A' phàirc 4 July 2005

A' phàirc 4 July 2005

Click here for colour pdf (3.9 Mb)

Large print version also available, please call 01389 722017 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Written, designed and produced by the Communication Unit.
July 2005 © Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority.

If you have an event or news you would like us to include in the next issue of a' phàirc, contact the Communications unit on 01389 722017 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Contents

Welcome
Reappointed Board Members
2006 Calendar
National Park Authority meetings
Loch Lomond Byelaw Review
Walks in the Park
Park and Ride
National Park Plan Consultation
Green in the Park
Maid of the Loch 50,000th Visitor
Sir Walter Scott Trust
River Leven Safety Buoys
Do a Little, Save the Loch
National Park Welcomes Osprey 1
Out and About - events in the Park
Learning the National Park Way
Deer Park
Capercaillie - Protecting the Most Threatened Bird
BT Touchscreen Kiosks
Help the National Park's Moths and Butterflies
Virtual Tour of Loch Lomond
Deirdre of the Sorrows and the Glenmasan Manuscript
Healing Powers of Dundurn
Traditional Music Renaissance
Food Glorious Food
Woodland Regeneration
Strathard Historic Route
Get Active in the Woods
All About Bats
West Highland Way 25th Anniversary
Get Involved - volunteering
East Loch Lomond Watch
Litter Cleanup in the Vale
Cowalfest

Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of our magazine, a’ phairc (Gaelic for THE Park). Whether a visitor or resident, I hope you will find something of interest for you as we’ve tried to include stories about our wildlife and history as well as events going on around the park.

We also highlight some of the work of the authority and would draw your attention to two areas where we want to hear your views. The article opposite describes potential changes to the byelaws on Loch Lomond. And a note on page 7 talks about our consultation on the first National Park Plan, published earlier this year. We are looking for views on both and are grateful to everyone taking the time to respond.

Since the last edition, the Scottish Executive has reappointed five of the National Park Authority members. I’m delighted to welcome back Dr Bob Aitken, Dr Janet Beveridge, Sir Peter Hutchison (our deputy convener), Dr Tricia Bradley and Meriel Young and look forward to working with them over the next three years.

Bill Dalrymple
Chief Executive

Introducing our Reappointed Members

Sir Peter Hutchison is Deputy Convener of the Park Authority and former Chair of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs Working Party.

Ms Meriel Young has a background in outdoor recreation planning, environmental education, urban forestry, community participation and transport policy.

Dr Bob Aitken is a freelance research consultant, working in recreation, tourism and countryside planning management.

Dr Janet Beveridge is a farmer and qualified ecologist, with experience in community environmental projects.

Dr Patricia Bradley is the regional director for the South and West Scotland RSPB.

Click here for full details of National Park Authority members.

2006 CALENDAR

This 2006 calendar depicting stunning photographs from around the Park is only £5.99 from National Park and Tourist Information Centres or by post from National Park Headquarters (add £1.50p&p).

NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY MEETINGS 2005

12 September, The Trossachs

12 December, Loch Lomond

National Park Authority meetings are held in public. Click here for more details.

Loch Lomond Byelaw Review

Loch Lomond is the largest area of freshwater in mainland Britain. One of Scotland’s greatest natural assets, its special qualities include stunning landscapes, unique fish populations and important habitats for ground-nesting birds. Cultural heritage is everywhere, on the islands and around the shore, and more recently people have enjoyed all kinds of water sports and pastimes.

The Loch Lomond byelaws were introduced in 1996, setting an overall speed limit and a lower limit around sensitive shores and islands and requiring all motorized craft to be registered.

Following a period of review and consultation the National Park Authority is proposing the following main changes:

Reducing the speed limit to 11 kph (7 mph) in an area across the centre of the loch. This area will give the loch’s islands, important for their rare wildlife, greater protection and allow the east shore to be focused on quiet recreation. The lower speed will also cover Drumkinnon Bay and the mouth of the Falloch at Ardlui. All existing speed restrictions around the shore will remain.

Increasing the age for driving powered craft over 3 kilowatts from 14 to 16 unless closely supervised by an adult (3.5 (4) in current byelaws).

Introducing compulsory wearing of lifejackets or buoyancy aids (new byelaw).

Requiring notification of all accidents and incidents to the National Park Authority (new byelaw).

Gillie Thomson, Convener of the park authority, said, “We believe this is a practical approach that will afford greater protection to the sensitive areas of Loch Lomond. The revised byelaws will go out for consultation from 8 August to 28 October. I hope that as many people as possible will take the time to look at them carefully and let us know their views.

“We will meet again in December to discuss any amendments in the light of the consultation before submitting them to the Minister for final decision.”

The byelaws will be reviewed after three years, during which time monitoring the effects of these changes and further ecological and economic impact studies will inform whether further revisions will be required. Other management measures will be considered for introduction at the next review, such as phasing out two-stroke engines (used by small craft and jetskis) in favour of the quieter four-stroke engines; a boat standard scheme (similar to the one operated by the Broads Authority); competency certificates and an insurance scheme.

If you enjoy Loch Lomond, we want to hear from you. From 8 August, the revised byelaws and a consultation form will be on our website at www.lochlomond-trossachs.org or available from National Park HQ (contact details on back cover).

Walks in the National Park

Here are some short walks if you’re out and about in the Park over the summer months. It’s a great way to take in the stunning scenery, spot local wildlife and of course get fit!

The maps in this article are for illustrative purposes only and you should always equip yourself with the appropriate map.

ACHARN FOREST, KILLIN

CIRCULAR ROUTE Route particularly suitable for cyclists, walkers and horses. Less suited to those with mobility difficulties.

DISTANCE - 5 kilometres

TIME - Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours

Start from Dochart Bridge. On the south side of the main road, continue past a row of cottages, looking out for the (NCN) Route 7 sign. Continue to a wooden gate to the left of the road. Go through the gate and turn right. Continue south west through stands of open birch and oak woodland until a junction of tracks is reached.

Turn left, following signs for Route 7. The track now heads uphill through more open ground and as you gain height, there are great views of the Tarmachans and Ben Lawers.

Keep left, the track now levels out a little and crosses two burns before climbing to the high point of the route at about 250 metres.

Continue left along the path as it descends back towards the village.

TARBET ISLE

CIRCULAR ROUTE Most suitable for walkers. Less suited to those with mobility difficulties.

