Jamie McGrigor, Highlands & Islands Conservative MSP, this morning delivered the key note speech at a major Crofting Law conference held in Edinburgh’s Signet Library and organised by The Society of Writers to Her Majesty's Signet. Jamie was asked to deliver the address in his capacity as Convenor of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross Party Group on Crofting. The conference was chaired by Lord McGhie, Chairman of the Scottish Land Court and President of the Lands Tribunal for Scotland and attracted lawyers and legal experts specialising in crofting law from across Scotland.
Jamie set out the role of the Cross Party Group, talked about the Crofting (Scotland) Act 2010 and about the future of the crofting sector in Scotland.
Addressing the conference Jamie said:
“ The Scottish Government and all the parties represented in the Scottish Parliament are committed to Scotland’s crofting sector as a key rural primary industry that is often the bedrock of our rural communities, particularly in many fragile remote and island areas. There is a lot of genuine political good will towards our crofters and we politicians want to see a dynamic and sustainable industry that attracts new entrants and is innovative and diverse, while at the same time retaining and passing on the best of traditional techniques and excellence and helping to preserve often unique environments. And I mean excellence not only in animal husbandry but also in industries such as weaving.
“ During the passage of the 2010 Act, I used to make the point- and it was shared by Ministers- that regulation alone will not ensure crofting's survival. Government assistance for the crofting sector through agricultural and agri-environmental support schemes is already substantial and will continue to be crucial for most crofters and their ability to carry on in crofting. The forthcoming reforms to these support schemes must contain real opportunities for the crofting counties- for example in the development of new schemes which could be targeted at vulnerable areas or areas of natural handicap.
“Food security, the importance of local food and a growing consumer desire- which is likely to increase- to see a reduction in food miles can be real positives for crofting, as they can be for Scotland’s entire agricultural industry. Again government can offer support in this area by helping with promotion and marketing and by highlighting some of the world class food that crofters produce which can be enjoyed by local residents and by tourists to the Highlands & Islands alike. I think even more can be done to promote some of the niche market products created by crofters such as meat from traditional and native breeds. A couple of years ago we saw the launch of the Scottish Crofting Produce Mark- a trademark which can be seen on a whole host of products from beef and lamb to honey and croft-made tweed products- and this scheme is to be commended.”
Friday, 23 September 2011
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
SNH publishes new reports on the effect of beavers on woodland and fish
Two new reports on the Scottish Beaver Trial in Argyll, published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), show that beavers are changing some of the woodland structure but so far having little effect on fish in streams.
Beavers were reintroduced to Knapdale forest near Lochgilphead in May 2009 as part of a five year scientific trial run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, hosted by Forestry Commission Scotland. After an absence of more than 400 years, the effects of beavers on the environment are being closely monitored by SNH in partnership with a number of other independent organisations. The reports will help inform future decisions on whether the European beaver should be permanently reintroduced to Scotland.
The woodland monitoring has been carried out by The James Hutton Institute, who surveyed land around the edges of the lochs where the beavers live. Nearly a year and a half after their release, about 10% of trees in the survey area were showing signs of beaver activity. Most of these had been felled, with many trees also showing signs of gnawing. As well as feeding on bark, twigs, shoots and leaves, beavers use felled trees and branches for building their lodges and dams and store them underwater for food in the winter. Beaver activity is concentrated in particular areas – the majority of trees affected (72%) were within 10 metres of lochs and streams, with the most intensive felling within 350 metres of beaver lodges.
The average size of trees gnawed or felled was 5cm across, but beavers often felled much bigger trees. Most were less than 20cm in diameter but a few were up to 30cm.
Results to date show that beavers are showing a strong preference for willow and rowan, and that they avoid alder. One striking observation was that beavers will travel a distance from the water’s edge to find willow. Other trees at Knapdale are used in proportion to their availability. Birch is one most often used by beavers but this is because it is the most commonly found tree in the survey area.
However, most trees will not die when they’re felled by the beavers. Of the trees affected, new growth had already been found on 44% of stumps and partially-felled trees. Trees which have been felled later on in the summer may not start to regrow until the following spring.
