FOR MEMBERS OF THE JOHN MUIR TRUST MEMBERS’ NEWS OCTOBER 2009

E-MESSAGE PRIZEWINNER ANNOUNCED Members’ views wanted on footpath policy The John Muir Trust is preparing a footpath policy and is inviting members to contribute their views. Any policy will have to address the contrasting goals of enabling people to access wild places while protecting the wild nature of the place.

Although the Trust does not yet have not advocate the construction of new paths a specific footpath policy, there are in or into wild land.” numerous references to paths within On buying each of its properties the Trust existing plans and statements. For has inherited responsibility for paths. example the Quinag Plan, in referring to Sometimes, as in the case of Schiehallion, Felicity Norman (above), a keen caver and paths, speaks of “minimising their visual this meant addressing major erosion hill walker from Hertfordshire, is one of intrusion into the landscape”. problems. In others, such as Ben Nevis, 750 members who have signed up for our The Declaration for the Wild published the Trust has had to work with a number monthly e-message since February. Now by the Trust in 2004 says: “The core of other landowners and agencies. It is she has won a £500 sea kayaking course recreational values of wild land relate never suggested that visitors to an estate in our prize draw. to a sense of mental and physical should restrict themselves to paths “I was thrilled and surprised because I well-being, especially the spiritual although in some locations most visitors never win anything!” said Felicity. “My values of tranquillity, solitude and do so of their own accord. friend is so jealous because she was freedom. Therefore, access for visitors Maintenance of the paths has been already a member and had convinced me to unenclosed land is not promoted or undertaken by the combined efforts of to join the Trust!” facilitated, but informal access is open staff, contractors and volunteer work to all who out of their natural inclination Polly McClure from Wilderness parties and has included constructing wish to visit for quiet recreation or study, said: “Our congratulations to Felicity. diversions around eroded ground, subject only to minimised, explained We look forward to welcoming her on to renewing old paths, or simple pre-emptive limitations to safeguard conservation our award-winning Introduction to Sea repair and maintenance. interests or for essential management.” Kayaking course.” As was evident at the footpath discussion In the Wildland Policy - Access section Monthly e-messages keep you up to date session at this year’s AGM in Birnam, 6.8, the Trust states that “Whilst always on Trust activities across the UK. Sign up our members hold a wide range of views remaining freely and openly available, before 1 December 2009 and you could on the issue, ranging from those who wild land should not be ‘tamed’ by way- win outdoor equipment from Tiso in a would like to see clearer signage to those markers or by path improvements that Christmas draw. who would welcome the elimination serve only to speed up access. There is a of constructed paths from wild land. If If you already receive the e-messages, need for self-reliance in wild land which you would like to share your views on a get a friend to join and quote your should be accepted on its own terms. footpath policy, contact Andrew Campbell, membership number when signing up and The sensitive, low-key maintenance of Head of Land Management, by e-mail at you can join the draw too. Simply e-mail existing paths can prevent excessive wear [email protected] or by writing to [email protected] and erosion of surrounding habitats and him at the Pitlochry address on page 8. minimise visual intrusion. The Trust does Eight steps to a footpath policy - page 3 The Chairman’s view TRUSTEES’ DINNER

the Pentlands, the Borders, the Highlands and Islands, the Alps and elsewhere. Many of our members will have travelled on a similar journey to mine and that is why we need to recognise the importance of wild places as well as wild land, in the personal journeys followed by A dinner for past and present Trustees was held at the Scottish young people today. Parliament in August, hosted by Jim Hume MSP, Liberal Over 3000 participants Democrat environment spokesman, to celebrate the 25th carried out their Conserve anniversary of the first meeting of Trustees. The dinner was challenge across the UK in organised by Denis Mollison with help from Maude Tiso and Nigel Jamie Grant April and May and we have Hawkins. Most of the 29 past and present Trustees who attended Last month I was privileged to just received an audit of that are pictured on the stairway in the Parliament building. meet Jean Balfour, one of our activity. This demonstrated original Trustees from 1984, that the Conserve challenge when 29 former and present of the John Muir Award is a Trustees met for dinner at ‘substantial and integrated the Scottish Parliament