DISTANCE - 2 kilometres

TIME - Approximately 1 hour

This route can be reached from Tarbet or the small parking bay provided just off the adjacent A82. The path was recently constructed by Forestry Commission Scotland with financial assistance from the Friends of Loch Lomond.

Pass through a metal barrier and continue left. The path is indicated by a wooden way marker. After a short initial climb, a majestic view begins to open out and the scale of Loch Lomond becomes clear. Continue north where the path levels a little before descending to a low point.

Pass a small knoll on the right with three splendid Scots pines growing on it. Continue to the most northerly point where the path makes a serpentine turn and heads south again. A short spur at this point leads to the Weavers Restaurant and Coffee Shop.

Continue south as the route takes you back to the start-point with more great views of Tarbet Isle.

CALLANDER MEADOWS

CIRCULAR ROUTE Route particularly suitable for cyclists, wheelchair users and walkers.

DISTANCE - Approximately 1 kilometre

TIME - 30 minutes

Take the main road in Callander and turn left towards Meadows car park Walk through the car park and join the surfaces path. Walk south along the riverbank.

The path winds around the bank of the River Teith through open woodland and round the edge of the meadow.

At the next junction the meadow path continues adjacent to the old railway, which now forms part of the National Cycle Network. You could extend your walk here along the cycle track, but for the rest of the meadow path keep right and continue back towards the car park.

KNOW THE CODE BEFORE YOU GO...

Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors - responsibly!

Everyone has the right to be on most land and inland water providing they act responsibly. Your access rights and responsibilities are explained fully in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Whether you’re in the outdoors or managing the outdoors, the key things are to:

• take responsibility for your own actions;

• respect the interests of other people;

• care for the environment.

Find out more by visiting www.outdooraccess-scotland.com or phoning your local Scottish Natural Heritage office.

PARK AND RIDE

The National Park strongly encourages both visitors and residents to use public transport. The Park Authority is working with a wide range of partners to develop and promote transport services.

It is essential that travellers have easy access and can understand available transport. So the transport policies in the Draft National Park Plan contain actions designed not only to work with key partners in local authorities to develop new services, but also to promote use and understanding of what is already on offer. One recommendation from the Park-wide Community Transport Feasibility Study was the need to promote services.

EXPLORING THE NATIONAL PARK BY FERRY, BUS OR TRAIN

The National Park Transport Timetables

This annual publication details all the public transport services in the Park – and links further afield. The 2005/06 timetable is now available from Tourist Information Centres, National Park offices and Centres or from our website.

INFORMATION KIOSKS

Terminals with Internet access have been installed at trial locations, either converted red telephone boxes or in visitor centres utilising touch screen facilities. The terminals provide free access to a number of websites including Traveline, which enables journeys to be planned by bus, train and ferry. See page 14 for more details.

NEW ARROCHAR & TARBET COMMUTER RAIL SERVICE

From December the commuter service from Garelochead will start from Arrochar & Tarbet station. The service will be of benefit to those travelling into Glasgow from the north west of the park and beyond. As well as providing a better journey to work it should relieve congestion on the A82 and reduce emissions.

TROSSACHS TRUNDLER SUMMER SERVICE

This service runs four times a day in an anti clockwise loop from Callander, taking in Loch Katrine, Aberfoyle, and Port of Menteith. Originally started as a visitor attraction using a vintage bus, the service is now operated by Harlequin for Stirling Council using a modern low floor vehicle, which can accommodate wheelchair users and carry two bikes.

The National Park Authority and Stirling Council are participating along with National Parks in England, in a study by the University of Central Lancashire, to look at how to establish best practice on tourist routes. If you are on the bus in August, you might be asked a few questions about your journey. Two leaflets are available regarding the Trundler, a timetable for the service and suggested walks and other activities along the route.

For more information contact: Nigel Brooks, Transport Coordinator, Tel 01389 722004

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text52698 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

National Park Plan Consultation

There is still time to respond to the National Park Plan 2005. The Plan sets out how the National Park Authority thinks the area should be managed and cared for by everyone with an interest in it. Once approved the Plan will be a statutory document that will guide change and inform decision making in the National Park.

Your comments are very important, whether you live or work in the Park or are one of the many people who spend time in the area enjoying the special qualities.

Photo caption: Local pupils join Lewis Macdonald MSP, the then Deputy Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs, with Robbie Coltrane at the National Park Plan launch on board the Steamship Sir Walter Scott at Loch Katrine.

WE WANT TO HEAR WHAT YOU THINK

The National Park Plan 2005 Consultative Draft, the State of the Park Report 2005 and a summary of the Plan are available on our website. Click on National Park Plan in the menu on the left for full details.

A visitor questionnaire will be widely available from all Tourist Information and Centres throughout the Park.

Closing date for all consultation and survey responses is 2 September 2005.

Green in the Park

Scottish Enterprise and Argyll and Islands Enterprise are to host “Green in the Park” on Monday 7 November at Cameron House Hotel. The event will highlight the advantages, both environmental and financial, that green business practices afford to enterprises within the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

The National Park Authority is part of the steering group for the event and is keen to encourage green tourism and business to tie in with the four aims of the Park.

The event will feature some of the UK’s leading authorities on green tourism and green business, detailing how businesses can benefit from adopting green practices: less waste, less cost, less resource.

Workshops will be held throughout the day to give a hands-on introduction to the tools and techniques that will develop local businesses. Attendees at the event will hear from:

• Muriel Gray
• Nick Nairn
• East Lochhead Country House
• Radisson SAS
• Thompson TUI

There will also be a Green Market Place at the event, showcasing the latest environmentally friendly products and services that can assist in the development of your business.

For further information please contact Steven Smith on 0141 331 2991

Maid of the Loch Celebrates 50,000th Visitor

The Maid of the Loch recently welcomed on board her 50,000th visitor since her restoration in 2001. Built in 1953, the Maid is the last paddle steamer to be built in Britain and the last in a long line of paddle steamers on the loch dating back to 1818.

She last sailed in 1981, and has been owned since 1995 by the Loch Lomond Steamship Company, a registered charity. A European grant in 2000 enabled her to be restored as a tourist attraction at Balloch Pier. John Beveridge, Director of the Steamship Company, explained that this year the refurbishment of the old lower deck bar would be completed and they would start the £600,000 rebuild of the Balloch Steam Slipway Complex this summer.