As well as their effect on trees around the lochs, an area of woodland has been flooded by a beaver dam at Dubh Loch. While the willow and alder may survive, other species may die but remain standing as dead wood for some time. Ultimately this particular area may change to very wet willow woodland or even wetland.
The second report, produced by the Argyll Fisheries Trust, showed that so far beavers are having little observable effect on freshwater fish in streams in the trial area. This is because beavers aren’t using streams as much as might have been expected - most beaver activity is taking place on the lochs. However this may change as the beaver numbers increase. The streams will continue to be monitored and the fish and fish habitat in some of the lochs will also be studied.
The fish species found in the survey include brown trout, European eel, stickleback and flounder. Minnow were also found. They are probably not native to this region of Scotland but are likely to have been brought in by anglers, using them as bait.
Martin Gaywood, who leads the independent scientific monitoring of the trial for SNH said: “These annual reports are vital to the beaver trial, because they’ll show us how beavers influence the environment in and around these lochs. Beavers have complex effects on other wildlife, and measuring these changes is essential. This trial will give the Scottish Government the information it needs to decide whether beavers should be reintroduced on a wide-scale in Scotland.”
Beavers were reintroduced to Knapdale forest near Lochgilphead in May 2009 as part of a five year scientific trial run by the Scottish Wildlife Trust and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, hosted by Forestry Commission Scotland. After an absence of more than 400 years, the effects of beavers on the environment are being closely monitored by SNH in partnership with a number of other independent organisations. The reports will help inform future decisions on whether the European beaver should be permanently reintroduced to Scotland.
The woodland monitoring has been carried out by The James Hutton Institute, who surveyed land around the edges of the lochs where the beavers live. Nearly a year and a half after their release, about 10% of trees in the survey area were showing signs of beaver activity. Most of these had been felled, with many trees also showing signs of gnawing. As well as feeding on bark, twigs, shoots and leaves, beavers use felled trees and branches for building their lodges and dams and store them underwater for food in the winter. Beaver activity is concentrated in particular areas – the majority of trees affected (72%) were within 10 metres of lochs and streams, with the most intensive felling within 350 metres of beaver lodges.
The average size of trees gnawed or felled was 5cm across, but beavers often felled much bigger trees. Most were less than 20cm in diameter but a few were up to 30cm.
Results to date show that beavers are showing a strong preference for willow and rowan, and that they avoid alder. One striking observation was that beavers will travel a distance from the water’s edge to find willow. Other trees at Knapdale are used in proportion to their availability. Birch is one most often used by beavers but this is because it is the most commonly found tree in the survey area.
However, most trees will not die when they’re felled by the beavers. Of the trees affected, new growth had already been found on 44% of stumps and partially-felled trees. Trees which have been felled later on in the summer may not start to regrow until the following spring.
As well as their effect on trees around the lochs, an area of woodland has been flooded by a beaver dam at Dubh Loch. While the willow and alder may survive, other species may die but remain standing as dead wood for some time. Ultimately this particular area may change to very wet willow woodland or even wetland.
The second report, produced by the Argyll Fisheries Trust, showed that so far beavers are having little observable effect on freshwater fish in streams in the trial area. This is because beavers aren’t using streams as much as might have been expected - most beaver activity is taking place on the lochs. However this may change as the beaver numbers increase. The streams will continue to be monitored and the fish and fish habitat in some of the lochs will also be studied.
The fish species found in the survey include brown trout, European eel, stickleback and flounder. Minnow were also found. They are probably not native to this region of Scotland but are likely to have been brought in by anglers, using them as bait.
Martin Gaywood, who leads the independent scientific monitoring of the trial for SNH said: “These annual reports are vital to the beaver trial, because they’ll show us how beavers influence the environment in and around these lochs. Beavers have complex effects on other wildlife, and measuring these changes is essential. This trial will give the Scottish Government the information it needs to decide whether beavers should be reintroduced on a wide-scale in Scotland.”
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 1 October – Friday 7 October 2011
Title: SPL Kilmarnock v St. Johnstone
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host St Johnstone at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 1 October
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Rockness 2011 Highlights
Main stage highlights and unseen performances from Saturday night at Rockness 2011: Example, Annie Mac, Magnetic Man with acoustic sets from Bombay Bicycle Club & Frightened Rabbit. Hosted by Andrew Robertson.
