan Melrose: 01339 880 081 by Robert Russel describing a 73km > [email protected] > [email protected] > 01687 462 844 walk along the East Lothian coast. > [email protected] Proceeds go to Friends of the STRATHGLASS, nr BEAULY WILDERNESS SCOTLAND John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar. Adventure holidays in the Highlands Beautiful holiday lodge, sleeps 4. OUT IN THE HILLS £3.50 + p&p. Lovely, peaceful location. Log fire Enjoy the Natural Highs: guided & Islands. Wilderness walking, to keep you warm on those winter walks and wilderness camping trips > John Muir’s Birthplace, sea-kayaking, sailing, canoeing, evenings. Contact Sue & Keith Walker. in the Cairngorms, in the company 126 High Street, Dunbar mountain biking, winter walking, ski > 01368 865899 mountaineering trips. Also specialist > 01463 782 931 of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide with over 20 year’s experience family adventure holiday service. > www.highlandholiday WATERMILL BOOKSHOP, lodge.co.uk mountain walking in the Highlands. > 0131 625 6635 > www.outinthehills.co.uk ABERFELDY > [email protected] We stock a wide range of walking, SUTHERLAND > [email protected] > www.wildernessscotland.com cycling and outdoors books including 2 bedroom bungalow between Lotte Glob’s ‘Floating Stones’. Also Tongue and Bettyhill, overlooking OVER THE HILL (£13.50) coffee shop after a day on Scheihallion Torrisdale Bay. Modern Conveniences, Final book of a series by Graham and art gallery. sleeps 4-6. Excellent for walking, Wilson and published by Millrace. fishing and wildlife. Idyllic beaches. Covers a variety of mountian related > 01887 822896 We’re sorry to advise we will £200 pw + electricity costs. Contact topics from nature of climbing to > www.aberfeldywatermill.com be discontinuing Members’ Pamela Clarke. our environmental responsibility. WILDERNESS Classifieds after this issue of > 01577 861 728 / 07774 022 856 > Details: [email protected] First aid training - Health and Safety Members’ News. We will also SUTHERLAND RED SQUIRREL PRINT first aid training. First aid supplies be removing the Members’ catering for remote/ lone/outdoor Comfortable cottage on coast Limited edition of 100 prints, red Classifieds from the website workers. National Navigation near Lochinver, Assynt (NC 053 264). squirrel portrait by award-winning Awards training. 10% John Muir from the end of January. We Close to Quinag, Suilven and other artist, mounted ready for framing, would like to thank all of you £33 inc. p&p. Print A4, mount Trust discount. fine hills. Local walks and unspoilt who have contributed to this sandy beaches. Sleeps 5. 14in x 17in, please contact Anne > 07881 427 507 £240–400 pw. Chambers for sample image. > www.rubiconfirstaid.com section in the past and wish > 0131 665 2055 > 01360 550537 all our members’ pursuits > [email protected] > annechambers730@ the best of luck. btinternet.com 08 CONGRATULATIONS TO JULIE MCELROY Forthcoming events 2012 Julie McElroy, a determined adventurer from Glasgow who has overcome severe disabilities to achieve the John Muir Conserver Local Members’ Groups Award, the highest level of the John Muir Award, received recognition for her achievements from presenter and Scottish Borders broadcaster Dougie Vipond on 18 November. Forestry policy: Its implications for wild land and Julie, 25, was born with cerebral palsy which has resulted in conservation, presentation by David Henderson-Howat walking difficulties and speech impairment along with manual Date & time: Thursday, 16 February, 7.30pm dexterity problems. She is also profoundly deaf and wears two Venue: Philiphaugh Suite, Selkirk Rugby Club hearing aids, but has refused to let these disabilities stop her As the government sets its targets on increasing forest cover completing her John Muir Conserver Award. in Scotland by almost half (from 17% to 25%), forestry is a key In the course of meeting the four challenges of her Award, issue for the future of wild land and wild landscapes. David Julie trekked in the Himalayas, joined the Lomond Mountain Henderson-Howat, head of policy at Forestry Commission Rescue Team on manoeuvre, climbed Helvellyn, paddled the Scotland, will speak on the implications of more forestry length of Loch Shiel and led other disabled people on a for conservation and wild land. three-day expedition on Arran. Contact: John Thomas, [email protected] “I wanted to experience a totally new existence and challenges Glasgow and West of Scotland that are different from the ones I experience in everyday life,” commented Julie. “Being in the wild allows me to establish Measuring mountains – their quality and height, myself more as a person. presentation by David Batty “The buzz of the outdoors began for me when I was a child and Date & time: Friday, 3 February, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start I now want to unleash opportunities where other disabled people Venue: Partick Burgh Halls, Room 10, 9 Burgh Hall Street, can climb a mountain, get involved in taking responsibility for Partick, Glasgow the natural environment and most importantly enjoy the fun, David Batty is an Exec member of The Munro Society and adventure and exploration of the wild.”

