Latest news with #Munros
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Loch Lomond high ropes course reopens under new ownership after sudden closure
Owners Ian and Rhonda Fraser have taken over the high ropes course at Lomond Shores - which was known as TreeZone before its shock closure last year. A popular Loch Lomond aerial adventure course has reopened with new owners following its shock closure last year. Ian and Rhonda Fraser are the new owners of the high ropes course at Lomond Shores, previously known as TreeZone. Now rebranded as Go Wild Loch Lomond, the attraction promises fresh excitement for thrill-seekers. The TreeZone Loch Lomond facility ceased operations last October, while their Aviemore location continues to welcome adventurers. In a statement released last October, TreeZone expressed "with regret" their decision to close the site, citing the complexity and size of their business as reasons for refocusing on other ventures. The new owners are determined to enhance the experience, with Rhonda saying: "We're delighted to be able to once again offer the Adventure Tree Top Experience at Lomond shores both to the local community and visitors to the area. And while the ropes and zip lines are still here with a brand new first course on offer – and even more thrilling, what we're building goes far beyond the trees integrating our passion for coaching and self development, using 'The Hero's Journey' as one of our pillars to build from, but also working with other local businesses." She continued: "This isn't just about reopening an adventure course. It's about connecting people, championing local businesses, and making sure our community is at the centre of what happens here in Loch Lomond - including future proofing the interests of other local, family run adventure businesses by working together. "We both come from backgrounds rooted in this. Ian has spent an active 30 years+ climbing, cycling, and guiding in the outdoors - he's even a former Scottish Madison Champion and has bagged more than 150 Munros, is on the Scottish Cycling Committee and Scottish rep on the British Cycle Committee with a passion for track and road coaching." Rhonda went on: "I have over 25 years experience in small, family run businesses and have a passion for these collaborating together, having spent nearly a decade as Chair of the Queen Margaret Drive Community, helping organise the annual QMD street festival and countless local projects and fundraisers. I was honoured to be awarded the Responsible Business Champion for our constituency." Ian and Rhonda explained their decision to partner with neighbouring enterprises stemmed from recent discussions surrounding local developments. "We know there's been a lot of talk lately about local developments and that is why we've started working with other local businesses to make it easier for visitors to discover and book the amazing things on offer in the Loch Lomond area," Rhonda added. "Keeping the emphasis on the incredible family run businesses that have served the area and visitors for generations using our incredible location at Lomond Shores and plans to add to and develop our website in conjunction with these businesses. "We're not a corporation. We're a local family with an invested interest in the local area and businesses working together. So whether you're running a local business - guiding hikes, renting paddleboards, offering yoga by the loch, or running a lovely B&B - we'd love to hear from you and have a chat about working together. "We're here. We're open. We are excited to get going and we'd love for you to be part of this next chapter for not only us, but Loch Lomond and the surrounding area."
Daily Record
07-07-2025
- Daily Record
Objectors in 'David and Goliath' struggle to halt Perthshire wind farm scheme
Proposed Glen Lednock scheme would be visual intrusion in a scenic part of Highland Perthshire, say opponents. Perthshire residents are campaigning against a wind farm project which they describe as 'the industrialisation of a precious mountain landscape'. The proposed Glen Lednock Wind Farm, on the Invergeldie Estate near Comrie, adjacent to Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, comprises 19 wind turbines with a blade tip height of up to 200 metres. Objectors this week insisted that company Low Carbon's application would be a major visual intrusion in a scenic part of Highland Perthshire. They have formed a Save Glen Lednock group and urged objectors to submit comments before a consultation deadline of Monday July 20. Comrie objector David Spaven commented: 'It's a bit of a David v Goliath struggle, fighting a big multi-national company – but remember that David won. 'With the combination of raised community awareness and a professional report we've commissioned, we're quietly optimistic that we can stop this destructive scheme which amounts to the industrialisation of a precious mountain landscape'. Save Glen Lednock steering group member, engineer Martin Downing – who has worked on a number of other windfarm developments across Scotland – commented: 'I'm happy to see wind farms in the right places, but Glen Lednock is not the right place. 