Latest news with #ScottishOutdoorAccessCode
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Major path upgrade completed on Scotland's Conic Hill
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority announced the completion of the £900,000 project on Conic Hill, which has been funded over three years between 2022 and 2025. The 1.4km path runs from the Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit of the hill and is two metres wide, designed to encourage visitors to stay on the path and protect the landscape. Helicopter delivering materials during Conic Hill path upgrade (Image: Supplied) Its creation involved the use of more than 2000 tonnes of stone sourced from a quarry in Dumbarton, which was transported to the site by land and air. The park authority says the work has been carried out in a way that ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. Simon Jones, director of environment and visitor services at Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: 'The completion of the extensive Conic Hill path improvement project is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable visitor infrastructure across the national park. 'This investment is a key part of our wider Place Plan initiative, which balances recreation with environmental sustainability and enhances biodiversity, visitor infrastructure and local economic benefits simultaneously. 'We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvements work at Tarbet Pier Picnic Site, and as we head into our peak visitor season, encourage everyone to respect this special landscape, enjoy the new path responsibly, and help us protect the beauty and biodiversity of Conic Hill for future generations.' Work is underway during Conic Hill path upgrade (Image: Supplied) Mairi Gougeon, rural affairs secretary, said: 'I am delighted that this summer the thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park will benefit from the repaired pathway on Conic Hill and look forward to seeing the further improvements the park authority has planned. 'The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been helping people to enjoy our beautiful countryside responsibly for two decades and this is a great way of marking that anniversary.' Conic Hill public path (Image: Supplied) Ryan Hamilton, from Hamilton Construction, said: 'When Hamilton's took over works in late 2023, we undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars. 'We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as minus 10C to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud. 'Feedback from walkers during our time on the hill has been very positive. 'The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that individuals who were previously unable to access Conic Hill can now do so.'
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Major £900k Conic Hill path upgrade works completed as walkers urged to respect landscape
The newly completed path infrastructure - stretching 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit - features a two-metre-wide path, helping visitors remain on designated routes, safeguarding the sensitive environment. Major works as part of a £900,000 path improvement project on the iconic Conic Hill by Loch Lomond have been completed. The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority has finished the works on the popular hill. Known affectionately as a 'Mountain in Miniature,' Conic Hill attracts more than 200,000 visitors each year due to its easy access and geographical location on the banks of Loch Lomond, forming part of the internationally significant Highland Boundary Fault Line. The newly finished path infrastructure, which stretches 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit, features a two-metre-wide path. The new path encourages responsible behaviour and enjoyment, helping visitors to stay on designated routes and protect the sensitive environment. Over 2,000 tonnes of stone, sourced locally from Dumbarton quarry, were carefully transported to the site by both land and air, where specialist contractors skilfully applied the traditional craft of stone pitching. The technique, similar to constructing a dry-stone wall laid flat into the hillside, ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. Conic Hill is part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with unique ecological and geological significance. By sticking to the new path, walkers can play a crucial role in preserving the area's delicate biodiversity and natural landscape. The National Park Authority is also collaborating with local landowners and Police Scotland to tackle the issue of livestock worrying, reminding visitors to always keep their dogs on a lead. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Scotland's trailblazing access legislation and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which was implemented in 2005. Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, commented: "The completion of the extensive Conic Hill path improvement project is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable visitor infrastructure across the National Park. This investment is a key part of our wider Place Plan initiative, which balances recreation with environmental sustainability and enhances biodiversity, visitor infrastructure, and local economic benefits simultaneously." He added: "We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvements work at Tarbet Pier Picnic Site, and as we head into our peak visitor season, encourage everyone to respect this special landscape, enjoy the new path responsibly, and help us protect the beauty and biodiversity of Conic Hill for future generations." Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon expressed her pleasure, stating: "I'm delighted that this summer the thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will benefit from the repaired pathway on Conic Hill and look forward to seeing the further improvements the Park Authority has planned. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been helping people to enjoy our beautiful countryside responsibly for two decades and this is a great way of marking that anniversary." Ryan Hamilton, from Hamilton Construction, which took on the project in 2023, described their challenging work, saying: "We undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars." He shared the team's experience with the elements: "We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as minus 10c to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud." Hamilton also mentioned the rewarding feedback they've received: "Feedback from walkers during our time on the hill has been very positive. The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that individuals who were previously unable to access Conic Hill, can now do so."
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- The Herald Scotland
Major path upgrade on one of Scotland's most popular hills
LLTNPA said the investment, delivered over three years, "demonstrates its long-term commitment to protecting nature and promoting responsible visitor access, while working to support local businesses by enhancing and facilitating sustainable visitor experiences". Affectionately known as a 'Mountain in Miniature,' Conic Hill draws more than 200,000 visitors annually due to its accessibility and geographic setting on the banks of Loch Lomond, forming part of the Highland Boundary Fault Line. The hill, which has an elevation of 361m, is part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest with unique ecological and geological significance. The newly completed path infrastructure, stretching 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit, features a two-metre-wide path. Over 2,000 tonnes of locally sourced stone from Dumbarton quarry have been carefully transported to site by land and air, where specialised contractors expertly applied the traditional craft of stone pitching. This technique, similar to constructing a dry-stone wall laid flat into the hillside, ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. LLTNPA said it is also working with local landowners and Police Scotland to address livestock worrying, urging visitors to always keep dogs on a lead. Work underway during the Conic Hill path upgrade (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) The project's completion aligns with the 20th anniversary of Scotland's pioneering access legislation and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which came into force in 2005. Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at LLTNPA, said: 'The completion of the extensive Conic Hill path improvement project is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable visitor infrastructure across the National Park. This investment is a key part of our wider Place Plan initiative, which balances recreation with environmental sustainability and enhances biodiversity, visitor infrastructure, and local economic benefits simultaneously. 'We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvements work at Tarbet Pier Picnic Site, and as we head into our peak visitor season, encourage everyone to respect this special landscape, enjoy the new path responsibly, and help us protect the beauty and biodiversity of Conic Hill for future generations. Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: 'I am delighted that this summer the thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will benefit from the repaired pathway on Conic Hill and look forward to seeing the further improvements the Park Authority has planned. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been helping people to enjoy our beautiful countryside responsibly for two decades and this is a great way of marking that anniversary.' Ryan Hamilton of Hamiliton Construction added: "When Hamilton's took over works in late 2023, we undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars. We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as minus 10c to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud. 'Feedback from walkers during our time on the hill has been very positive. The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that individuals who were previously unable to access Conic Hill, can now do so."