Last year, the vessel was officially placed on the designated list of historic ships in the UK. This is the equivalent of being included in the listed buildings register.

For more information about the Maid visit www.maidoftheloch.co.uk

Sir Walter Scott Sails on in Trust

The Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust has been established to take over ownership and operation of the historic, Clydebuilt steamer Sir Walter Scott, which has sailed on Loch Katrine for over a century.

The Trust has taken over the operations of both the ship and associated tourist facilities at Trossachs Pier and Stronachlachar from Scottish Water. The Trustees will meet a number of challenges to ensure that the ship continues to sail including a major refit to the Steamship.

Chairman of the group is Sir William McAlpine, a lifelong steam enthusiast who has been involved in a number of similar restoration ventures. Other members include Professor Alan Alexander, Chairman of Scottish Water, Leslie Micklethwaite, retired Managing Director of Windermere Cruises and Graham Ellis, Chairman of the Mull Steam Railway.

The members bring business acumen, commercial and operational knowledge as well as a deep understanding of steam heritage. Working with Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley, Stirling Council and the National Park Authority through the establishment of the Trust, Scottish Water has acknowledged the importance of the operation to the economy and the heritage value of the vessel.

The Scottish Executive has agreed to provide up to £200,000 in deficit funding per annum for the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons until the restoration of the ship is complete and a further £85,000 to cover the cost of emergency repairs required to get the vessel operational for this season.

The Trust is now working towards securing funding for the restoration of the Steamship and the supporting land based infrastructure estimated at around £2m. Scottish Water has committed up to £1m to ensure that these plans can be achieved and approaches will be made to other agencies such as the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The ship sails from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar every morning with two one hour round trips on the loch every afternoon.

Further details are available from the Booking Office tel 01877 376316 or at www.scottishwater.co.uk/lochkatrine

River Leven Safety Buoys

The National Park Authority has been working with the Loch Lomond Association to establish a series of safety buoys on the River Leven. The illuminated navigation markers will provide a clear pointer for approaching vessels at the mouth of the river. Loch Lomond Association donated twothousand pounds for the cost of the markers. National ParkCountryside Rangers installed the buoys and will continue to maintain them.

DO A LITTLE, SAVE THE LOCH

Scotland’s environment watchdog is urging householders and businesses around Lomond & The Endrick/Blane valley to protect wildlife and fish by reducing the amount of phosphorus going into the Loch. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has produced a leaflet, which is designed to give householders practical advice to reduce phosphorus from their everyday activities.

Phosphorus is a chemical found in various forms from natural sources, sewage, detergents, fertilisers and food waste. SEPA is currently working with Scottish Water to remove and reduce phosphorus from waste water treatment works.

Many householders around the loch and the Endrick/Blane valley have private sewage treatment plants and in most cases this doesn’t involve the treatment of phosphorus. It is particularly important that these householders reduce the amount of phosphorus that they use as this will be discharged untreated.

Reducing phosphorus inputs from your household can be done in a variety of ways: prevent food waste from being disposed down sinks by using drain covers, use washing powder or liquids in preference to tablets, use the correct amount of detergent for each wash and don't wash part loads.

If household phosphorus inputs continue at current levels the future of Loch Lomond is at risk. Small changes in household practices can make a real difference and will ensure that the Loch can be enjoyed by future generations.

Copies of the leaflet will be distributed to local libraries and can also be found on the SEPA website www.sepa.org.uk

For more information contact Sharon Docherty, SEPA Environmental Protection Officer on 0141 945 6350

NATIONAL PARK WELCOMES OSPREY 1

The Park Authority has a new RIB (rigid inflatable boat). With funding support from Scottish Executive, the Authority was able to employ two extra seasonal rangers to patrol Loch Lomond.

The patrol boat will offer assistance to other users on the loch. Two further RIBs will be used by National Park Ranger teams to monitor activity on Loch Earn and Loch Eck.

Out and About

There is somethignfor everyone in our events programme. Many are taster sessions which let you sample some of the activities the Park has to offer. For full listings of National Park events and activities click on Enjoying the National Park in the menu on the left. Or you can pick up an Out & About booklet at any Tourist Information or National Park Centre or request one from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If you have any community events you would like to include on our website, please contact 01389 722600 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text50480 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Learning the National Park Way

National Park Rangers are involved in many fields including education and interpretation. Partnership working and community networks are vital in all these areas as demonstrated in the examples of just some of the work the teams are involved with.

BREADALBANE

Rangers helped pupils at Lochearnhead Primary School develop their grounds for wildlife and play. Plans for the grounds include raised beds for a sensory garden, musical instruments and games.

As part of Scottish School Grounds Week, local community volunteers offered their services for the day. Activities included planting vegetables and wild flowers and painting a butterfly sculpture.

Strathyre Primary School had an interesting introduction to geology, which included chocolate! Using the textures and melting process of chocolate, Rangers looked at the formation of the earth. They looked at three main types of rock - igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Two brave pupils offered to help erupt the National Park chocolate volcano and start the magma flow. (See opposite for Chocolate Geology Event)

THE TROSSACHS

Rangers have been teaching pupils from Gartmore Primary School about practical pond management. This included removing thick layers of algae to allow plants and animals to grow and learning about pond ecology. A number of pond sessions were held and as a result all 53 pupils received a certificate. Rangers are hoping to develop an identification key with the pupils next year, using their own photographs and drawings.

The team is also advising the school how to develop part of their grounds to be more wildlife friendly. This involves planting native trees and shrubs.

ARGYLL

The Argyll team has been busy with a sea creature’s roadshow. Oban Sealife Centre kindly loaned a selection of marine creatures, including purple sunstars, spider crabs, sea anemones and hermit crabs. Pupils had a hands-on experience with the aid of a traveling touch pool.

Clydebank High School enjoyed a great day out when they visited Luss recently to find out all about farming in the National Park. Countryside Rangers accompanied pupils to a local sheep farm where they found out about visitor management issues and agriculture in the Park.

LOMOND

The Head Teacher at Gartocharn Primary School asked Rangers to help with an enterprise topic. The school needed help to build bird boxes and tables to sell at their summer fair to raise cash for the school. Rangers gave a talk about how they could attract birds to their gardens and provided information sheets. Pupils were then able to create their own leaflets to go with their newly constructed boxes.

