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STV News
04-07-2025
- Business
- STV News
Plans to install hundreds of 4G masts in rural areas scaled back
A project to install more than 250 mobile masts in rural Scotland has been massively scaled back following pressure from business and nature groups. The Shared Rural Network project had planned to build 258 4G masts across unserved parts of the country. But this will now be reduced to just 44 following revised plans – a reduction of around 83%. It comes after pressure from groups including Scottish Land & Estates, the John Muir Trust, the National Trust for Scotland, and a number of community councils. Opponents say the project would have installed masts in parts of the country that do not require them, and the scaled-down proposals will protect some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery. Anna Gardiner, senior policy adviser at Scottish Land & Estates, said: 'We are delighted that the Government has listened to our concerns and has scaled back the number of masts to be built in areas where they simply were not needed. 'This protects some of our most spectacular and beautiful landscapes and will alleviate pressure on planning authorities in rural areas. 'The original plan was totally flawed as it was based on covering an arbitrary percentage of the UK's geography, but in fact it did not benefit many of the rural communities and businesses which are currently in Total Not Spot Areas – where there is no 4G coverage from any provider. 'These areas are still crying out for a mobile network and in many cases community councils have been ignored. 'We would urge the UK Government to redirect the considerable sum of money that has been saved in order to prioritise these communities.' Thomas Widrow, head of campaigns for the John Muir Trust, said: 'This is great news for the amazing landscapes and biodiversity of Scotland. 'Some of the proposed locations for a mast were completely inappropriate. 'We need to ensure there is connectivity where people live and work, not in our most fragile and remote wild places.' Telecoms minister Sir Chris Bryant said: 'The Shared Rural Network has been a lifeline for rural areas, helping bring fast and reliable mobile internet to over 95% of the UK a year ahead of schedule. 'Our updated plans with telecoms operators will ensure new coverage is focused on those rural areas in Scotland where people actually live, work or travel, including popular walking routes. 'This important step will ensure masts are only built where they are most needed.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans to install mobile masts across rural Scotland massively scaled back
A PROJECT to install more than 250 mobile masts in rural Scotland has been massively scaled back following pressure from and groups. The Shared Rural Network project had planned to build 258 4G masts across unserved parts of the country. But this will now be reduced to just 44 following revised plans – a reduction of around 83%. It comes after pressure from groups including Scottish Land & Estates, the John Muir Trust, the National Trust for Scotland, and a number of community councils. Opponents say the project would have installed masts in parts of the country that do not require them, and the scaled-down proposals will protect some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery. READ MORE: Plans for 1500 solar panels for historic Scottish hydro power stations Anna Gardiner, senior policy adviser at Scottish Land & Estates, said: 'We are delighted that the Government has listened to our concerns and has scaled back the number of masts to be built in areas where they simply were not needed. 'This protects some of our most spectacular and beautiful landscapes and will alleviate pressure on planning authorities in rural areas. 'The original plan was totally flawed as it was based on covering an arbitrary percentage of the UK's geography, but in fact it did not benefit many of the rural communities and businesses which are currently in Total Not Spot Areas – where there is no 4G coverage from any provider. 'These areas are still crying out for a mobile network and in many cases community councils have been ignored. 'We would urge the UK Government to redirect the considerable sum of money that has been saved in order to prioritise these communities.' Thomas Widrow, head of campaigns for the John Muir Trust, said: 'This is great news for the amazing landscapes and biodiversity of Scotland. 'Some of the proposed locations for a mast were completely inappropriate. READ MORE: Faslane nuclear base radioactive secrets to be released after FoI battle 'We need to ensure there is connectivity where people live and work, not in our most fragile and remote wild places.' Telecoms minister Chris Bryant said: 'The Shared Rural Network has been a lifeline for rural areas, helping bring fast and reliable mobile internet to over 95% of the UK a year ahead of schedule. 'Our updated plans with telecoms operators will ensure new coverage is focused on those rural areas in Scotland where people actually live, work or travel, including popular walking routes. 'This important step will ensure masts are only built where they are most needed.'