on part’ of the experience of the 14 August. Former Trustee participants. The Award is Larry Downing, an ex- the strongest element of our President of the Sierra Club remit to educate and plays a who played a pivotal role in large part in encouraging our our early years, addressed future active conservationists, us that evening and Denis whether they will be Denis Mollison Mollison paid tribute to campaigners, practical project Trustees who have passed on. workers, scientists, artists or writers. This gathering reminded me of two things: first, the debt and Although only 25 years ago, Dr Jean Balfour in conversation with former chief executive, Nigel Hawkins. responsibility that we owe to the environmental world in Dr Balfour was the only Trustee present who had attended the first meeting in our forebears and, second, with which our early Trustees April 1984. the event being held beside worked was quite different Holyrood Park where I played from the fast-changing world Members and the international environment as a boy, the importance of wild of today, which is why we need The next edition of the John Muir Trust Journal will have an places in towns and cities. to regularly update our Vision. international theme, looking at the work of the Trust and its In conjunction with the Chief The park was still known as the members in the global context. Many Trust members are involved Executive and staff, Trustees ‘King’s Park’ (or ‘the Kingie’) in environmental concerns at the international level and we are working at refreshing our when I was a boy, even though would be interested to hear from them. Some 300 members live Vision and this, together with a new Queen had just arrived, overseas and we would particularly welcome news from them of the Strategic Review, will be and this was where we played environmental campaigns and projects in which they are involved. important matters for the next games, sledged in the winter AGM in Aviemore on 8 and 9 and slid down the hills on Please do not, in your enthusiasm, rush to produce full-scale May. Trustees have discussed cardboard in the summer! We articles at this stage since space will be limited but please do the advantages of holding an also explored there, building contact the Journal editor, Mike Brown, at [email protected] with AGM in northern England and confidence, imagining we were an indication of your area of interest. We hope to feature some of our plan is to do so in 2010. I far afield and I had experiences these in the spring 2010 edition of the Journal and also provide a am keen to hear views on this, that would remain with me for resumé of activity in a future Members’ News. with suggestions for suitable many years. Later I graduated venues. to organising expeditions to John Hutchison Becoming a Trustee in 2010 In the next Members’ News we will be calling for candidates to fill I had not reached the most Trustee vacancies in 2010. Trustees play a vital role in the work of difficult portion of the canyon, the John Muir Trust. Becoming a Trustee is an important step but but I determined to guide my the three-year appointment gives unique and valuable experience humbled body over the most nerve- in taking our organisation forward. The Board meets five times a trying places I could find; for I was year, on a week day, as well as holding one weekend close to one now awake, and felt confident that of our estates. the last of the town fog had been Members are encouraged to offer their services as a Trustee or to shaken from both head and feet. identify potential candidates among fellow members. Full details of the application process will be published in the winter edition JOHN MUIR of Members’ News. Volunteer required Glen Nevis star site for night-sky gazing Finding your way in Gaelic to catalogue Irvine’s The area around Glen Nevis Visitor With a basic grasp of the Gaelic language, bequest Centre is one of two locations in Scotland the Scottish landscape can really come named as Dark Sky Discovery Sites, the alive. A Gaelic awareness course, first such designations in the world. The organised by The Nevis Partnership and identification of the sites marks 2009 as run by Ruairidh MacIlleathain, proved the International Year of Astronomy. an effective way of stripping down the puzzling Gaelic (and anglicised) names The two sites, the second is at Newbattle commonly encountered when enjoying the Abbey College in Dalkeith, are relatively outdoor environment. free from light pollution and tall buildings and relatively easy to access. The Glen The first day was an introduction to Gaelic; Nevis site was named following a winter its everyday greetings, the language and of community astronomy activities led by its cultural existence. The second day the John Muir Trust, Highland Council allowed for a deeper understanding and rangers and the Forestry Commission. awareness of the true meanings of hill names and other notable places that have “Many people visit