Rangers gave a helping hand at a Fun night, held in Levendale Primary School. The Lomond team went along with a number of activities relating to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code including games and quizzes.

NATIONAL PARK GATEWAY CENTRE

Education Groups

Many environmental education activities are also covered at the Gateway Centre at Loch Lomond Shores, Balloch. These events and activities are linked closely to the 5-14 curriculum, or to the secondary syllabus as requested. This includes the following:

SOCIAL SUBJECTS

• People in the past, including local history and cultures.
• Living history, for example dyeing and rope making skills.
• Weather and climate.

SCIENCE

Living things and the processes of life including:

• Pond dipping
• Woodlands
• Flowering and non-flowering plants
• Animal and plant adaptations
• Birds

Booking Information

If you would like to book an educational visit, please contact The Gateway Centre on 01389 722172. Please make bookings as far in advance as possible to ensure the availability of interpretation staff. The Centre also welcomes community and special interest groups. If you would like to arrange a visit and a guided tour please get in touch.

DEER PARK

A special event was held recently at the Gateway Centre. Glasgow School of Art graduate, Emma-Jayne Easton brought along some of her ‘friends’ to teach children how to make animals from recycled material.

As part of her 2005 Public Art Project, Emma had taken the deer on a road trip to the National Park. The papier-mâché sculptures were striking additions to the centre and turned up in the most unlikely places!

There will be another chance to find out more about making these recycled animals when Emma returns later on in the summer. She will be running workshops from Monday 11 to Friday 15 August. Sessions run from 2 to 4 pm. Places are limited so booking is essential.

For more information email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text7087 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To book the workshop, contact The National Park Gateway Centre on 0845 3454978

CAPERCAILLIE

Protecting the Park’s Most Threatened Bird

The world’s biggest grouse is teetering on the edge of extinction in the National Park. Left in only one area, this bird has the unenviable title of Loch Lomond’s most threatened species.

Capercaillie were lost from Scotland once before as a result of woodland clearance and shooting. The last bird in the Loch Lomond area was killed in 1784, just a year before the indigenous race disappeared altogether from Britain. Only as a result of the Victorian obsession with game shooting was the money invested in re-introducing the species. Within the Park area, the ‘cock of the woods’ began breeding once again around Loch Lomond by 1878. They became common once more and were shot in their hundreds for sport.

In more recent times, the spread of commercial forest plantations has meant the loss of capercaillie has become more widespread. Foresters were encouraged to reduce the numbers of these birds to prevent damage to young trees that capercaillie feed on. This extra hazard coincided with another - deer fences put up to protect the forests. Hard to see in subdued woodland light, birds were often killed flying into them.

Perhaps not surprisingly, over-shooting and collisions with deer fences combined with loss of suitable woodlands and increased predation have caused capercaillie declines, from a relatively common bird to one that is now exceptionally scarce. Across Scotland, only around 2,000 survive.

As a result, capercaillie conservation has become a top priority. Deer fencing in capercaillie areas has either been removed or is marked and a ban means that the species can no longer be shot.

A new threat however, has recently been confirmed. Research has shown capercaillie are avoiding woodland areas adjacent to tracks and paths that people use. In the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, this presents a great threat as it reduces the already small patches of suitable woodland these birds can use.

The only area of the Park where capercaillie still breed is on Loch Lomond’s islands. These small and fragile habitats contain around 30 birds, although reports suggest their numbers have declined. Everything possible therefore needs to be done to protect this vulnerable population.

The islands are understandably popular with visitors. Most people keep to the shoreline, a great help as disturbance is kept to a minimum. However of most concern are visitors and their dogs venturing into the heart of the islands. With capercallie nesting on the ground, hens and young are very vulnerable to disturbance by people and dogs. If this spectacular species is to spread to its former haunts, nesting has to be as successful as possible, with large numbers of young to re-colonise surrounding woodlands.

Park Rangers will be asking people to keep to the shoreline and prevent dogs from venturing off the shore. For those who want to explore further, paths and guided walks are provided by Scottish Natural Heritage and the Park Authority on Inchcailloch, with a special ferry laid on to provide access to this island from the boatyard at Balmaha.

For information about visiting Inchcailloch call 01389 722100

BT Touchscreen Kiosks

Visitors to the Park will now be able to access up-to-the-minute online information via Scotland’s first network of information kiosks. The joint initiative between BT Scotland, Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire and the National Park Authority provides free web contact through a number of terminals across the Park.

Users can access a range of services such as instant travel information and weather forecasts and, on some kiosks, send video clips and emails to friends and family. The project is the first of its kind in Scotland and is part of the Scottish Executive’s Broadband Enablement programme.

It also provides key sites with WiFi technology, creating wireless broadband hotspots for visitor and resident use. The sites have been chosen carefully for ease of access and to avoid impact on the landscape. They include Balloch, the National Park Gateway Centre, Loch Lomond Shores, Luss, Arrochar, Aberfoyle, Balmaha, Inveruglus, Tarbet, Tyndrum, Killin and Callander.

Former BT phone boxes have been upgraded to house the terminals. A further seven display units have been fitted behind the glass windows of shops and visitor centres around the Park.

If successful, the scheme will be rolled out to the Cairngorms and other National Parks in Scotland and across England and Wales.

Help the National Park’s Butterflies and Moths!

A project running this summer is addressing the need to raise awareness of the importance, variety and beauty of the National Park’s butterflies and moths, by involving local organisations and residents. Despite the importance of the area for many species, the area suffers from a lack of recording and visitors seem unaware of tourism opportunities that the National Park has to offer.

This project is being part-financed by the European Community through the Lomond and Rural Stirling and Cairngorms LEADER+ programmes, the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Scottish Natural Heritage and Stirling Council.

Butterfly Conservation Scotland has been working with a variety of local organisations to provide a series of training workshops for residents and countryside staff in identification and recording methods, so they can carry out survey work in the National Park. Special emphasis has been given to rare or specialist species, such as the Pearl-bordered Fritillary and Mountain Ringlet butterflies.

The workshops are free and aimed at beginners so anyone can join in, regardless of previous knowledge and skills. Its not too late to get involved – there are still three workshops remaining this summer:

Friday 29 July - Introduction to Moth Recording, David Marshall lodge, Aberfoyle

Friday 5 August - Introduction to Moth Recording, Tyndrum Community Woodlands

Saturday 13 August - Introduction to Butterfly Identification and Recording, Balmaha

In addition, the charity has been working to raise awareness of butterflies and where to see them to visitors, to encourage them to stay longer or return to the area.