The National
04-07-2025
- Business
- The National
Mobile mast plans for rural Scotland massively scaled back
The Shared Rural Network project had planned to build 258 4G masts across unserved parts of the country. A PROJECT to install more than 250 mobile masts in rural Scotland has been massively scaled back following pressure from business and nature groups. But this will now be reduced to just 44 following revised plans – a reduction of around 83%. It comes after pressure from groups including Scottish Land & Estates, the John Muir Trust, the National Trust for Scotland, and a number of community councils. Opponents say the project would have installed masts in parts of the country that do not require them, and the scaled-down proposals will protect some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery. READ MORE: Plans for 1500 solar panels for historic Scottish hydro power stations Anna Gardiner, senior policy adviser at Scottish Land & Estates, said: 'We are delighted that the Government has listened to our concerns and has scaled back the number of masts to be built in areas where they simply were not needed. 'This protects some of our most spectacular and beautiful landscapes and will alleviate pressure on planning authorities in rural areas. 'The original plan was totally flawed as it was based on covering an arbitrary percentage of the UK's geography, but in fact it did not benefit many of the rural communities and businesses which are currently in Total Not Spot Areas – where there is no 4G coverage from any provider. 'These areas are still crying out for a mobile network and in many cases community councils have been ignored. 'We would urge the UK Government to redirect the considerable sum of money that has been saved in order to prioritise these communities.' Thomas Widrow, head of campaigns for the John Muir Trust, said: 'This is great news for the amazing landscapes and biodiversity of Scotland. 'Some of the proposed locations for a mast were completely inappropriate. READ MORE: Faslane nuclear base radioactive secrets to be released after FoI battle 'We need to ensure there is connectivity where people live and work, not in our most fragile and remote wild places.' Telecoms minister Chris Bryant said: 'The Shared Rural Network has been a lifeline for rural areas, helping bring fast and reliable mobile internet to over 95% of the UK a year ahead of schedule. 'Our updated plans with telecoms operators will ensure new coverage is focused on those rural areas in Scotland where people actually live, work or travel, including popular walking routes. 'This important step will ensure masts are only built where they are most needed.'
Daily Record
28-05-2025
- Daily Record
Stunning Highlands beach with pristine pink sands named among UK's best hidden coastlines
The beach is known for beautiful pink sands that are usually associated with tropical spots like Bermuda or Indonesia A wild and remote beach in the far north of Scotland, known for its pristine pink sands and mysterious folklore, has been named among the UK's best hidden coastlines. Tucked away in the north-west Highlands near Durness, Sandwood Bay has earned a spot on Simply Sea Views' list of the top ten secret beaches and coves where holidaymakers can escape the crowds and reconnect with nature. While pink sands are usually associated with tropical spots like Bermuda or Indonesia, this little-known Scottish gem offers a slice of rosy paradise much closer to home. Simply Sea Views said: "Tucked in the far northwest Highlands near Durness, Sandwood Bay is only accessible via a four-mile hike through moorland and lochans. "The reward is a pristine stretch of pale sand and dramatic waves. It's utterly remote, with no facilities and no phone signal, just you, the sea, and the sky." With no roads leading in, visitors must park at Blairmore and walk four miles across rugged terrain before reaching the untouched bay. But for those who make the journey, the reward is immense, a breathtaking expanse of pale pink sand stretching for nearly 1.5 miles, backed by towering dunes and a tranquil loch. Even during peak season, its isolation ensures a deep sense of seclusion. The area is part of the Sandwood Estate, managed by the John Muir Trust, and offers a raw, unspoilt slice of Scotland's natural beauty. Domestic travel has soared in popularity in recent years, with more people than ever seeking out quiet, off-the-map destinations. Last year, 67 per cent of Brits said they planned to holiday in the UK, often to save money and avoid airport chaos. A report found 52 per cent choose a domestic break, and 34 per cent took two or more staycations. Sandwood Bay is more than just a pretty place. It is also rich in folklore. In 1900, local farmer Alexander Gunn set out with his dog in search of a missing sheep when he came across something extraordinary. At first glance, he thought he saw a seal on the rocks, but as he drew closer, he realised it had flaming red hair, green-blue eyes, and a long, human-like form. According to local legend, Gunn had spotted a mermaid resting on the shore. Today, the bay is still a haven for wildlife. Seals and dolphins are frequently spotted just offshore, adding to the sense of otherworldly magic. Nearby, Kinlochbervie offers accommodation ranging from remote guesthouses to glamping sites, with prices from around £90 to £150 per night. The crofting community is also home to a large fish-processing plant and a modern harbour that welcomes trucks from across Europe. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. From Kinlochbervie, a scenic single-track road winds past the isolated hamlet of Oldshoremore and its white sand beach, before reaching Blairmore, the starting point for the hike to Sandwood Bay. The surrounding region offers much more for those who enjoy the great outdoors. Durness, the most north-westerly village on the British mainland, sits amidst dramatic scenery and open skies. The nearby North West Highlands Geopark draws hillwalkers and climbers eager to explore the rugged mountains, towering cliffs, and vast moorlands. The village itself straddles the coastline where the road turns from inland peat bogs to the rocky shore, and visitors can even get a special passport stamp at the local post office if they're walking the North Highland Way. Highlights include the eerie Smoo Cave, carved into a limestone cliff, and the beautiful white sands of Balnakeil Beach.
