Latest news with #SSSI
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
Donald Trump said Balmedie locals love his new golf course. Do they?
Of course, he was characteristically boastful as the ribbon was cut in front of a crowd including celebrities, golfers, First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. Just before hitting the first ball at the New Course, which is a short 20-minute drive from Aberdeen near a town called Balmedie, the US president told those gathered on a grandstand: 'We started with a beautiful piece of land, but we made it much more beautiful. READ MORE: Donald Trump in Scotland 'can only be a good thing', says Anas Sarwar 'The area has really welcomed us. If you remember at the beginning there wasn't quite a welcome, but it wasn't bad. 'But with time they liked us more and more, now they love us and we love them.' The National went out in Balmedie to find out if that was true. 'No, not at all,' 66-year-old Steve Young (below) said – who expressed concerns over how accessible and beneficial it actually was – suggesting the course should offer, for example discounted rates, for locals. (Image: Newsquest) 'I used to be a golfer. I've never played at Donald Trump's course because it's too expensive. I've never played, it's too elite.' He added that he once drove over to Trump International with his wife with the intention of potentially eating there but decided it was 'too posh'. 64-year-old Gordon, who has lived in the area for over 25 years, also wasn't a huge fan of the golf course – albeit more for ecological reasons. We always knew from the outset this was gonna happen. So it comes as really no great surprise,' he told The National. 'I think people, when it was originally proposed, didn't realise how close it came to the edge of the country park and it does impact.' READ MORE: Donald Trump to meet John Swinney and open new golf course on final day in Scotland He added: 'There's obviously been huge environmental concerns.' The sand dunes at Donald Trump's Aberdeenshire golf resort lost their special status as a nationally-important protected environment in 202o. The countryside agency NatureScot said that, after construction, the area no longer merited being retained as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). 'It was always going to be downgraded once he stabilised the dunes, it's a moving dune system,' he said. 'And normally you don't get planning permission but the rules for Trump were very different.' Gordon added: 'In this country, we should not be crashing our sites of scientific interest for a golf course. I think Trump missed a trick. I think he could have done something that worked with nature. But, you know, that's not his style, is it?' There were pockets of positivism. (Image: Newsquest) When asked the same question about whether Balmedie was in favour, 79-year-old Atholl Lipp (above) was much more optimistic. 'Trump is great for Balmedie,' he told The National. Lipp added: 'It's a beautiful course. Everything is just immaculate.' Another local, Alan, said of the course: 'I don't mind. It doesn't put me up or down. 'We don't want the national park to disappear. As long as it stays the way it is.' Finally, Pat, an elderly pensioner who was walking her dog Rupert near Balmedie beach, wasn't aware of the course opening at all. 'No idea,' she said. 'If I played golf, I'd rather go down to the Old Course or Carnoustie – somewhere like that.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Breathtaking UK island with three beaches, stunning views & seals, is on sale & it's cheaper than a 3-bed house
The island has been slashed in price by £50,000 ISLE BE DAMNED Breathtaking UK island with three beaches, stunning views & seals, is on sale & it's cheaper than a 3-bed house Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ENTIRE island, with gorgeous views and marine wildlife, could be yours for less that the cost of the three bedroom-house. Originally listed last year for £325,000, the price of the uninhabited island has now been slashed to £275,000, less than the price of the average UK three bedroom house. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Eilean Mor Island in Loch Sunart Credit: Moira Kerr 4 The stunning island costs less than a three bed house Credit: Jam Press/Bell Ingram 4 The island boasts stunning views and you can even spot seals Credit: Jam Press/Bell Ingram Eilean Mor, in Loch Sunart, in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, spans an area of 30 acres, about the same size as 45 football fields. The majestic plot of land can only be accessed by boat, or by a low-tide causeway, and is teeming with marine wildlife such as playful seals and soaring eagles. It's the perfect spot for bird watching and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, with the untouched nature providing a haven for many species. Visitors will be blown away by the crystal blue waters, three cove beaches and acres of stunning forest. Read more property stories HEIR B&B King letting out Sandringham estate property to tourists for an eye-watering sum The gorgeous patch of wilderness has been owned by the same family for generations, and does not have any planning permissions as it is part of the Sunart Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Sunart Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Estate agents Bell Ingram said of the property: "This captivating island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. "While Eilean Mor is uninhabited today, its history is deeply intertwined