Half-day workshops aimed at people working in tourism have been successful in providing them with information on the wealth of butterfly sites in the National Park that tourists can visit. There is one more workshop of this kind based at Mugdock Country Park on August 24, timed to coincide with the flight period of the beautiful Purple Hairstreak butterfly.

Three butterflies trails are being developed to be promoted to visitors and local people next summer, and a free colourful and informative leaflet of all 22 butterflies of the area and suggestions of where to see them has been published.

Places on all workshops are limited, so if you would like more information or a booking form, please contact Butterfly Conservation Scotland on 0870 7706151 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '; document.write( '' ); document.write( addy_text6943 ); document.write( '<\/a>' ); //--> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For more information about RSPB Scotland, visit www.rspb.org.uk/scotland/index.asp

If you would like to receive a free leaflet about butterflies of Lomond & Rural Stirling

and places to see them, please send an A5 SAE to Butterfly Conservation Scotland,

Balallan House, Allan Park, Stirling FK8 2QG marked FREE LRS LEAFLET.

A VIRTUAL TOUR OF LOCH LOMOND

There’s a new interactive display at Balmaha National Park Centre that allows you to travel back in time and see history with your own eyes. The University of Stirling’s Virtual Landscape Centre is using the latest virtual reality and computer gaming technology to recreate landscapes, as they were thousands or even millions of years ago.

This joint venture with the National Park Authority recreates Loch Lomond towards the end of the last ice age and explores the natural and cultural heritage of this important area.

Visitors to the centre can now experience what is was like to see a glacier sweeping down Loch Lomond, carving out the rock to form the deep trough that is there today. The exhibition allows you to walk or fly through the landscape, as it would have looked 11,300 years ago. You can see glaciers, study the rocks and even look at the post-glacial plant-life – all with stunning realism.

Deidre of the Sorrows and the Glenmasan Manuscript

My love to thee, yonder land in the east
and sad it is for me to leave the sides of thy bays and harbours,
and thy smooth-flowered, lovely meadows,
and thy green-sided delightful knolls.
And little did we need to do so.

These words Deirdre spoke as she left behind the shores of Scotland returning to an uncertain future in Ireland with a deep sense of foreboding and dark premonitions.

The Glenmasan manuscript is one of the Cowal peninsula’s hidden cultural treasures. The central character Deirdre of the Sorrows was born into a high-ranking Irish family. At her birth druids foretold that she would grow up to be the most beautiful woman in Ulster but she would bring sorrow and pain to all its heroes. To save the child being killed by the Red Knights, King Conchobar sent her deep into the forest to stay with a wise old woman and vowed he would marry her when she came of age.

As the time of her marriage drew near Deirdre met Naisi, a handsome warrior. They fell in love and knew they would have to flee Ireland to escape the wrath of King Conchobar. Arriving in Argyll the lovers found safety and Naisi by “the might of his own hand has gained for him a possession upon the slope of Scotland”.

Seeking the return of Uisnech’s three sons and his ‘stolen’ bride, Conchobar sent Fergus, one of his royal solders, to Scotland.

Written in classical common Gaelic, the manuscript is in fact much later and has been dated to 1510-12 and of Irish origin by Ronnie Black, formally of the Department of Celtic, University of Edinburgh. The story itself is much older and other versions of it appear in the Book of the Dun (circa 1100) The Book of Leinster (circa 1150) and the Yellow Book of Lecan (circa 1391).

The manuscript is believed to have arrived in Scotland via Kintyre in the 17th century and is known to have been in various hands in Cowal during the 18th century. Luckily it survived and is one of only 70 pre-1700 Gaelic manuscripts surviving today. The manuscript is now in the safe keeping of the National Library of Scotland.

The Healing Powers of Dundurn

As part of Perthshire Archaeological Week, National Park Rangers organised a rather special walk in partnership with Glasgow University and the Hunterian Museum.

Breadalbane-based Rangers led members of the public on a cultural heritage tour around Dundurn Hill at St Fillans. Two research students from Glasgow University brought along objects from an excavation carried out in 1976 at Dundurn. Items included an Iron Age shoe, preserved in the rich peat for over 1,500 years.

The group walked to the old chapel in the burial ground at Dundurn Hill. They were greeted here by St Fillans, a Celtic missionary (otherwise known as Gus, one of the National Park’s volunteers!) One of the Rangers was given a blessing on top of the hill. Legend has it that the stone seat would bless anyone who sat on it and would then cure them from arthritis and rheumatism but only if they were dragged down the hill by their ankles and on their backs!

The group learnt all about the life of the Pictish (painted people) of Scotland, what they ate, how they defended themselves and what language they spoke (Ogham). The students brought along two iron spikes, which were used to build Dundurn Fort. The spike had been fortified at least three times between 500–800AD. At the time of building, only one other fort in Scotland (Dunadd) was pioneering the use of iron nails.

If you are interested in taking part in one of our cultural walks, see page 10 for a list of our events or visit our website www.lochlomond-trossachs.org

Traditional Music Renaissance

Traditional music in the Park area is going through a renaissance. Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop has their base in Lochgoilhead but now teaches adults and children in Strachur and Inverarary. The group also run a pub music session at the Stagecoach Inn in Cairndow on the first Friday of every month. Originally conceived as a stimulus for their own players, locals and tourists have taken to the events so strongly, that they are now being put on in a number of local villages.

Over 150 people are involved in learning traditional fiddle. The Workshop is a registered charity and was established with the commitment to “advance education by promoting the performance, learning and appreciation of Scottish traditional fiddle music and its contemporary development”. A partnership with Argyll and Bute Council, as part of the Scottish Executive’s Youth Music Initiative Scheme, has extended teaching into four local primary schools.

The geographic expansion is really down to the financial support of Scottish Power renewables who sponsor the group.

Later this year, linking with other local groups, the Workshop has managed to attract Bruce Molsky, a leading Appalachian fiddler from America. One of the most influential fiddlers of his generation, Bruce Molsky is also a remarkable guitarist, banjoist and singer.