Transmitted: Saturday 1 October
Time: 9.00 -10.00pm
Title: Air an Toir – In search of….
Aiir an Toir follows the lives of individual Gaels whose global journeys found them in extraordinary situations.
Angus Macaskill from the Isle of Skye was just 22 years of age when he answered an advertisement for an extraordinary motor expedition across the continent of Africa. Seumas MacDonald follows his remarkable journey.
Transmitted: Tuesday 4 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Ceol Country / Country Music
Anne Morrison brings you some of the musical highlights from the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are The Jacks, Sharon Nixon and Ron Williams. In addition to the music, Anne spends time in Texas with veteran performer Tony Booth.
Transmitted: Tuesday 4 October
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 5 October
Time: 8.30 - 9.00pm
Title: Siuthad Siubhal / Go Explore!
Our intrepid presenters tackle a variety of activities on offer in the Highlands region - so don't be a couch potato! Go! Explore! The series is presented by Emma MacInnes and Derek ''Pluto'' Murray.
Transmitted: Thursday 6 October
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Midwives: Mnathan-Gluine
Mum Samantha anxiously waits to go to theatre for her elective caesarean but a delay means she has even longer to wait.
First time mum Tracy will also have her breech baby delivered by caesarean section - unless Dr Reid can manipulate baby into the correct position for the natural birth Tracy so desperately wants.
Meanwhile, midwife Kareen Laird tests first time mum Janet Campbell for gestational diabetes, while Consultant Obstetrician Dr Russell Lees explains the implications of diabetes on pregnancy.
We also hear why Cameron will have an interesting story to tell about the time of his birth when he is older and heartburn is making Catherine Anne's life a misery - can her Gaelic tutor Mattie, who just happens to be a retired midwife, offer her any advice?
Transmitted: Friday 7 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00
Title: A-U: Na Thadhail Thu?
As part of the BBCs Year of Gaelic Song, Tìr nan Òran (Heartland Song) brings you five of the most popular songs from Argyll, including performances from Anne Lorne Gillies and Griogair Labhruidh. The series is narrated by popular Gaelic singer Kirsteen MacDonald.
Transmitted: Friday 7 October
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Kilmarnock host St Johnstone at Rugby Park.
Transmitted: Saturday 1 October
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Rockness 2011 Highlights
Main stage highlights and unseen performances from Saturday night at Rockness 2011: Example, Annie Mac, Magnetic Man with acoustic sets from Bombay Bicycle Club & Frightened Rabbit. Hosted by Andrew Robertson.
Transmitted: Saturday 1 October
Time: 9.00 -10.00pm
Title: Air an Toir – In search of….
Aiir an Toir follows the lives of individual Gaels whose global journeys found them in extraordinary situations.
Angus Macaskill from the Isle of Skye was just 22 years of age when he answered an advertisement for an extraordinary motor expedition across the continent of Africa. Seumas MacDonald follows his remarkable journey.
Transmitted: Tuesday 4 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: Ceol Country / Country Music
Anne Morrison brings you some of the musical highlights from the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are The Jacks, Sharon Nixon and Ron Williams. In addition to the music, Anne spends time in Texas with veteran performer Tony Booth.
Transmitted: Tuesday 4 October
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Eorpa
Another edition of Eorpa, reporting on the most interesting stories from around Europe.
Transmitted: Wednesday 5 October
Time: 8.30 - 9.00pm
Title: Siuthad Siubhal / Go Explore!
Our intrepid presenters tackle a variety of activities on offer in the Highlands region - so don't be a couch potato! Go! Explore! The series is presented by Emma MacInnes and Derek ''Pluto'' Murray.
Transmitted: Thursday 6 October
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Midwives: Mnathan-Gluine
Mum Samantha anxiously waits to go to theatre for her elective caesarean but a delay means she has even longer to wait.
First time mum Tracy will also have her breech baby delivered by caesarean section - unless Dr Reid can manipulate baby into the correct position for the natural birth Tracy so desperately wants.
Meanwhile, midwife Kareen Laird tests first time mum Janet Campbell for gestational diabetes, while Consultant Obstetrician Dr Russell Lees explains the implications of diabetes on pregnancy.