with the surrounding region. "Eilean Mor as a serene escape for those seeking to explore Scotland's rugged landscapes and rich heritage." The island is completely uninhabited, making it perfect for relaxing, but when you're ready to return to civilisation, the quaint village of Strontian is just a seven minute drive away. Strontian boasts several schools, shops a church and a cafe, and you can also visit Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve for a peaceful stroll. Inside Josh Widdicombe's incredible £2.3m London home as he puts it up for sale - and Rob Beckett can't resist a swipe The shores of the loch are home to some of the finest temperate oakwood in Britain and the beauty of Fort William is just 15 miles away. The nearest airports are Inverness and Glasgow, which are both around 100 miles away. Andrew Fuller, of selling agents Bell Ingram, said: 'For interested parties, Eilean Mor represents more than just an investment. "It is a unique chance to own a piece of Scotland's wild beauty and a serene hideaway. "It's a historic landmark to be cherished and preserved for generations to come.' 5 Tips to Get on The Property Ladder Saving for your first property is tough, but it is possible. Here are a few steps for first-time buyers. 1. Cut back on luxuries and start saving Consistent monthly saving is the best way to accumulate enough money to get on the ladder, for a deposit and purchase fees. To do this, you need to take a look at your monthly outgoings and think about what can be cut out - holidays, new clothes, weekly takeaway. Using a savings calculator can help you to establish how long you will need to save for a deposit. Based on your income, you can figure out a realistic amount to save each month. 2. Have a realistic property search Set a budget for the property price you would like to buy, and think realistically about the location and size of your property. While we all may want that house with a view or extra bedroom, can you afford it? 3. Research Help To Buy and Shared Ownership schemes The government has introduced a few ways to help first-time-buyers get on the property ladder and they're great for those on lower incomes or to buy a property in more expensive areas like London. 4. Consider buying with another person Investing with somebody else you know is a sure way to get onto the property ladder. You only need to save half the amount you would otherwise, so you can work towards getting your property sooner. You can invest with a friend, family or partner. Naturally, it is a big step and a huge commitment so be open and honest about what you expect from living together — if you haven't already. 5. Talk to a mortgage broker and get your documents in order A mortgage broker can tell you exactly how much you can borrow for a mortgage, what you will need to pay monthly and in upfront costs. Shuna Island And Eilean Mor isn't the only Scottish island that is currently on sale after Shuna Island went on the market for the first time in 80 years. Spanning across 1,110 acres, the island has been in the hands of the same family for the last eight decades. The island, which has eight residential properties on it, as well as a castle, is on the market for a whopping £5.5 million. It is located just off the coast from Appin, Argyll and Bute and features a working farm and a holiday home business. Shuna Castle, which was built in the early 20th century is in ruins, but offers panoramic views of the stunning Scottish coast. According to estate agents Sotheby's International Realty and Knight Frank there is potential to renovate the castle, subject to planning rules.
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Breathtaking UK island with three beaches, stunning views & seals, is on sale & it's cheaper than a 3-bed house
AN ENTIRE island, with gorgeous views and marine wildlife, could be yours for less that the cost of the three bedroom-house. Originally listed last year for £325,000, the price of the uninhabited island has now been slashed to £275,000, less than the price of the average UK three bedroom house. 4 4 Eilean Mor, in Loch Sunart, in the picturesque Scottish Highlands, spans an area of 30 acres, about the same size as 45 football fields. The majestic plot of land can only be accessed by boat, or by a low-tide causeway, and is teeming with marine wildlife such as playful seals and soaring eagles. It's the perfect spot for bird watching and escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, with the untouched nature providing a haven for many species. Visitors will be blown away by the crystal blue waters, three cove beaches and acres of stunning forest. The gorgeous patch of wilderness has been owned by the same family for generations, and does not have any planning permissions as it is part of the Sunart Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Sunart Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Estate agents Bell Ingram said of the property: "This captivating island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. "While Eilean Mor is uninhabited today, its history is deeply intertwined with the surrounding region. "Eilean Mor as a serene escape for those seeking to explore Scotland's rugged landscapes and rich heritage." The island is completely uninhabited, making it perfect for relaxing, but when you're ready to return to civilisation, the quaint village of Strontian is just a seven minute drive away. Strontian boasts several schools, shops a church and a cafe, and you can also visit Ariundle Oakwood National Nature Reserve for a peaceful stroll. Inside Josh Widdicombe's incredible £2.3m London home as he puts it up for sale - and Rob Beckett can't resist a swipe The shores of the loch are home to some of the finest temperate oakwood in Britain and the beauty of Fort William is just 15 miles away. Andrew Fuller, of selling agents Bell Ingram, said: 'For interested parties, Eilean Mor represents more than just an investment. "It is a unique chance to own a piece of Scotland's wild beauty and a serene hideaway. "It's a historic landmark to be cherished and preserved for generations to come.' 5 Tips to Get on The Property Ladder Saving for your first property is tough, but it is possible. Here are a few steps for first-time buyers. 