Glen Nevis from a tale to tell within the Scottish landscape. developed areas with lots of light pollution and are often amazed to see For anyone with an interest in the history shooting stars, the Milky Way and entire or identity of a peak, burn or similar constellations at night in Scotland’s wilder feature then this course is a good starting One of the images from Irvine Butterfield’s collection: Hoodoos (tall stacks of sedimentary places,” says Alison Austin, the Trust’s point. The likes of ‘Spidean Mialach’ rock capped with harder stone) in Monument Nevis Conservation Officer who worked on becomes the ‘Lousy Pinnacle’ and ‘Stob Valley, Arizona. the winter programme of events. a’ Choire Odhair’ (Knoydart) translates as ‘Peak of the Dun Coloured Coire’, When Irvine Butterfield, a life-long providing an insightful and rather more supporter of the Trust, died earlier this Stamp collectors wanted animate glimpse into the history behind year, he left his collection of photographs It’s not philatelists that the Trust is the name of a place. If it is enticing to taken in North America to the Trust. looking out for but anyone willing to know a hill as ‘the milk pail’ (Chuinneag) The images capture the wide range of collect used stamps to help with our fund then a whistle stop tour of the Gaelic natural heritage across the continent - raising. These are sold by the kilo but we language could be the key. do need to have a bin-bag sized stash from the snowy peaks of Vancouver to the Sarah Lewis, Nevis Conservation Officer stunning Monument Valley. The Trust is to take to the dealer. Foreign and more Bilingual Wildlife Dictionary looking for a volunteer to catalogue the unusual stamps attract more money. slides. If you are interested in helping to Please send your used stamps (left on SNH has launched an online Gaelic/ organise Irvine’s collection, contact the their backing paper, with a border of English wildlife dictionary, with a large Communications team in Pitlochry on about 4mm to 8mm left around the stamp) database of Gaelic words for trees, plants, 01796 484 936, or e-mail [email protected] to Linda Coupar at the Pitlochry office animals and more, with audio included for (address on the back page). pronunciation. → www.snh.org.uk/gaelic/dictionary

Eight steps to a footpath policy continued from page 1 ■ User enjoyment – What importance Sandy Maxwell, the Trust’s Conservation should be given to the path’s contribution Activities Co-ordinator whose to the visitor’s enjoyment or appreciation responsibilities include path maintenance of wild places and what impact any works work parties, has identified a number of will have on it? issues which a paths policy could usefully ■ cover. Members may wish to suggest their Promotion of paths – How should the own criteria. Trust promote or seek to influence how other parties promote paths on Trust ■ Users of paths – Taking into properties? consideration the number and distribution (over seasons) of users, their destinations, 1 On the paths themselves – Waymarking impact, and the fitness and wellbeing and other objects such as cairns are Rory Syme already against Trust policy and should be benefits they are seeking. Members and supporters regularly volunteer to maintain footpaths, taking the weather as it comes. removed where there is no historical or ■ Habitat & wildlife – Impact on areas of significant safety reason to retain them. designation. ■ Archaeology – Impact on archaeological 2 Access points – Information boards, ■ Visual intrusion – How any existing remains by proximity of walkers. Also signposts, rights of way notices and path or planned work would sit within avoid reuse of archaeological materials in requirements of funders for recognition. its environment and affect the wild land path repair or construction. experience of visitors. 3 Off the ground – Through internet and ■ Navigation – If the path is to be access- print; discussions with wild land tourist ■ Safety – How risks or hazards would be neutral, will it encourage a significant organisations that regularly lead groups affected by path management. This can be number of visitors to proceed further across our properties; in supplying problematic as evidenced by the current than previously intended or go to different information to other websites and debate on Nevis summit cairns. areas? publications featuring our properties. Credit crunch and green tourism John Beatty’s Wild Vision tour

There has been much speculation on the impact of the recession on companies offering green alternatives. Wilderness Scotland is a specialist ecotourism company, one of many businesses which support the John Muir Trust. Members’ News interviewed Stevie Christie, director of Wilderness Scotland.