The Workshop has also organised key concerts for Cowalfest in October. Events include a traditional music evening in the Smiddy at Strachur, a bothy night at Uig Hall, a Victorian music hall at Strone and Cultural Connections Ceilidh with Canned Haggis at Uig on the last Saturday.

Key attractions at these concerts will be two leading traditional duos, Donald Black on mouth organ, and Jamie Laval, the US Scottish Fiddle Champion 2003, with Hans York, the German born guitarist.

CONCERT DATES

Ardrishaig Hall Saturday 17 September, 8 pm Bruce Molsky

Cairndow Village Hall Sunday 18 September, 3 pm Bruce Molsky

Strone Highgate Halls Friday 7 October, 7.30 pm Donald Black, Malcolm Jones, Jamie Laval and Hans York

Strachur Memorial Hall Saturday 8 October, 7.30 pm Donald Black, Malcolm Jones, Jamie Laval and Hans York

For details of classes, concerts in the area, and Jamie Laval’s tour: www.fiddleworkshop.co.uk

For information on Cowalfest: www.cowalwalking.org or Tourist Information Centre, Dunoon: Tel. 08707 200629 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Food Glorious Food

A new business-to-business local food and drink directory was recently launched. Buy Local is designed to support the local produce sector in both the National Park and rural Stirling area. The guide will also facilitate the sourcing of local produce for tourism and retail businesses.

The initiative is a joint venture between local food and drink producers in the area, Dobbies Garden World, Lomond & Rural Stirling Leader +, the National Park Authority, Stirling Council, West Dunbartonshire Council and Forth Valley Food Links. The directory will be available free of charge to all tourism and retail businesses in the National Park and rural Stirling area.

In his foreword, celebrity Scottish chef, Nick Nairn talks about the importance of investing in the local economy. He goes on to say that Loch Lomond and rural Stirling have some of the finest produce available anywhere in the world.

Nick launched the directory and a new Farm Foodhall recently at Dobbies Garden World, Craigforth, Stirling. Copies of the directory are available from Stirling Council, Economic Development Department, Viewforth, Stirling or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival

This nine day programme of events ncludes whisky tastings and utorings, Chocolate Heaven, cience in the Kitchen, a two day och Lomond Shores Farmers Market and Food Hall, Cheese and Wine tastings, Cooking for Kids, Food Heroes of Scotland and Down at the Farm.

The event, organised by Scottish Enterprise Dunbartonshire, Lomond & Rural Stirling Leader +, the National Park Authority and Loch Lomond Shores, is due to take place from 11 to 16 September.

Woodland Regeneration

A huge area of native woodland twice the size of Dundee will take shape across the heart of the Park over the next 20 years thanks to Forestry Commission Scotland.

This impressive plan follows the lease by Scottish Water of its 9600 hectare property around Loch Katrine and Loch Arklet to the Commission. The area is spread over almost 8,200 hectares (20,250 acres) and will feature mostly broadleaved woodland that has probably not been seen in Scotland since the Middle Ages.

There are ambitious plans to restore thousands of hectares of natural habitats around the loch over the next 10 to 20 years. The project, when added to neighbouring properties will create the biggest continuous area of native woodland habitat south of the Highlands, and Scotland’s biggest native woodland that comprises mostly broadleaved trees rather than conifers.

Loch Katrine lies between two other properties where native woodland habitat is also being restored. They are RSPB Scotland’s 817-hectare Inversnaid to the west and the Woodland Trust Scotland’s 4,085 hectare Glen Finglas estate to the east.

There are already 1,500 hectare of native woodland habitat established or regenerating at Loch Katrine and the Commission plans to restore at least 2,000 more. The Woodland Trust expects to restore about 2,000 hectare at Glen Finglas and the RSPB expects to restore about 400 hectare of woodland and montane scrub habitat at Inversnaid.

The woodland at Loch Katrine will comprise mostly birch and Scots pine, with oak on the lower slopes near the loch, as well as hazel, rowan, alder, willow, juniper, ash, bird cherry and aspen with montane scrub of woody shrub species and stunted forest trees in the harsher environment of the higher slopes.

Wildlife species expected to benefit and grow in numbers as a result of the habitat restoration include birds such as black grouse, wood warbler, redstart, crossbill, red grouse, eagles, ospreys, short-eared owls and pied flycatcher, butterflies such as the purple hairstreak and pearl-bordered fritillary, and animals such as mountain hares.

For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk

Strathard Historic Route

A feasibility study is now under way to examine the proposal to establish a traffic-free route through Strathard. This would use existing forestry roads and paths from Aberfoyle, and at the Inversnaid and Stronachlachar end, would link to sections of old road which are now becoming increasingly indistinct as peat growth submerges them, and would therefore need substantial restoration work.

The project began under the Community Futures initiative, but is now being taken forward by Strathard Community Trust with support from the National Park Authority, Forestry Commission Scotland and the Stirling Council Archaeology Officer.

In April, an archaeological dig took place to establish the condition and structure of the old roads. One of these was a military road built to serve the Inversnaid Garrison and pre-dating General Wade; the other was probably a Statute Labour road of later construction running roughly parallel to the present B829.

The archaeological work was carried out by a total of 23 volunteers, mainly local, but from as far afield as Crianlarich, Arrochar and Clydebank. Five trenches were dug, and up to eight volunteers were working at a time under the supervision of two archaeologists from CFA Archaeology.

Although the volunteers didn’t find any hidden treasure, the experience was very rewarding. As well as traditional tools such as pick and shovels there were some hi-tech surveying equipment to work with, and the archaeologists did their best to ensure that everyone had a taste of the various processes involved – cleaning surfaces, surveying, measuring, recording and drawing.

The final report from CFA Archaeology has now been received and the feasibility study itself should be completed later this year.

Get Active in the Woods

That’s the message from Forestry Commission Scotland this year, which has launched an Active Woods campaign to encourage people to go for a walk, run, cycle ride, paddle – or even do yoga in Scotland’s national forests.

The Commission organises hundreds of fun activities led by its forest rangers, where people can have fun, get some exercise, meet new friends and learn new things about the natural world.

Many of these events are being held in the forests of the National Park, especially in the two great Forest Parks that comprise a large part of the National Park – Queen Elizabeth Forest Park in the Trossachs, and Argyll Forest Park on the Cowal Peninsula.

ACTIVE WOODS’ PROGRAMME 2005

WILD IN THE WOODS WEEKEND
Friday 29 to Sunday 31 July

Introduction to moth trapping and identification with Butterfly Conservation Scotland David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle.