1. Cut back on luxuries and start saving Consistent monthly saving is the best way to accumulate enough money to get on the ladder, for a deposit and purchase fees. To do this, you need to take a look at your monthly outgoings and think about what can be cut out - holidays, new clothes, weekly takeaway. Using a savings calculator can help you to establish how long you will need to save for a deposit. Based on your income, you can figure out a realistic amount to save each month. 2. Have a realistic property search Set a budget for the property price you would like to buy, and think realistically about the location and size of your property. While we all may want that house with a view or extra bedroom, can you afford it? 3. Research Help To Buy and Shared Ownership schemes The government has introduced a few ways to help first-time-buyers get on the property ladder and they're great for those on lower incomes or to buy a property in more expensive areas like London. 4. Consider buying with another person Investing with somebody else you know is a sure way to get onto the property ladder. You only need to save half the amount you would otherwise, so you can work towards getting your property sooner. You can invest with a friend, family or partner. Naturally, it is a big step and a huge commitment so be open and honest about what you expect from living together — if you haven't already. 5. Talk to a mortgage broker and get your documents in order A mortgage broker can tell you exactly how much you can borrow for a mortgage, what you will need to pay monthly and in upfront costs. Shuna Island And Eilean Mor isn't the only Scottish island that is currently on sale after Shuna Island went on the market for the first time in 80 years. Spanning across 1,110 acres, the island has been in the hands of the same family for the last eight decades. The island, which has eight residential properties on it, as well as a castle, is on the market for a whopping £5.5 million. It is located just off the coast from Appin, Argyll and Bute and features a working farm and a holiday home business. Shuna Castle, which was built in the early 20th century is in ruins, but offers panoramic views of the stunning Scottish coast. According to estate agents Sotheby's International Realty and Knight Frank there is potential to renovate the castle, subject to planning rules. 4
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
Letter: We must all hope new scheme works for farmers
Rattus was not impressed by the 2024 version of the Sustainable Farming Scheme SFS which will shortly replace the BPS payments in Wales which have kept most farms in profit for years. The latest version has dropped the 10% tree cover which was always going to be a major ask for many farmers but also a major contributor to acrimonious disputes. It also restored SSSI's to be included which was one of the ludicrous parts of the previous iteration. OK it is not perfect but correctly is focused on public money for public goods. Why should Welsh Government subsidize farmers to produce lamb for Europeans to eat? There are aspects of SFS that Rattus and farmers will struggle to understand such as the need for on farm soil testing UA1. There are aspects such as the Veterinary requirement UA12 that will make life difficult for landowners that let their land. The aspiration to restore hedgerows should be applauded but the details of payment rates will severely affect take up. What is missing is advice and guidance from the properly informed, who know your farm and your business and can point you in the right direction. That is not going to be easy but the reference to collaborative action via the Integrated Natural Resources Scheme might be the way forward. Welsh Government and RPW are reluctant to engage, hopeless at communication and fed up with being sworn at. They are not the best partners to restore biodiversity in Wales. If they tried to behave like real people you could talk to not AI automatons this might actually work. There is no point in demanding a different scheme. After seven-plus years it is what it is.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
River Frome could be drilled under for broadband link
A rural stretch of river could be drilled under to install a full fibre broadband service to the area Internet Ltd has submitted a planning application to drill horizontally under the River Frome near Dorchester, Dorset, in order to lay 32mm armoured fibre optic the area near Lewell is within an Site of Special Scientific Interest, drilling is only permitted 26ft (8m) from the river's edge and must be 7ft (2m) under the company has applied to the Environment Agency for a permit for the works. A public consultation on the planning application is open until 6 August. You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