Members’ News (MN): Is MN: If ecotourism is attracting ecotourism a ‘luxury’ that more people to Scotland, is people are sacrificing at a time there increased pressure on of belt tightening? fragile destinations? What is the tipping point at which a Stevie Christie (SC): Our wild land destination becomes experience is that people value so popular it ceases to deliver holidays so much that this the wild land experience? Internationally acclaimed photographer, and editor of the John will be one of the last things Muir Trust Wild Nature Diary, John Beatty, will tour the UK this they will sacrifice. They may SC: I don’t believe that the autumn and winter with his captivating lecture show, Wild Vision, choose to spend a little less on recession makes ecotourism presented by Speakers from the Edge and sponsored by Rohan. their holidays - but ecotourism more attractive but it certainly holidays are not always makes Scotland a more With over 20 years of assignments to his name, John’s work expensive! More and more attractive destination for has taken him from the peaks of all the greater ranges to the people are basing their holiday UK residents. As people are American deserts, to the teeming wildlife of East Africa and and travel choices on ethical saving by not spending money the wonder of the Galapagos Islands. As John explains, his on flights, we have found work aims to capture “the timeless rhythms of the natural that they are prepared to pay environment, its beauty and simplicity, and man’s place within it”. more than normal. There is a In support of the Trust, John’s fantastic audio-visual presentation responsibility on companies will leave audiences infused with energy and wonder at the which offer trips into wild beauty of our planet. places to ensure that they Tickets and 20 tour dates from the Isle of Wight to the Isle of don’t become over-used. Any Lewis are available on ecotourism company should www.speakersfromtheedge.com Stevie Christie of Wilderness be on top of this and will have → Scotland: Benefiting from being trained its guides to leave no outwith the Eurozone Can you volunteer to represent the John Muir Trust on a stall at trace, to not always camp in one of John’s talks? Please contact Sam Baumber, Membership and environmental grounds so the same locations etc. The Manager, on 0131 554 0114 /[email protected] we have noticed an increase tipping point where such destinations lose their wild in interest in our range of eco- Scotch Whisky Experience raises funds for the wild friendly adventure holidays land qualities would generally this year, despite the economic not be because of an influx climate. of commercial groups but is more likely to be influenced MN: Is the recession changing by improved access to and/or the customer profile? improved services in that area. SC: Only in terms of where our For example, if Calmac began clients are coming from. Many running ferries to Knoydart, are from the UK and Scotland or if a large hotel opened up is a great destination this year on Rum, you could reasonably as it is close to home and they expect the number of visitors can avoid expensive trips to to these wild areas to increase the Eurozone. However, as drastically, impacting on its the Euro is now very strong wild land qualities. against the pound, we are For Wilderness Scotland, see seeing more Europeans join → www.wildernessscotland.com our holidays in Scotland. An inclusive ‘reverse auction’ has generated free promotion Wet weather map for Knoydart for the Trust and a donation of £235 from the Scotch Whisky Experience, in partnership with The Scotsman newspaper. Harveys, the people who make maps you can use in the rain, The event marked the formal re-opening of the award-winning have extended their range to cover Knoydart and Kintail. This, the visitor attraction in central Edinburgh after a £3 million 7th in their series, has the usual high quality print and clarity of refurbishment. “In addition to raising funds, we were delighted detail plus useful features such as different coloured typefaces with the opportunity to draw attention to the link between the for Munros, Corbetts and Grahams and detailed descriptions of Scotch whisky industry and Scotland’s natural environment,” terrain. Perhaps less welcome is Harveys’ eccentric practice of said Julie Trevisan Hunter, Marketing Manager at The Scotch inscribing contour lines at 15 metre intervals. The reverse of the Whisky Experience. “This was a great, fun activity for us but with sheet includes the bonus of a map of plus intriguing a serious element underlying, and we look forward to working maps of the underlying geology and the ice age glaciers - more with the Trust.” excellent diversion while hanging out in the bothy. The map is priced at £12.95. Above: Julie Trevisan Hunter (Marketing Manager, The Scotch Whisky Experience) presents Sam Baumber of the John Muir Trust with a cheque after MB the reverse auction. Gram by gram, sculpture makes progress The Collie Mackenzie from the site, registered as a Sculpture Group has launched charity and gained the support an imaginative plan inviting of local community groups supporters to buy bronze, and others, including