Recent Posts

Casa Ivar runs the Forum in Spain so well, we thought we might try it here.Friends of the North Highland Way in Spain, and around the Scottish Coast.

The Moray Firth Rangers are invited to join us and add their details here.

There is no point in developing a route if it is not maintained.https://business.outdooractive.com/trail-manager

We have been busy this week... SUSTRANS, BHS, Bransby Horses, online competitions, Sloways. Forestry... now have the transition group, which will make things easier.

https://transitiongroups.org/group/friends-of-the-north-highland-wayWe have been busy this week with Forestry, SUSTRANS, BHS, Sloways, etc. etc.  Vast progress is being made.

Mireland... not as stated in the minutes of March 2023, unless we were in the wrong place. http://www.friendsofthenorthhighlandway.com

We are doing some research into agriculture and biodiversity in this area, so thought we would check out access as well.  We found a no unauthorised entry sign, on the road from Killiminster through to the Watten road on the right hand side, just after the farm on the corner.You can see it on Google Earth.  However, for reasons known only to themselves, they decided not to investigate.

Heathsfield is on the core path plan but is not being maintained.

Ongoing issues with the route around Dounreay are now put here, along with other issues.  We have tried and failed several times to get funding, but it has always been refused. I have better things to do han argue about a route everyone wants except Dounreay and HIE.I will just reap the rewards on a commercial basis.https://wordpress.com/post/tinagostravelling.wordpress.com/2294Struan Mackie wants me to engage with other groups.  Where is the benefit for me...All enquiries will be directed to the Access officer, including 120 angry horse riders, as they were in 2014.  I have met quite a few of them on my rounds of the Shows.I have given you every opportunity to engage about a contract.  Last week I spent an hour on the email advising a walker how to get around Dounreay.  The week before about access issues out near BettyHill.  These enquiries will now be put on the forum, where they won't get lost.

Dear all,I have just read a strategy document from OIC as a Director of OREF in time for our meeting on 18th July 2023.  Orkney is due to achieve net zero by 2030.  There are a number of reasons why, in my opinion, the Highland area will be well off target.1.  No joint working.2. Climate change hubs are not measured.  Orkney has recently appointed a coordinator on Orkney, but it would appear that his job will be surplus to requirements, although I have mentioned it to the Board in the papers for 18th July.3.  Lack of resources.4.  THC area is too big, and cannot cope, especially with projects such as the Sutherland Space Hub and NC500 being launched without consultation from HIE.5.  Dounreay does not support green projects but does support Venture North who have no understanding of what the North Highland Way or green tourism is despite having a dedicated officer.6.  Again a potential new layer of consultation with the LPPs.  This is not sustainable.  As most of you know, I have worked for 20 years on a voluntary basis with the Highland Council to get the North Highland Way project off the ground, and we have failed.7.  Lack of education on green issues within VisitScotland.  Their Green Tourism product only scratches the surface of the problem.  The consultant is not a scientist or has any idea of sustainability.  She wanted all of my work for free.  That would never happen.These are food for thought, and if Douglas wants to discuss, he only need send me a Zoom request, although I am not available much during the summer. Meanwhile, I will be doing no more work on the North Highland Way.  Yesterday I had a discussion with Paths for All who wanted me to get involved.  I said "no, not on a voluntary basis".  All discussions over the last four months are in hereI am copying Neil for his information, as I am aware that he deals with Climate and Energy.Matt Dent proposed to Nicola Wallace that I am contracted in to take care of the growing interest in the North Highland Way and Green Destinations, but this was not possible.SCDI (Malcolm Roughead) is aware of the problems.  Of course, Mr. Roughead is head of VisitScotland.