very much involved in their Munro Quality Indicator project. PHOTOGRAPHER: Broadcaster and presenter He is also a member of their ‘heighting’ team which has been Dougie Vipond, who presented measuring the height of mountains which the OS have recorded Julie with her certificate at as being just above or just below 3000 feet.

RORY SYME the Loch Lomond & Trossachs Ribbon of Wildness, presentation by Peter Wright National Park Headquarters Date & time: Thursday, 19 April, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start in Balloch, said: “Adventure Venue: Partick Burgh Halls, Room 10, 9 Burgh Hall Street, is important, it challenges Partick, Glasgow and stimulates us, and can lead us to wonderful wild Author Peter Wright will talk about his book ‘Ribbon of places we perhaps wouldn’t Wildness’ – an account of walking Scotland’s watershed, normally visit. the long divide that separates the catchments of the Atlantic Ocean and the . This will be followed by a short “Julie’s achievements are AGM of the Glasgow and West of Scotland Group. a reminder to us all that experiencing adventure and If you have any questions about the Glasgow Local Group challenge in Scotland, and events, please contact group secretary Moya Taylor at further afield, should be [email protected] Dougie Vipond (left), Julie McElroy open to all, regardless of South West Group and Toby Clark, John Muir Award Scotland manager, at Julie’s John age, ability or background.” A joint walk with Bristol Ramblers. Details tbc Muir Conserver Award presentation Date: Sunday, 25 March Venue: Chartist Cave, Llangynidir A joint walk with Avon Outdoor Activities Group. Details tbc TELL US YOUR NEWS The John Muir Trust Members’ News is printed on Revive 100 Uncoated Date: Sunday, 20 May What have John Muir Trust which is an FSC certified recycled Venue: Sapperton Tunnel, Daneway, Cotswolds members been up to? We’d grade paper, containing 100% post love to find out. Share your consumer waste and manufactured A weekend of exploring the Undercliffs Natural Nature Reserve news and stories with us and at a mill accredited with ISO 14001 with Donald Campbell, John Muir Trust and Natural England we’ll publish a selection in the environmental management Date: standard. The pulp used in this Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 June next Members’ News. We’d product is bleached using an Venue: Undercliffs Natural Nature Reserve (Seaton-Lyme Regis) particularly like to hear from Elemental Chlorine Free process If you would like to know more about the South West Group, any group members and their (ECF). We use a litho print process please contact [email protected] projects. Let Maggie know on using vegetable-based inks, and 0131 554 0114 or email a local printer with excellent North East of Scotland environmental credentials. [email protected]. Ribbon of Wildness, presentation by author Peter Wright Managing editor: Susan Wright Thank you. Editor: Richard Rowe Date: Thursday 8 March, 7.30pm open forum. 8.15 presentation Design: Various Creative Venue: Grammar School Former Pupils Club, 86 Print: J Thomson Printers Queens Road, Aberdeen KEEP IN TOUCH Thanks to: Rory Syme, Maggie Briggs, Fiona Mackintosh, Mel Nicoll, Tickets £3.00 on the door. Contact Rohan Beyts – Sign up to our monthly e-message, email – Kate Barclay, James Brownhill, John [email protected] or 01358 711750. Thomas, John Page [email protected] © John Muir Trust, January 2012 – Keep up-to-date on events Front cover image: PHOTOGRAPHER: SCHIEHALLION DATE FOR MSP and local activities online – Ben Nevis from the Mamores www.jmt.org/events.asp Photographer: Keith Brame Member of the Scottish Parliament – Join our discussion groups Published by the John Muir Trust, Stewart Stevenson, minister for Charitable Company Registered in MIKE DANIELS environment and climate change, on Facebook/receive Scotland. Registered Office: Tower visited Schiehallion in October with the updates on Twitter – House, Station Road, Pitlochry, Trust’s chief executive, Stuart Brooks, access via www.jmt.org PH16 5AN. Charity No. SCO 02061, Company No. 81620 and head of policy, Helen McDade, to – You can also receive your Stewart Stevenson chats with Trust chairman learn more about deer management Journal & Members’ News John Hutchison while issues and our campaign for better electronically – email at Schiehallion protection of wild land. [email protected]