Friday July 29 7pm to midnight.

No charge. A workshop for people who are interested in getting involved with moth recording. We’ll show you how to use traps to attract moths, and help you identify them as they come in after dark. Those wishing to return in the morning can help unload the traps, to see what was flying in the wee small hours. All moths trapped will be released unharmed! Booking essential. Click here for article on the butterfly and moth project.

Saturday and Sunday 30 and 31 July 2pm to 4pm

Wildlife tracking with forest rangers, involving walking off-path on rough forest terrain.

Saturday 30 July 8pm

Bat watch, including a talk, walk and refreshments. Plus children’s fun activities available all weekend, £1 fee to cover cost of materials.

All walks and tours £5 per person, under-14s free, but must be accompanied.

Booking required. Stout footwear and waterproofs essential.

To book, call 01877 382258

AUGUST

THE SECRET HISTORY OF LOCH ARD FOREST
Sunday 21 August 1pm to 4pm

David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle

A fun afternoon out exploring the hidden secrets of Loch Ard Forest and the fascinating history of archaeological sites in this beautiful area. £10 per person, under-14s free, but must be accompanied.

Booking required. Stout footwear and waterproofs essential.

This event will involve walking off-path on rough forest terrain.

To book phone 01877 382258

SEPTEMBER

BAT WATCH
Wednesday 7 September 7.30pm till late

Glenbranter Outstation, Argyll Forest Park

Find out more about bats and their habitat with a talk and guided walk. Stout footwear & wet weather clothing essential. Booking required. Cost £10 per person, under-14s go free, but must be accompanied.

To book phone Liz Connelly on 01369 860703

BATWATCH
Saturday 10 September 7.30pm to 9.30pm

David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle

Find out more about bats and their habitat with a talk and guided walk with forest ranger. Stout footwear waterproofs essential. Booking required.

£10 per person, under-14s free, but must be accompanied.

Refreshments included. To book, phone 01877 382258

or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For details of other events run by the Commission in the National Park and elsewhere in Scotland, and other great places to visit in Scotland’s national forests, log on to www.forestry.gov.uk/activewoods /recreation/whatson or /wildwoods, or phone the Commission’s local-rate public enquiry hotline 0845 FORESTS (0845 367 3787).

You can also pick up a leaflet from the Commission’s David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre, just outside Aberfoyle, or local tourist information centres.

All About BATS

The three most common bats in the National Park are two pipistrelles (the two species most commonly found in houses), the brown long-eared bat and the Daubenton’s bat (the low flying water-skimming bat).

SO HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY THOSE CREATURES OF THE NIGHT?

If you see a small bat flitting about, near the trees around sunset then it is almost certainly one of the pipestrelles – ‘Pips’. They scoop midges up using their tail (like a catcher’s mitt) and transfer them to their mouths whilst in flight.

If you see slightly larger bats, an hour later than sunset, which seem to be a bit clumsy and slowly crash into the trees, these will be brown long-eared bats. They feed by gleaning or picking moths and lacewings off the leaves of trees and that’s why they seem to be crashing into the trees.

The bats that fly low over water like manic hovercraft, occasionally causing ripples, are the Daubenton’s bats. The ripples are where they have hooked emerging insects from the water, using their feet.

FURTHER INFORMATION

To find out more about bats why not join a National Park or local bat group event. The local bat groups are always keen for more volunteers. For National Park bat events, click on events in Enjoying the National Park menu on the left.

CONTACTS

Loch Lomond Bat Group
Callum McNeill Ritchie
Tel 01567 830 430 or 01877 385 716 (evening)

Cowal Bat Group
Marion McCahon
Tel 01301 702785

Central Scotland Bat Group
Ian Pascoe, Carbeth Lodge, Killearn, Stirlingshire G63 8QB
Tel 01360 550022 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

DID YOU KNOW?

There are 17 species of bat in the UK, all of which are protected by law because their numbers have decreased so dramatically.

Bats rarely live in belfries but prefer to have draught-free, dry conditions.

There are about 1000 bat species in the world. Only three species lap blood and they are all South American. Bats in this country only eat insects like midges, moths and lacewings.

Bats are mammals like us – they are hairy, warm blooded and produce milk for their young.

Bats are more closely related to us than to mice (as some people think!).

The pipistrelle bats are the most common bats in Scotland, weigh the same as a 20p coin and can catch 3000 midges a night. That’s the equivalent of a 10-year-old human eating 54 quarter pounders a night.

Bats hang upside-down so that they can have their wings already open and ready to glide before they let go. They have a special tendon system in their legs, which means it locks them into a hanging position with no effort at all.

Bats are not blind – they see as well as we do – which means when it’s dark they don’t see much. They send out sound and then listen for its echo bouncing back, to decide what an object is and how close they are to it. This sound is above the human range of hearing (ultra-sonic).

Facts from Bat Conservation Trust website.

If you need further advice or information on bats contact the Scottish Bat Officer on 01786 447144 or go to the Bat Conservation Trust website on www.bats.org.uk

West Highland Way

25th Anniversary Celebrations

The West Highland Way celebrates its silver anniversary this year. Created in October 1980, the Way is Scotland’s most popular long distance route, now used by over 15,000 whole route walkers and 80,000 part route walkers. It generates £3.5 million to the Scottish economy each year.

A number of events have taken place already with more to come later on in the year. An open-air folk concert recently took place at Mugdock Country Park with local folk bands playing in the grounds.

The most ambitious event took place in June. The aim was to pass a baton from the start of the route all along the 95 miles to the finish line. The West Highland Way Relay was started in Milngavie Town Centre by Patricia Ferguson, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Rhona McLeod, BBC Scotland Sports Reporter, Provost Pat Steel, East Dunbartonshire Council and Ian Kelsey (Emmerdale’s Dave Glover).

Pupils from Milngavie Primary School and Merkland School started the relay in spectacular style by bursting through a huge West Highland Way collage accompanied by Strathclyde Police Pipe Band.