the John by the gram, in order to Muir Trust. The group has create a statue of a famous now launched the next phase, mountaineering duo on Skye. raising money for the 1.5 times life size bronze statue of the The group aims to two men which will weigh commemorate the huge 400 kilos. Funds are being contribution made to the raised by selling certificates early history of climbing on in multiples of £10, each £10 the island by Sconser man donation buying 10 grams of John Mackenzie and his bronze. internationally renowned climbing companion, Norman The artist is Stephen Tinney Collie, as well as promoting who studied at Glasgow School the local landscape and the of Art and has lived on Skye Gaelic culture. for 16 years. The statue will be erected on the Sconser estate, Phase one is now complete close to the entrance gate to having secured planning the Coruisk path. permission, influenced a major Artist Stephen Tinney’s image of the statue. change in the landscape with For further information, visit the removal of electricity poles → www.skyesculpture.com

New media gives new insight on Trust’s activities Will the group you joined join us? Social networking sites are an increasingly important way for 100 organisations including schools, walking and mountaineering organisations such as the John Muir Trust to keep in touch with clubs, national parks and other environmental charities are now members and get their message across to the wider world. group members of the John Muir Trust. By joining together, the If you use our Facebook page Trust and our group members can strengthen the voice for wild you can find out what the Trust land and wild places. is up to, share your photos and Join the debate. Over the last three years most new group members have discuss key issues. 400 people been John Muir Award Providers that have seen the value in have signed up already and supporting the Trust to keep the Award open to all. Rae Lonsdale, more are joining daily. from Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “Our group Sign up to our Twitter feed membership is a matter of principle – the John Muir Award and we’ll send you short news is a fantastic element of our programme and enables really Tune in to the latest issues. alerts to keep you up to date on genuine discovery of the Yorkshire Dales, so we believe in putting planning decisions and threats something back to support the Trust.” to wild land. This autumn the Trust is promoting group membership more Find out what’s happening on widely to walking, climbing and sailing clubs and other outdoor our estates and the latest on groups which want to help protect the wild places they enjoy. our communities project by Read in-depth accounts of our work. If a group you belong to has a newsletter, e-mail broadcast or reading the blogs which Trust website and could mention the Trust, or perhaps would include staff are regularly writing our leaflets in a mailing, please contact Sam Baumber on about their work. [email protected] / 0131 554 0114. We have also been touring the Find out more or sign your group up now on: Trust’s estates, shooting short See our wild estates. videos and posting them for → www.jmt.org/group-membership.asp everyone to watch on YouTube. Online Journal & Access our new media through www.jmt.org Members’ News Save paper and postage – e-mail New staff at the Trust [email protected] ■ Maggie Briggs has replaced Hannah Stace as Membership Officer. Trust’s views sought in Pennsylvania ■ Sara McCarter (Fundraiser - Major Donors) will be covering for Helen McDade, the Trust’s Head of Policy, has been invited to be Kate Barclay during Kate’s maternity leave. a guest speaker at a day-long panel discussion organised by the ■ Katy Standish has been appointed John Muir Award Manager Program on Law, Environment and Economy at the University for North East England, employed by Durham County Council as of Pennsylvania in September. Helen has been asked to discuss part of their Outdoor and Sustainability Education Service. comparisons with the unintended effects of ‘green subsidies’ in Britain and describe the Trust’s experiences of the regulatory ■ Steven Turnbull has joined on a 12-month contract as Policy system here. Officer, replacing Richard Hill. CLASSIFIEDS for our members