'The development would be a major visual intrusion in a scenic part of Highland Perthshire which is currently devoid of wind farms. 'The site is less than three miles from The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and the National Scenic Area along Strathearn. 'It would be visible from the paths up Ben Vorlich, Ben Chonzie and Ben Lawers, three of the most popular Munros in Scotland. 'The route of the proposed eight-mile access road from the A85 up Glen Lednock is appalling. 'The 30-feet-wide road corridor would destroy beautiful Carraglen, one of the loveliest parts of Strathearn. 'Many local people know next to nothing about this proposal, so we're getting out and about to raise awareness and encourage folk to make their own individual objections.' Fellow objector Alastair Forsyth also pointed to the intrusive visual impact of Low Carbon's proposal. He said: 'The spinning blades of the turbines would be visible from multiple locations, including Polinard Common in Comrie, Dalginross Roman Fort, the B827 Langside road, Torlum, MacRosty Park Crieff, Knock of Crieff, Schiehallion, Ben Lomond, and many, many more. 'And there would be a massive day-to-day impact on the residents of Glen Lednock. 'And immediately adjacent to the glen there is yet another wind farm proposal – in Glen Tarken. The cumulative impact of up to 31 turbines would be disastrous for a peaceful, mountainous landscape which is much enjoyed by walkers and climbers.' Save Glen Lednock have set up a Facebook page and are hosting a drop-in information-sharing session from 10.30am to noon on Friday July 11 at the White Church Community Centre in Comrie. Low Carbon state on the Glen Lednock Windfarm website: 'We recognise that the development of wind energy can cause disruption and damage. 'We are committed to taking every step to make sure that the potential negative impacts of any wind development on one of our estates are avoided or minimised where possible. 'We also make sure that any such developments are integrated into a wider masterplan for the site which delivers environmental restoration at scale, creating significantly more positive impacts than negative ones. 'While we recognise that this is not a perfect solution, we don't believe we have the luxury of finding perfect solutions, and we believe that we owe it to the next generation to do what we can to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.'
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
'The NHS saved me,' says teen who's played the bagpipes on 282 Munros
As Joel Davey stood atop Ben Lomond and took in the view over the loch in the driving rain and wind, it marked the end of a record-breaking challenge to scale all 282 Munros in a year – and play the bagpipes at the peak of each one. The astonishing feat was the 18-year-old's way to give back to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), by raising money for the charity that saved his life after he had open heart surgery as a baby for a rare disorder. The operation allowed him to enjoy a rough-and-tumble childhood, including playing rugby, cross-country running and, of course, climbing hills. By the age of 11 he had already scaled Monte Cinto, the highest mountain in Corsica, where he played Highland Cathedral on his bagpipes. After taking stock of just how much the surgery had given him in life, he decided to repeat the feat on each Munro – Scottish mountains over 3,000ft – in one year and play a few notes of the same stirring tune on every summit. Mr Davey, from Fife, said: 'I love the tune and it brings me to tears, but I've now heard it 12 times a day after lugging an out-of-tune bagpipe up 282 Munros. 'For a Scottish instrument it really doesn't like the rain.' Last year Mr Davey, battled 90mph winds on the Cuillin Ridge on the Isle of Skye, where he was roped to the summit of the Inaccessible Pinnacle so he could blast Highland Cathedral into the gale. His epic endeavour is all the more impressive as he broke his back shortly before sitting his Highers. Despite being in pain he got impressive results that earned a place at Aberdeen University to study Ancient History and Archaeology. He tackled the climbs during a gap year before starting university. His father Dan, who climbed the last Munro with Mr Davey, said: 'It's an incredible achievement – he's a young man with a sense of moral responsibility who wanted to give back for his life being saved. I'm proud of him.' Mr Davey said he was 'quite sad to have finished as it was so freeing to be up in the mountains'. David McColgan, head of BHF Scotland, said: 'We couldn't be more thankful or prouder of this extraordinary young man.'
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Is Calgary Beach on Mull really Scotland's best beach?
