News

Harris to become new national park
The Island of Harris could become Scotland's third national park in as little as two years, if the Scottish Government approves a new proposal.

Only 1,800 people live on Harris, almost 70 per cent of whom were in favour of receiving the National Park status already afforded to The Trossachs and Cairngorms.

Supporters believe it will create jobs and attract new residents to the island.

Harris has lost a quarter of its population in the last 20 years, and 35 per cent of the island's residents are above the age of 60. In 2007 there were just five children born on Harris.

The Gaelic-speaking island, which has stunning white sand beaches, forms the southern part of the main Western Isles landmass made up of Harris and Lewis.

Alasdair Allan, the Western Isles MSP, said the residents had sent out a clear signal that they wanted new life and prosperity for one of Scotland's most fragile island communities.

Avalance reports via text A new text message service has been launched to warn hill climbers and skiers of potential avalanches.

The Avalanche Report Service is the brainchild of Sportscotland, and comes in the wake of January's tragedy when three men died on a mountain in Glencoe.

The service, which until now has only been available via the internet, can now be accessed by subscribing via mobile phones.

The service will operate for the five most popular Scottish mountain areas: North Cairngorms, South Cairngorms, Lochaber, Glencoe and...

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• By : Sally Toms
• In : News
• Issue : 44
• Page : 8
• Words : 1,540