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STB Ideal for walking, birdwatching, on doorstep. £250-£360 pw fully Peace and tranquillity with a warm 4-star. The perfect self-catering biking, fishing. Open all year. C/H, inclusive. Mrs Georgina Dalton. Highland welcome. Contact Jan hideaway. One king/en-suite; one wood-burning stove, garden, dogs 01866 844 212 / maolachy@firenet. & Martin. 01549 431 203 / www. twin/large bathroom. Contact Liz welcome. 01721 723 339 / dfpeck@ uk.net overscaig.com or Brian. 01337 828 386 / www. baincraiglodge.co.uk btinternet.com LOCH KATRINE, ANDEAN TRAILS South America WILDERNESS SCOTLAND Yorkshire Region work STRONACHLACHAR Beautifully adventure travel specialist. Group adventure holidays in the party report equipped cottage in L. Lomond tours or tailor-made itineraries. Highlands & Islands. Wilderness & National Park. Trek, climb, raft or mountain- walking, sea-kayaking, sailing, Once again regular stalwarts Sleeps max 6, C/H, log-burning bike trips; Andes to the Amazon canoeing, mountain biking, winter from around Yorkshire and stove. Ideal for walking, biking, rainforest; Galapagos cruises and walking, ski mountaineering trips. birdwatching, wildlife. Contact sea-kayaking. 0131 467 7086 / Also specialist family adventure beyond turned out for another Carol & Alan. 0141 942 8299 / www.andeantrails.co.uk holiday service. 0131 625 6635 / August working weekend enquiries@hillviewholidaycottage. [email protected] / despite dire weather forecasts BEALLICH A health and activity co.uk / www.hillviewholidaycottage. www. wildernessscotland.com – no surprises there then. co.uk provider near Grantown-on-Spey. Yoga, mountaineering, massages SERVICES There were 15 of us including MORZINE, HAUTE SAVOIE Modern in a stunning setting. Silver Green four new recruits - three of EDINBURGH MOUNTAIN FILM 2-bedroom apartment, sleeps Tourism Scheme, supporters of whom had just completed the 4-6. Located close to GR5 trail ‘Leave No Trace’. Contact Patrick FESTIVAL 16-18 October 2009. John Muir Award. in unspoilt Alpine valley, 1 km or Abby Harrison. 01807 510 242 / Films, lectures and exhibitions. Fundraising raffles in aid of the from village centre. Huge variety www.beallich.com At our work site in West of walking and mountain biking. John Muir Trust. Photography Geneva airport 80 mins. 01223 290 NORDIC WALKING courses competition now open – all entries Stonedale, James Lamb, 565 in beautiful Ross-shire with a welcome. Yorkshire Dales National Park qualified instructor. Small, friendly www.edinburghmountainff.com Access Ranger for Swaledale, MULL John and Sery would like groups to suit any level of fitness. to invite you to Argyll House Guided walks, instruction and hire FINE HARPSICHORDS, spinets and his colleagues Ian and where they have aimed at creating of equipment; just come and enjoy. and virginals. Making since 1969. Paul had set up a shelter and centrally located excellent-value 01997 414 376 / hazelnut1@tesco. Also harpsichord hire. Repairs had tea brewing. The task and restoration, spares. CD and self-catering accommodation to net was to clear a drainage ditch suit the outdoor visitor. 01680 300 brochure with our compliments. 555 / [email protected] / PEAK DISTRICT self-guided Robert Deegan Harpsichords, and to rebuild a long stretch www.argyll-house.co.uk walking holidays. Millstone Lancaster. 0152 460 186 / of revetment wall which had uplands, limestone valleys, [email protected] collapsed above the track. NEWTONMORE Two-bedroom attractive country towns & villages. www.deeganharpsichords. Com steading in the Cairngorms Varied routes include lesser Good progress was made with National Park. Ideal location for used paths. Walk directions, FLASH: THE INTERNATIONAL completion of the task in sight a huge range of activities. Fully maps, background information SHORT-SHORT STORY MAGAZINE for the following day. furnished. Contact Martin. 0131 336 provided, luggage transport & Quality stories and reviews of up 3466 / www.balvatincottages.com accommodation arranged. info@ to 360 words. Published April Part way through the day the drystonewalks.co.uk and October. To order an issue, rain stopped but this relief NORTH WALES Cynwyd Activity subscribe, or submit stories, visit and Mountain Centre. Sleeps RICHARD McGUIRE Skye guiding www.chester.ac.uk/flash.magazine was short lived as the midges 30 in main centre plus cottage since 1995. Skye Munros, now appeared and the feasting that sleeps 6. At the foot of the scrambles and climbs with an ON & OFF THE TRAIL OF JOHN began. A conversation with MUIR, book by Tony Hobbs. A Berwyn Mountains. Excellent rates. experienced local guide. Winter a local confirmed that the Brochure available. 01604 813505 / skills and rockclimbing instruction. humourous account of his attempt www.yrhenfelin-cynwyd.co.uk 5-day courses or private guiding. to walk the trail. £5.95 (inc p&p) Scottish beasties were now a 01478 613 180/07796 467 886 / from Tony Hobbs, 1 Karen Court, regular visitor to the Dales and , ISLAY Superb 3-bedroom paddy@ blavenguiding.co.uk / www. DIlwyn, Hereford, HR4 8HU. had come to stay! house in peaceful seclusion. blavenguiding.co.uk Sleeps 6. Open fire, well-stocked ORGANIC KNOYDART LAMB. Naturally reared, professionally A merry evening was had in the bookcase, vintage record collection, SELF-GUIDED walking holidays in local pub – the ‘Green Dragon’ fishing permit. Near RSPB reserve. UK and Alps. Tour du Mont Blanc, jointed, vacuum packed, couriered No pets. Open all year. Couples West Highland Way, SwissAlps, fresh and freezer-ready. Available at Hardraw. Sunday promised discount. 