I could pick probably any beach on the West Coast, even though I'm an East Coast man myself. It really is difficult to choose but my mind keeps going back to Calgary Bay on Mull. It's been a while since I've been there. I think it was even pre-Covid I was there with the family, but it is absolutely stunning. Best Building I really like the history of the country so I love the likes of Eilean Donan Castle and I always enjoy going up the Wallace Monument. But do you know what I really like? Some of the hydro electric power stations. There are a few around the country, of course, and there has been a clever way of trying to blend them in rather than have huge industrial buildings ruining the landscape. Best Street I do like the Highlands and I've done a few gigs at the Eden Court Theatre in Inverness. The street that lines the banks of the Ness there, Bishop's Road, is one of my favourites. It's lovely to walk along towards the theatre and there are some lovely wee cafes and restaurants on both sides of the river too. Best Walk My other favourite childhood memory was the time spent up with my cousins in Elgin and this links into that. There's a walk off the Speyside Way, which follows the old railway track from Garmouth over the River Spey viaduct. It's a pretty easy walk but with amazing views. We used to always do that on our bikes as kids so it has great memories for me too. When I get the time, I'd love to do the Lairig Ghru from Braemar to Aviemore. It is a wee bit more challenging and time-consuming but it really is a spectacular cross-country walk. Best Childhood Memory I've loads of amazing childhood memories. The one I'm going to go for maybe isn't much of a surprise but it really is the memory of being up in the combine harvester alongside my dad. This might not come as much of a surprise but it really is what made me become a farmer. (Image: Jim Smith) Best View I have to say that we have some pretty amazing views from the farm and I also like to stop at the parking at the Cairn O Mount to take in the view here. But my favourite I think is the panorama from the top of the Hill of Gourdie. It takes in so much: Loch Ordie, across to Blair and Glenshee. It's the contrasts you can see from the top of that hill. Best Shop Easy one: the John Deere garage! I don't go as often as I'd like to – or can afford to. I have fond memories of going to Whitton and Brown back in the 80s. We went there every few years to change the tractor and that was exciting! Best Scottish Delicacy A Scotch pie is pretty hard to beat but, when it comes to it, I would have to go to Forfar for this one and choose a bridie. I'm not going to come down on the side of either Saddler's or McLaren's but I'll always get a bridie when I'm in the town and one of the huge ones as well. The size of your head. Best Place For Some Alone Time I started to do a few Munros but then the kids came along so I've managed to do six so far, but that's the place for an escape – up the side of any Munro. I get some peace when I'm out doing the fencing and work around the farm, but the mobile phone is always on. Here, though, is no reception so you get perfect quiet. You can see Jim at Netherton Equestrian Centre (Jim Smith & Friends) for the Perth Show, Friday June 6, headlining the first night of Patter at the Palace at Scone, June 27 to 29. The Corn Exchange, Haddington (Jim Smith and Friends) Sunday, June 29, Find him on Instagram @standupfarmer
Edinburgh Reporter
25-04-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
Cosy cottage with view over Blair Atholl
Skip loads of rubble were cleared, the cottage was insulated, new plumbing and electric circuits introduced, and a heat pump installed. Painters and decorators were brought in and estate staff had fun choosing the colour scheme and much of the furniture. The garden, overlooking a river, was landscaped and a tasteful holiday cottage created. Shades of the past remain, like a deep Belfast sink, but the kitchen is superbly equipped with a microwave, induction hob, plus substantial fridge and freezer. It took us a few anxious minutes to discover how to work the hob with the aid of YouTube, mind you, but we got there, part of the getting-away experience. The two upstairs bedrooms – one double and one twin – are reached by a wood panelled staircase. The heavy floral wallcovering might not be to the taste of everybody, but the rooms are superbly finished and two hot water bottles were on the beds on arrival. A nice touch. The sizeable downstairs bathroom has a shower in the bath – a tad difficult for those over 5ft 9in – and toiletries by Sea Kelp Scottish fine soaps, and the heating hovers between 19c and 22c, ample for the property which also has a warming log burner in the lounge. Almost forgot, don't worry if you have forgotten to bring a phone charger, they are built into the plug sockets. The land around the cottage is farmed by the Blair Athol castle team. It is an organic, regenerative farm, primarily focused on native Aberdeen Angus cattle, black-faced sheep and Highland cows. While waiting for the kettle to boil pre-breakfast, we noted a huge hare out one window and a beautiful pheasant out the other. Lots of smaller birds were heard and they are apparently attracted by the hedge planting programme across the estate. Walks are available from the front door. Glen Tilt is over the hill from the cottage, sadly our walk was curtailed by forestry work, but nearby there are a number of circular trails, including a native woodland scheme in