This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Access to Skye's wild heritage
29/08/2003
Ross Finnie, Minister for Environment and Rural
Development, today hailed the work being done by the John
Muir Trust to improve access to, safeguard and conserve
some of the most remote areas of the Isle of Skye.
The Minister was visiting the Trust's three estates on
Skye at Sconser, Torrin and Strathaird.
The Minister opened a new car park and interpretative
display near to the Black Cuillin mountain range, which is
popular with walkers and mountaineers. He also opened a new
cattle handling facility signalling the return of Highland
Cattle to the Sconser estate.
During his visit the Minister presented an award to the
Raasay Outdoor Centre in recognition of their work in
increasing understanding, especially among young people, of
the value of wild places.
Mr Finnie said:
"Scotland's most remote areas are an important
attraction both to Scots and to visitors from other
countries. The Scottish Executive recognises the importance
of areas such as these three estates on the Isle of Skye
which the John Muir Trust manages.
"The Land Reform Act includes a right of responsible
access to the countryside. It calls for consideration for
other road users in Scotland's remote areas. The new car
park and interpretative display in the shadow of the Black
Cuillin makes this important mountain range more accessible
to walkers and climbers alike.
"The forthcoming Nature Conservation Bill will promote
the importance of protecting, promoting and enhancing
Scotland's biodiversity. The opening of the new cattle
handling facility in Sconser sees a welcome return of
Highland cattle to this crofting estate. This is good news
for the area's environment as it not only reintroduces this
important breed of cattle, but will also have a postive
impact on the area's indigenous plant species, such as
heather.
"The John Muir Trust plays an important role in
safeguarding and conserving remote areas in the Highlands
and Islands, including the Isle of Skye.
"The Trust is also involved in educating the benefits of
these areas to all, including young people. An example of
this is the Raasay Outdoor Centre which I have presented
with a John Muir Trust Award for its work in encouraging
its visitors to care for the environment.
"The work of the John Muir Trust on Skye is a shining
example of how local communities and other agencies can
work together to conserve Scotland's natural heritage,
including its isolated areas."
The John Muir Trust was formed in 1983 to safeguard and
conserve wild places and increase awareness and
understanding of the value of such places.
The 3 estates managed by the Trust on Skye are Sconser,
Torrin and Strathaird. The estates total 12,125
hectares.
The new cattle-handling facility is on the Sconser
Estate. It heralds the return of Highland cattle to the
estate.
The new car park and interpretative display is at the
start of the popular mountain path to Bla Bheinn, one of
the Cuillin's finest peaks.
The John Muir Award, which the Minister presented to
Raasay Outdoor Centre, is an environmental award scheme
focused on wild places. It encourages the discovery of and
conservation of wild places in a spirit of fun, adventure
and exploration.