12/12/2015
Join Mark Stephen and Euan McIlwraith for the latest outdoor activities from Shetland to the Borders, plus the key stories for those who live and work in the countryside.
In the first 30 minutes...
Last week the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs, Climate Change and Environment Committee published its report on the Scottish Government's Land Reform Bill at stage 1. Euan asks Committee Convenor, Rob Gibson MSP, about reactions from across the Scottish countryside to the report's findings.
The grouse shooting season ended on Thursday, a key income source for many Scottish estates. Euan talks to Tim Baynes, Director of the Scottish Moorland Group about the fortunes of the industry and changes in clientele on the hills.
Euan finds out from forester, Ian Stewart, about the future of forestry in Scotland after a listener expressed concerns about plans for the industry.
Scottish Renewables has carried out a study using a mobile app called Strava which allows people to record when they've used windfarm and hydro station tracks for cycling and walking. Mark joins Senior Policy Manager, Joss Blamire, at Whitelee Windfarm in East Renfrewshire for a bike ride and a chat about their findings.
After 7am...
Former Cabrach farmer, John Gordon, has an impressive collection of stones that he's either found himself or been gifted. Mark hears the stories behind these stones from John, then Claire asks Principal Curator of Early Prehistory at the National Museum of Scotland, Alison Sheridan, about the archaeological significance of John's collection.
Castle Semple Loch Reserve in Lochwinnoch has turned film cameras on the resident wildlife, generating impressive footage of furry and feathered creatures. Mark takes a look down the lens at some badgers with Development Officer, Hayley Douglas.
Glenshee Ski Centre has a new ski tow which increases capacity and allows adults to accompany children up the slopes. Managing Director, Graham McCabe, shows Euan the new facility.
In common with many composers who take inspiration from the land, Fiddler Aidan O'Rourke has recently produced music about the Cabrach in Huntly. Helen walks the area with Aidan, discovering how it has been continuously occupied since Neolithic times but is currently rather empty.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Mountain Bothies Association. The Association only owns one property but it maintains around one hundred bothies across the UK, providing welcome shelter for people who enjoy the hills. Mark meets up with Association President, Simon Birch, near Balmoral and walks to the Gelder Shiel Bothy, together with maintenance managers Ian Shand and Neil Finlay.