0131 553 1911 / www. French Alps, Julian Alps, Dec-Feb, whole or half. Members’ more of the same – more islay-cottage.co.uk Tatras, Lakes, Skye. Follow our orders earn JMT £3. Iain & Jo drainage ditch clearing, more Wilson, Inverguserain Farm, routecards to explore by yourself. revetment wall construction, OLDSHOREMORE Caravan on Plus guided programme. www. Knoydart, Mallaig PH41 4PL. 01687 Sandwood Estate , sleeps 6, open alpineexploratory.com 462 844 / [email protected] more rain or more midges. April–October. Contact Anne John Page Mackay. 01971 521 335 SKYAKADVENTURES Sea kayak SCOTTISH OUTDOOR photo prints. expeditions, courses and guiding. Loch Eil, Knoydart etc. Special PERTHSHIRE Peaceful 4* self- offer – 2 prints mounted for £40 BCU level 5 coach. Unique sea Mountain Film Festivals catering accommodation, north kayaking experiences in a world- (reg. £35 each). Size 8x12 approx, shore Loch Tay adjacent to Ben class location. Gordon & Morag mounted to 11.5x15 approx. Offer Lawers NNR and Trossachs NP. includes postage within UK. Look out for the Trust’s stall Brown, Sleat, Isle of Skye. 01471 and merchandise at events Ideal for couples. Excellent hill- 833 428 / info@skyakadventures. www.lawsidegraphics.co.uk walking base, summer and winter, throughout the Mountain com / www. skyakadventures.com SOUVENIR SCOTTISH BANKNOTES 35 Munros within 20 miles. 01567 Festival season: 820 527 / www.morenishmews.com VILAYATOURS based in Four mint Royal Bank £1 notes Chachapoyas, Northern Peru, commemorating European Dundee Mountain Festival: SANDWOOD Lovely croft house the richest archaeological and Summit, Scottish Parliament, 28-29 November 2009 www.dundeemountainfilm.org.uk near Polin beach by Kinlochbervie; biodiverse area of South America. R.L.Stevenson and A.G.Bell. sleeps 7/8. £175–300 pw. jude_ £10 cheque secures delivery and Hotel-based and camping treks Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival: [email protected] throughout the region arranged to 20% donation to John Muir Trust. A.Balsillie, 5 East Milton Grove, 16-18 October 2009 HOLIDAYS suit. [email protected] / www. www.edinburghmountainff.com vilayatours.com G75 8SN. ANAM CARA retreat centre in Fort William Mountain Festival: Scottish highlands. Wide range WALKDEESIDE LTD offer guided Advertising is offered (subject to 2010 dates tbc of day events, and residential walking holidays in Royal Deeside space) for members’ business www.mountainfilmfestival.co.uk and the Cairngorms; NNAS ventures. No charge is made but week/ weekend retreats. ‘Time for Glasgow Mountain Film Festival: mountain navigation courses; donations or in-kind support Trees’ work weeks, bushcraft, flint 2010 dates tbc Cairngorm Munros, W Highland welcome. 35-word max. Please notify knapping, stone dykeing, sweat changes to [email protected] www.super-7.co.uk/events lodges, meditation, holistic detox, Way, Speyside Way. Quality hotels, Yoga. 01463 711 702 / welcome@ local, experienced leaders. Contact The number of members taking up Kendal Mountain Festival: anamcara.org / www.anamcara.org Alan Melrose. 01339 880 081 / the offer of free advertising means 19-22 November 2009 [email protected] that we are unable to publish all the www.mountainfest.co.uk adverts submitted. It is our intention that those omitted from this edition Keswick Mountain Festival: will be carried in the next edition of 19-23 May 2010 Members’ News. www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk Forthcoming Events Edinburgh Members’ Group report Edinburgh Members’ Group Further information: Heather is the watershed of Scotland; Visit to Crystal Rig Windfarm Willimott on 01360 311 304 or and Mariano Devoto returns Sunday 18 October: Help to heatherwillimott@valleyfield. to share the results of his On 27 June, in rather dreich restore the wildwood with fsbusiness.co.uk research into the pollination weather, the Edinburgh group, the Borders Forest Trust at webs underlying the plus a strong contingent from Carrifran near Moffat. Meet at London Members’ Group regeneration of Caledonian the Glasgow group, met for a 10am at the car park. Please Thursday 22 October: Join pine forests. picnic at Whiteadder reservoir contact Ian or Mary for further us at the first meeting of in the Lammermuir Hills. This details and booking (essential), Further information: Brian the new London Members’ was followed by a visit to the and to co-ordinate transport, Pollard on 0117 942 4951 or on Group. Members can find out nearby Crystal Rig Windfarm. or see www.carrifran.org.uk [email protected] about the RGS and meet John Phase I has been generating Saturday 21 November: Beatty, before enjoying his Ullapool electricity for several years. An evening get-together in ‘Wild Vision’ presentation at Friday 23 October: Events at Phase II, to add a further Edinburgh, including a meal. 7pm. We need more people the Macphail Centre, Ullapool five turbines, is now in Details to be confirmed nearer interested in running the group construction. Gareth Edwards, the time. to get involved and help co- 4pm John Muir Trust from the developers Jones ordinate four gatherings a year Members’ Forum: exchange of Brothers, gave a guided tour Sunday February 21: Carrifran, in interesting venues across news and views. of some the existing turbines. with same details as for 18 the city. We all learned a lot about the October. 