The National
a day ago
- The National
Popular Loch Lomond hill walk reopens after £900,000 investment
The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority have announced that visitors will now be able to enjoy Conic Hill in its entirety once again following the completion of the £900,000 project. Also known as a Mountain in Miniature, Conic Hill forms part of the Highland Boundary Fault Line and draws more than 200,000 visitors annually due to its spectacular views of the banks of Loch Lomond. The newly completed path infrastructure, stretching 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit, features a two-metre-wide path and the park authority hopes it will help encourage responsible behaviour and enjoyment from visitors by helping them remain on designated routes. READ MORE: Firefighters battle east coast fires overnight Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon welcomed the completion of the project and hailed the efforts to encourage people to enjoy the Scottish countryside responsibly. She said: 'I am delighted that this summer the thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will benefit from the repaired pathway on Conic Hill and look forward to seeing the further improvements the Park Authority has planned. 'The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been helping people to enjoy our beautiful countryside responsibly for two decades and this is a great way of marking that anniversary.' More than 2000 tonnes of locally sourced stone from Dumbarton quarry were transported to the site by land and air, where specialised contractors applied the traditional craft of stone pitching. This technique, similar to constructing a dry-stone wall laid flat into the hillside, ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact. Ryan Hamilton, Hamilton Construction, said his team received 'very positive' feedback while speaking to walkers while they were carrying out the project. (Image: The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority) He said: "When Hamilton's took over works in late 2023, we undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars. We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as minus 10c to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud. 'Feedback from walkers during our time on the hill has been very positive. The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that individuals who were previously unable to access Conic Hill can now do so.' Visitors have been reminded by the park's authority that Conic Hill is part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and has ecological and geological significance. The National Park Authority is also working with local landowners and Police Scotland to address livestock worrying, urging visitors to always keep dogs on a lead. Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said that with visitors staying on the new path, everyone can play a vital role in protecting the area's delicate biodiversity and natural landscape. He said: 'The completion of the extensive Conic Hill path improvement project is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable visitor infrastructure across the National Park. (Image: The Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority) 'This investment is a key part of our wider Place Plan initiative, which balances recreation with environmental sustainability and enhances biodiversity, visitor infrastructure, and local economic benefits simultaneously. 'We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvements work at Tarbet Pier Picnic Site, and as we head into our peak visitor season, encourage everyone to respect this special landscape, enjoy the new path responsibly, and help us protect the beauty and biodiversity of Conic Hill for future generations.'
The Herald Scotland
30-07-2025
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Scotland's wildfire hotspots identified in new analysis
Galloway National Park has also been identified as having a high likelihood of a wildfire due to dryness coupled with an environment prone to fire ignition. The report uses a combination of drough modelling and fire spread analysis to provide insight into potential danger zones. Scotland has emerged as the UK's leading hub for nature-based and engineered carbon projects, with nearly 30 million tonnes of CO2e emissions expected to be prevented over the lifetime of projects under the leading Woodland and Peatland Carbon Code schemes. The study highlights how reduced precipitation and prolonged dry spells during June and July this year have created pockets of extreme dryness across the country and alongside wind direction and other environmental factors, it has increased the likelihood of fire ignition by two-fold and the fires can spread by 30% more. Read More The fire at Carrbridge had multiple ignition points and the conditions led to more than 11,000 hectares being burned. Bilal Hussain, Co-Founder and CEO at Artio, commented: 'Scotland plays a pivotal role in the UK's carbon ecosystem, with its woodland and peatland projects providing vital natural climate solutions. 'However, for these projects to succeed and deliver long-term climate benefits, they must be underpinned by robust planning and proactive management. 'By mapping where vulnerabilities are greatest, we can enable better decision-making, attract sustained investment and protect the communities that depend on them.' Wildfire fire warnings have been shared by authorities on a number of occasions in recent months. Scotland's wildfire risk has been analysed (Image: Artio) Scotland's wildfire risk has been analysed (Image: Artio) Other areas that were heavily affected included the Isle of Arran as well as one in the Trossachs where a disposable barbecue was blamed. Over the course of one weekend in April, fire crews were called out to battle 90 wildfires across the country. Speaking at the time, Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour - Head of Prevention, Protection and Preparedness at SFRS - said: "Wildfires have the potential to burn for days, as we've seen in Dumfries and Galloway, and they spread through vast areas of land in our countryside, which is devastating for those who live nearby. "Our firefighters will continue to work with local landowners and other partners to bring these fires under control. "As the warm and dry weather continues, so too does the risk of wildfire, and so we are asking the public to exercise extreme caution and think twice before using anything involving a naked flame. "Responsible human behaviour can significantly lower the chance of a wildfire starting, so it is crucial that people act safely in rural environments and always follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code."