We also hear why Cameron will have an interesting story to tell about the time of his birth when he is older and heartburn is making Catherine Anne's life a misery - can her Gaelic tutor Mattie, who just happens to be a retired midwife, offer her any advice?
Transmitted: Friday 7 October
Time: 8.30 – 9.00
Title: A-U: Na Thadhail Thu?
As part of the BBCs Year of Gaelic Song, Tìr nan Òran (Heartland Song) brings you five of the most popular songs from Argyll, including performances from Anne Lorne Gillies and Griogair Labhruidh. The series is narrated by popular Gaelic singer Kirsteen MacDonald.
Transmitted: Friday 7 October
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
BBC ALBA – WEEKLY PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS Saturday 24 September – Friday 30 September 2011
Title: SPL Hibernian v Dundee United
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hibs host Dundee United at Easter Road.
Transmitted: Saturday 24 September
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Alleluia!/Spiritual Music & Verse
Psalm 23 sung by the Glasgow Islay Choir, the hymn Be Thou My Vision by Kathleen Graham and Suzie Roberts tells how her faith sustained her through her personal battle with cancer. The programme is presented by Iain MacKinnon.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 September
Time: 7.30 – 8.00pm
Title: Trusadh - Turas a' Phapa (The Pope's Visit)
Last year saw the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland - a visit that was not without its controversies after the recent scandals which rocked the position of the Catholic church globally.
This was the first time that the figurehead of the Catholic church had officially visited the country, and he's only the second Pope in history to visit, following Pope John Paul II's pastoral visit in 1982.
In 1982 John Archie MacMillan was a Catholic priest working in his island parish in Eriskay.
However, he left the priesthood 5 years later, disillusioned with the bureaucracy of the Church, and is now married with a family and working as a social worker. In a compelling personal journey he follows the build up to the visit, and attends the open air mass at Bellahouston Park, as he hears many different, fascinating views, and reflects on his own faith and the changing face of all Christianity in Scotland.
Transmitted: Monday 26 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Ceòl Country
Anne Morrison brings you some of the musical highlights from the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are South Mountain, Gene Watson and Dominic Kirwan.
In addition to the live music Anne travels to Texas for an exclusive acoustic performance from Landon Dodd, one of the rising stars in the Texas dancehall scene.
Transmitted: Tuesday 27 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Soillse - Samucha, The Last Shepherd
Samucha lives in the mountains of Tusheti, a tiny region in Georgia on the border with Chechnya. He's a fabulous horse rider, a shepherd, a musician, singer, and storyteller. This year, like every springtime, Samucha migrates with his flock of 2,000 sheep to reach the high plains of the Caucasus, located at an altitude of 4000 meters. But he feels tired and old. After this season, it will finally be time for him to retire. He will spend the summer on the plateau accompanied by his two sons, David and Kwiria, to whom he will hand over his herd.
Transmitted: Wednesday 28 September
Time: 9.00 – 9.50pm
Title: Siuthad Siubhal/Go! Explore! - Dundee/Fife
Our intrepid presenters tackle a variety of activities on offer in the Dundee/Fife area so don't be a couch potato! Go! Explore! The series is presented by Emma MacInnes and Derek ''Pluto'' Murray.
Transmitted: Thursday 29 September
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Midwives: Mnathan-Gluine
In the second programme in the series, labour suite sister Caron Cruickshank gives us an idea of the wide geographical area served by Raigmore hospital's Maternity Unit.
Mum to be Nicola's community midwife has taken a routine blood sample but the results give her cause for concern. Nicola is sent to Raigmore for further investigation and the decision is taken to induce her labour. Midwife Ishbel MacDonald is with Nicola in labour suite but not everything goes to plan.
Meanwhile, Margaret Jack is in hospital having her second baby - her speedy delivery gives experienced midwife Mary Taylor some anxious moments and first time mum Sarah Louise Farmer goes into labour at home in Lochinver. She is rushed to Raigmore by helicopter -will she make it in time?
We also meet Catherine Anne Mackinnon, who is having her 20 week scan. Technological advances mean she can see her developing baby in amazing detail.