In total, over 1000 children and young people took part. Each of the groups walked between 1 and 7 miles with the specially designed anniversary baton and a Footprint map produced by Stirling Surveys. Guided by National Park Rangers along the way, the relay took five days to complete. Each child received a medal and certificate plus fruit and water supplied by Morrisons. Charles Kennedy MP and Councillor Murphy were at the final stage in Fort William to welcome representatives from Lochaber Action on Disability, Lochaber High School Pipe Band and children from Fort William Primary Schools to the finish line. The baton was then passed to the State Street Caledonian Challenge who will be using it for their own event to raise money for the Scottish Community Foundation.

Over 50 groups were involved in the organisation of the relay together with representatives of the managing authorities from East Dunbartonshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Argyll and Bute Council, Stirling Council, Highland Council, Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, Milngavie Town Centre Management and the emergency services.

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the relay!

For more information about the West Highland Way, contact Gill Cox, West Highland Way Development Manager Tel. 01389 722025 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it website www.west-highland-way.co.uk

Get Involved!

Donna Couser started as a National Park volunteer last October. She wanted to become a volunteer as she loves the area and enjoys working outdoors. Donna would like a career in conservation and wanted to gain some practical experience in the field.

Volunteers can become involved in a variety of events. Donna’s first event was based at Aberfoyle where a group helped to improve a forest bridle path for a horse-riding group. She describes the task as hard work but really enjoyable as everyone worked together as a team and she met lots of interesting people.

Other events have included the removal of invasive rhododendrons from woodland. This was a community woodland event and ended with a barbeque for everyone involved.

There are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills such as building bird boxes. Volunteers can also get involved with conservation projects such as red squirrel surveys, nest box monitoring and badger monitoring groups.

Donna recommends the National Park Volunteers programme as a great way to meet new people, work outdoors in beautiful surroundings and take in scenery and wildlife that you might not normally see.

Other volunteer duties may include practical conservation tasks, biological and cultural surveys, interpretation and events, assisting in visitor centres and helping at public events.

For more information about the Volunteer Programme, contact Zoe Morris on 01389 722600 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

EAST LOCH LOMOND WATCH!

East Loch Lomond Watch is a partnership initiative with local communities to make east Loch Lomondside a safe and enjoyable place where people behave responsibly.

Organisations and communities such as the National Park Authority, Loch Lomond Association, Central Scottish Police, National Trust for Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Stirling Council, Buchanan Community Council, Buchanan Community Partnership and the Riparian Owners of Loch Lomond have joined together to form the East Loch Lomond Management Group.

New posters have been distributed throughout the area asking people to help keep Loch Lomond a special place. It includes a telephone number for Central Scottish Police for anyone who sees behaviour that may be damaging to the area.

If you see any anti-social behaviour, do not get involved, contact the Police on 01786 456000

Litter Clean up in the Vale

A special local community event was held in the Vale of Leven. Volunteers met at Bonhill Bridge to clear away as much litter on the tow path and surrounding vegetation as possible. With the assistance of West Dunbartonshire Cleansing Department, the Council’s Ranger Service and National Park Volunteer Coordinator, Zoe Morris, the team managed to clear litter as well as fly tipped items.

The event was organised as part of National Volunteers Week.

Thanks to everyone who took part.

HELP KEEP THE PARK TIDY

If you or your community group need help clearing problem areas please contact:

John McQueen, Senior Warden at the National Park on 01389 722600

If you see anyone dumping rubbish illegally then call the Dumb Dumpers Stop line 0845 230 4090

PLEASE TAKE YOUR LITTER HOME

VOLUNTEERS UP WITH THE LARK

Agriculture has shaped the landscape of the National Park for centuries and many bird populations depend on farming. The variety of birds found in the Park and the surrounding area is a reflection of the different habitats shaped by farming practice over the years. Sadly, the Park has not escaped the widespread declines in many farmland birds over the past thirty years.

This year volunteers are carrying out bird surveys for farms in the National Park and surrounding area as part of the RSPB Volunteer & Farmer Alliance. The project depends upon the commitment and skills offered by volunteers and the interest and goodwill of farmers. Of particular interest are the wading birds such as lapwing and curlew. Smaller birds, such as the brilliantly coloured yellowhammer, are also of great concern. These birds rely on habitats being maintained and enhanced as a result of agricultural practice. Recent changes in government schemes and incentives now support sustainable, wildlife friendly farming.

Since April, the surveys have been proceeding successfully, and a variety of bird species has been reported including lapwing with chicks, black grouse, singing twite (the ‘mountain linnet’) and the redstart.

For more information on volunteering or farmland birds please contact RSPB Scotland on 0141 331 0993

Cowalfest

Cowalfest, Scotland’s largest walking and arts festival, has launched an expanded programme as it enters its third year. The 10-day Cowalfest (Friday 7 to Sunday 16 October) now features nearly 90 guided walks across the Cowal Peninsula.

The programme includes a series of graded walks for all abilities. They include low-level paths to more strenuous routes. Mountain biking will feature for the first time ever with off road cycling for families, downhill rides for the more adventurous as well as a number of routes for ‘free spirits’.

Also new for Cowalfest 2005 is a Celtic Feast, Victorian Music Hall evening, wildlife presentations plus a top line up of traditional music.

Dunoon will be transformed into Scotland’s Art Town for the 10 days. A window gallery will span 60 shops each displaying cutting edge art and incorporating guided walks by the artists. The Glenmasan Manuscript (see page 16) will be portrayed in a giant mural in which locals and visitors will be invited to contribute under the guidance of two local artists.

Cowalfest is one of only 15 regional festivals supported by EventScotland in 2005. Other agencies supporting Cowalfest include Argyll & Bute Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, VisitScotland, the National Park Authority and Forestry Commission Scotland.

The majority of walks are free but prior booking is essential as numbers participating are limited to ensure a quality experience.

WALKS DIARY

There are daily walks throughout Cowalfest including Ardentinny to Carrick Castle, Benmore Gardens, Morag’s Fairy Glen, Dunoon, Invernoaden to Whistlefield, Bishops Glen, Tighnabruaich to Ormidale and Glen Loin.

ARTS DIARY

Traditional music concerts, bee-stitched quilting demonstrations, artist-led guided tours, craft activities, open air theatre performances and ceilidhs all feature in the arts diary with numerous events happening each day.

CYCLING DIARY

Choose from a selection of rides including Bishop’s Seat Loop, Glen Kin Circuit, Glen Fynne Splash and Dunoon.

For full details of the events diary visit www.cowalwalking.org or contact Dunoon Tourist Information Centre Tel 08707 200629 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it