Glen Fender which has recently been planted. You could also opt to step out on signposted paths dotted around the local area and, you can, of course, walk round Blair Castle, the home of the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Incidentally, the earliest known part of the present castle dates from 1269 and entry is free with your stay. Try to time your visit to link with the piper, a great favourite with foreign visitors, and the castle grounds host a well-appointed children's play park. For those who like to bag Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000 feet), there is the option of Beinn a Ghlo, a range with three Munro summits including Carn Liath and if you are of a more active persuasion, Nae Limits at Ballinluig, offers canyoning, white water rafting (weekends, June to September) and quad biking. Of course, there is also a bunjee jump (40 metres, 132 feet) above the River Garry in nearby Killiekrankie. Landmark Forest Adventure Park at Aviemore and the Highland Wildlife Park at Kingussie, Activity Kids at Stanley (outdoor adventure park, indoor soft play and family-friendly animals), and clay pigeon shooting at Dunkeld are within reach. So is the Highland Chocolatier shop, home of Master Chocolatier, Iain Burnett, at Grandtully, which boasts a month-watering selection, and also interesting information on chocolate production. Soldiers Leap at Killicrankie, an 18ft leap across the fast-flowing Garry River, Dunkeld Cathedral, Pitlochry Dam and Visitor Centre, where there are displays on hydro-electricity, dam history and salmon breeding, plus a café and gift shop, are accessible. Atholl Country Life Museum, once a village school, with artifacts in three small galleries relating to local area life, plus a lovingly reconstructed post office of the 1930s, is also popular, but don't miss the Blair Atholl Watermill which is still producing stoneground oatmeal and flours and dates back to the 1590s. The attraction, just behind the station, also houses a café with fab fruit scones made using their own four and a range of warming coffees, including lactose-free options. Segway and bike hire is possible at Blair Athol and you can indulge in equestrian sports. Blair Athol, Pitlochry and Dunkeld all have golf courses and there are local cinemas in Perth and Aberfeldy. The Birks at Aberfeldy, kept alive by community funders, loyal customers and volunteers, do live screenings and special events and the busy café has a varied selection. Home-made tomato and herb soup was our pick and it was delicious. The well-known Pitlochry Festival Theatre, described as the artistic heart and soul of Highland Perthshire, is close. Back at the well-quipped, dog-friendly, cottage, which also boasts a laundry room with Bosch washing machine and tumble dryer, there are games including chess, draughts, dominoes and cards, and a good wi-fi connection. The TV has Disney, Netflix, Prime Video and Rakuten (video-on-demand) TV options. An extremely helpful welcome book is provided with information on what to do if things go wrong at the cottage during your stay and useful telephone numbers for the local hospital, doctor, dentist, vet, chemist, opticians, garage and car repairs are listed. Grocery shopping is available in Blair Athol including The Larder, which is primarily organic, in the caravan park reception building. A Spar shop and a local store are also available and bakeries, butchers and delicatessens outlets are listed along with breweries and distilleries, restaurants, spas and gyms. The hugely popular House of Bruar, a family-run business, sometimes described as the Harrods of the North, houses an upscale department store plus classic Tweed and cashmere clothing plus outdoor wear, as well as gifts. There is also a fishing section and an extensive food hall with butchery and fish departments plus a fish and chip shop – you can buy lobster and chips, by the way – and it is minutes away by car. Talking of food, our welcome pack included eggs, mouth-watering Lazy Ploughman cheese from the Isle of Kintyre – cheese is combined with home-made caramelised onion – crunchy Clearspring organic Scottish oatcakes, vegan, high in fibre and with no added sugar, lightly-salted organic butter packed for Calon Wen and from Carmarthenshire, and an extremely tempting unsliced loaf of bread plus tea, coffee (rich Italian ground) and sugar. Linen is supplied, including dish cloths, along with plenty of pots and pans and dishes. The accommodation is several miles up a steep, single-track road, but, sitting on the patio, overlooking a forest and hills stretching far into the distance, and listening to the water rumbling over rocks in the nearby river, it was hard to beat. Atholl Estates also offer a wide selection of holiday accommodation for couples, families and groups and you can choose from Highland Lodges, cottages and luxurious Sheperd Huts. Woodland Lodges and a range of options in the caravan park in the Blair Castle grounds are also available. Atholl Estates: 01796 481 355: enquiries@ Blair Castle and Gardens: 01796 481 207: bookings@ Blair Castle Caravan Park: 01796 481 263: bookings@ Highland Lodges and Shepherd Huts: 01796 481 355: stay@ PICTURE: Visitors to Blair Castle enjoy the piper. BLAIR CASTLE: selection of weapons WHEELY GOOD ATTRACTION: a look at some of the machinery at the Blair Atholl Watermill COMMUNITY CINEMA: The admirable community-funded cinema and cafe at Aberfeldy COSY: The lounge with wood burner in the cottage Like this: Like Related