Transmitted: Friday 30 September
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: A gu U: Na Thadhail Thu?
A new series with Shona Henderson taking an island journey through the Gaelic alphabet.
In the first programme Shona travels by ferry, explores the topic of island food, and asks what sort of people live in the Scottish islands.
Transmitted: Friday 30 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
The latest full-match coverage from the SPL as Hibs host Dundee United at Easter Road.
Transmitted: Saturday 24 September
Time: 5.30 – 7.30pm
Title: Alleluia!/Spiritual Music & Verse
Psalm 23 sung by the Glasgow Islay Choir, the hymn Be Thou My Vision by Kathleen Graham and Suzie Roberts tells how her faith sustained her through her personal battle with cancer. The programme is presented by Iain MacKinnon.
Transmitted: Sunday 25 September
Time: 7.30 – 8.00pm
Title: Trusadh - Turas a' Phapa (The Pope's Visit)
Last year saw the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Scotland - a visit that was not without its controversies after the recent scandals which rocked the position of the Catholic church globally.
This was the first time that the figurehead of the Catholic church had officially visited the country, and he's only the second Pope in history to visit, following Pope John Paul II's pastoral visit in 1982.
In 1982 John Archie MacMillan was a Catholic priest working in his island parish in Eriskay.
However, he left the priesthood 5 years later, disillusioned with the bureaucracy of the Church, and is now married with a family and working as a social worker. In a compelling personal journey he follows the build up to the visit, and attends the open air mass at Bellahouston Park, as he hears many different, fascinating views, and reflects on his own faith and the changing face of all Christianity in Scotland.
Transmitted: Monday 26 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Ceòl Country
Anne Morrison brings you some of the musical highlights from the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival. Among the artists showcased at the festival are South Mountain, Gene Watson and Dominic Kirwan.
In addition to the live music Anne travels to Texas for an exclusive acoustic performance from Landon Dodd, one of the rising stars in the Texas dancehall scene.
Transmitted: Tuesday 27 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
Title: Soillse - Samucha, The Last Shepherd
Samucha lives in the mountains of Tusheti, a tiny region in Georgia on the border with Chechnya. He's a fabulous horse rider, a shepherd, a musician, singer, and storyteller. This year, like every springtime, Samucha migrates with his flock of 2,000 sheep to reach the high plains of the Caucasus, located at an altitude of 4000 meters. But he feels tired and old. After this season, it will finally be time for him to retire. He will spend the summer on the plateau accompanied by his two sons, David and Kwiria, to whom he will hand over his herd.
Transmitted: Wednesday 28 September
Time: 9.00 – 9.50pm
Title: Siuthad Siubhal/Go! Explore! - Dundee/Fife
Our intrepid presenters tackle a variety of activities on offer in the Dundee/Fife area so don't be a couch potato! Go! Explore! The series is presented by Emma MacInnes and Derek ''Pluto'' Murray.
Transmitted: Thursday 29 September
Time: 10.00 – 10.30pm
Title: Midwives: Mnathan-Gluine
In the second programme in the series, labour suite sister Caron Cruickshank gives us an idea of the wide geographical area served by Raigmore hospital's Maternity Unit.
Mum to be Nicola's community midwife has taken a routine blood sample but the results give her cause for concern. Nicola is sent to Raigmore for further investigation and the decision is taken to induce her labour. Midwife Ishbel MacDonald is with Nicola in labour suite but not everything goes to plan.
Meanwhile, Margaret Jack is in hospital having her second baby - her speedy delivery gives experienced midwife Mary Taylor some anxious moments and first time mum Sarah Louise Farmer goes into labour at home in Lochinver. She is rushed to Raigmore by helicopter -will she make it in time?
We also meet Catherine Anne Mackinnon, who is having her 20 week scan. Technological advances mean she can see her developing baby in amazing detail.
Transmitted: Friday 30 September
Time: 8.30 – 9.00pm
Title: A gu U: Na Thadhail Thu?
A new series with Shona Henderson taking an island journey through the Gaelic alphabet.
In the first programme Shona travels by ferry, explores the topic of island food, and asks what sort of people live in the Scottish islands.
Transmitted: Friday 30 September
Time: 9.00 – 10.00pm
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