5pm ‘Meet the Trust’ over tea construction and operation 6pm Royal Geographical and sandwiches. For further information, or of these giant windmills. This Society, 1 Kensington Gore. to suggest events or join our 6pm Lecture by Stuart Brooks, particular development does Members’ group reception - circulation list: Ian Lee-Bapty Chief Executive, on ‘Scottish not appear to have harmed spaces limited to 30 – tickets on 0131 315 4117 or bappers@ peatland: a global perspective’. plant and animal life in the free but RSVP essential to supanet.com, Julie Catto on (Jointly with Lochbroom and area. In fact, Gareth suggested ensure a place: promotions@ 07882 029 772 or Mary Inglis Assynt Field Clubs) that the reverse had happened jmt.org or 0131 554 0114. on 0131 553 7967. with the clearance of part 7.30pm Glass of wine. 7pm ‘Wild Vision’ presentation. of the conifer plantation for Glasgow & West of Tickets (£12) should be Cost: lecture - £3, access roads and turbine sites. Scotland Group bought separately from refreshments - £5 payable on Thanks to Gareth and to Jo Thursday 22 October: Speakers from the Edge: www. the door. Doake and Nick Morgan for ‘Carrifran Wildwood and speakersfromtheedge.com or Further information: Sue organising the visit. restoration of the Ettrick 0114 250 8048. Hopkinson on 01854 612 756 or Forest’, an illustrated talk by Mary Inglis Perthshire Members’ [email protected] Philip Ashmole. Carrifran is Group re-creating an extensive tract At 8pm there is the opportunity of wild and wooded land in the If you would like to help run to attend a Homecoming Event Next edition Borders - a haven for a rich the Perthshire Members’ in Ullapool Village Hall - ‘Flight JOHN MUIR TRUST MEMBERS’ variety of native flora and fauna Group and plan future events, of the Arctic Tern’ by Mark NEWS will be published in and an inspiration to visitors. It please contact Sam Baumber Sheridan, a dramatisation of January 2010. Please send celebrates its 10th anniversary on 0131 554 0114 /recruit@ the Clearances through the news items by 13 NOVEMBER in January. 7pm Room W119, jmt.org eyes of one young migrant, 2009 to: Hamish Wood Building, Alexander Gunn. South of England and Glasgow Caledonian University. Mike Brown, Editor South Wales If you would like to be involved No admission charge but E-mail: [email protected] in running a John Muir Trust donations welcome. Sunday 15 November: Post: ‘Drumcreel’, Kirk Road, members’ group in your area, Members’ Gathering. The 19th New Galloway, Castle Douglas Thursday 26 November: please get in touch with Sam all-day gathering for members DG7 3RS Professor Stuart Monro, Baumber on 0131 544 0114 / and friends in the South of Scientific Director of Dynamic [email protected] The John Muir Trust Members’ News is England and South Wales will Earth in Edinburgh. Time and printed on ‘Revive 100 Uncoated’ which is a be held in Bristol at Jury’s recycled grade paper, containing 100% post- place as for 22 October. Hotel, Prince Street, Bristol, consumer waste and manufactured at a mill accredited with ISO 14001 environmental Thursday 11 March: Debate on BS1 4QF. management standard. The pulp used in community buyouts. Details in this product is bleached using an Elemental The speakers will be Stuart Chlorine Free process (ECF). We use a litho next Members’ News. Brooks, the Trust’s Chief print process using vegetable-based inks, Diary date and a local printer, Woods of Perth, who Thursday 22 April: Anna Executive, who will give an have excellent environmental credentials, Magnusson will interview update on the Trust’s year, The John Muir Trust AGM and achieving environmental standard ISO4001 Vicky Jack, the oldest British followed by an open forum; in 2007 and the FSC and PEFC standards Members’ Gathering in 2010 in March 2008. If you would rather receive woman to reach the summit Peter Wright MBE recounting will be held in Aviemore on 8 your publications from the John Muir Trust of Everest. More details in the his ‘watershed epic’ walking and 9 May. electronically, simply e-mail membership@ next Members’ News. the ‘ribbon of wildness’ that jmt.org Layout and production management: Strathcashel Publications Project Management Printed by Woods, Perth © John Muir Trust, October 2009. Published by the John Muir Trust (Charitable Company registered in ■ Keep up to date on events and local activities online - www.jmt.org/events.asp Scotland. Registered office: Tower ■ Sign up for our monthly e-broadcast, e-mail - [email protected] House, Station Road, Pitlochry PH16 5AN, Scotland. Charity no: SCO02061 Company no: SCO81620)