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Council ‘On the Right Track’?

EDINBURGH’S WALKING, WHEELING AND CYCLING TRENDS REVEALED

The biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in urban areas in the UK and Ireland

Half of Edinburgh residents want to see more spent on walking, wheeling and cycling improvements across the city, according to a new report.

The biannual Walking and Cycling Index, delivered in partnership between Sustrans and the City of Edinburgh Council, draws on independent survey feedback from a cross-section of more than 1,200 residents in the Capital, surveyed in 2023.

Today Sustrans joined the City of Edinburgh Council to officially launch the Index with a panel discussion on access to walking, wheeling cycling in the city.

Amongst the findings, the report shows that 50% would like to see more spent on cycling while 57% want investment in walking and wheeling and 68% support an increase in spend on public transport. Almost half of residents want to walk and wheel (45%) and cycle (49%) more too, along with a quarter who want to use public transport more, and improved infrastructure is key to this.

Regular walking and wheeling remains as high as 2021, with two-thirds of people travelling by foot or wheel five days a week. The annual number of cycling trips has increased to 30.7 million from 24.4 million in 2021, although the number of residents cycling at least once a week dropped slightly from 26% to 22%.

The majority of residents think their local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach – with more and easier to access shops and everyday services (say 79%) and parks and greenspaces close to home (according to 78%) amongst the incentives to walking and wheeling more.

Sixty-nine per cent agree they can already get to many places they need to visit without having to drive.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As ever, the Walking and Cycling Index makes an extremely interesting read, and it’s thanks to the many people from all parts of the city who took part in the survey last year.

“Edinburgh is a compact, walkable city, as demonstrated by the many people who already regularly walk, wheel and cycle here. However, what’s clear from the Index is that there’s still much to be done to encourage even more people make the shift to travel on foot, wheel, bike or, in some cases, public transport.

“Thankfully, we’re on the right track, with an ambitious programme of development underway which will transform the way people travel around the city, and the results of the Walking and Cycling Index reassure us that we have the backing of Edinburgh’s residents to invest in these kinds of changes.

“The majority of residents think local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach, and we will consult on this approach via our proposals to make Dalry greener, healthier and more vibrant.

“From our recent ban on pavement parking to the completion of the City Centre West to East Link, as well as longer term plans like the tram line between Granton and the BioQuarter and City Centre Transformation, we’re working to make Edinburgh a truly people-friendly city.”

Karen McGregor, Director, Sustrans Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank the people of Edinburgh who gave us their time to take part in the Walking and Cycling Index. The results show that making walking, wheeling and cycling the most accessible and desirable form of transport is of great importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis.

“There is clear evidence that people in Scotland’s capital want the option to walk, wheel and cycle to where they need to get to more often. The recent ban on pavement parking in the city is a huge step forward, but the Index also shows that people living in Edinburgh want safe, accessible cycle paths and pedestrian crossings; and they want more investment in public transport.

“The latest Index results show that The City of Edinburgh Council has the backing of the public to build on the work it has already started to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle to get around.”

Other findings in the Index include inequalities and varied perceptions of walking, wheeling and cycling amongst different groups. Twenty-eight per cent of men cycle at least once a week compared to 16% of women, while the proportion of white residents who walk or wheel at least five days a week (67%) is higher than people from ethnic minority groups (55%).

Participants in the survey shared their views on the kinds of improvements that would encourage them to walk, wheel and cycle more. Some of the changes that would encourage people to travel by foot or wheel are fewer cars parked on pavements (67%), nicer places on streets to stop and rest (71%) and wider pavements (68%).

Seventy-three per cent said more traffic free cycle paths away from roads and 65% highlighted segregated cycle paths on roads as improvements that would help them to cycle more, while 58% support building more cycle paths physically separated from traffic and pedestrians, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic.

The report also emphasises the benefits already being delivered by people walking, wheeling and cycling in the Capital. By taking up to 160,000 cars off the road every day, each year they help prevent 1,314 serious long-term health conditions, create £262.6 million in economic benefits and save 42,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Read the full Edinburgh Walking and Cycling Index 2023 report.

Blind veterans take to the hills for life-changing winter survival course

A group of inspirational Sight Scotland Veterans recently ventured up the Cairngorms to participate in a life-changing Winter Skills Course.

The veterans, who were understandably apprehensive and nervous before the climb, enjoyed a great couple of days learning about winter navigation, mountain weather and avalanche forecasts, using ice axes and crampons, moving on snow and ice, ice axe arrests and what to do in an emergency.

It was an experience they never imagined they could do because of their visual impairment and gave them a huge boost in confidence and independence.

The veterans who attended were Iain Young, 60 from East Linton, an RAF veteran coping with stargardt syndrome; Ian Hunter, 65 from Tullibody, an Army veteran who lost central vision due to three brain surgeries and an optical stroke; and Steven Williams, 41 from Edinburgh, a veteran who sustained his vision impairment during active service. Steven is also a Centre Officer at the charity’s Linburn Activity Centre in West Lothian.

Iain Young explains: “We all travelled up with quite a lot of trepidation as we were unsure whether we were capable of doing the course; both physically and due to our visual impairments.

“When we arrived at the lodge we were fitted with our equipment and were talked through what to expect the following day; I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to do it as I have long covid. But I was reassured to give it a go.

“I am just so happy that I did, as the whole experience was amazing. Our instructors were great, we practically received personal instruction and were taken through everything we were doing on the hill step by step, constantly being reassured we would only do what we could manage.

“Then before you knew it, we were at the top, which was incredible, it was only when we came down we actually realised how high up we were, we were all buzzing. It really did show us all what we can do, it was a real sense of achievement.

“I would do it again in a heartbeat, it was ten times better than I could ever have imagined. It gave us all such a massive confidence boost, not just while we were there but in everyday life, as it showed us to believe in ourselves more.

“So we went worrying about what we couldn’t do and came back feeling reinvigorated, it was so good for us mentally.

“It helped us to almost relive what it was like to be in the forces again; pushing each other, camaraderie and using skills we all thought we had forgotten. I always think confidence breeds competence, I can’t thank the organisers enough.”

Ian Hunter commented: “This was the first night I have spent away from my wife since 2017, so it was massive in terms of my confidence and independence. I really was not sure about doing the course, but I was encouraged to push myself, so I went for it.

“It gave me a real sense of what I can do, and I already have another walk planned to Hadrian’s Wall.

“It does show you that in life you shouldn’t be worried about what you can’t do, even with a visual impairment, we should all be encouraged to push ourselves, try new things and most importantly to continue doing the things that we love.”

Steven Williams adds: “I went as veteran with a visual impairment, not as a worker for the charity, and like the other two I was apprehensive about it even though I am a bit younger.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but we all just got so much out of it. The first day we were climbing the hill, using ice axes, crampons and learning new techniques to walk in deep snow, the second day was more about navigating and learning about our surroundings, we all had experiences of this during our time in the Armed Forces and Able2Adventure were constantly adding challenges to push us on, it really was a very inspirational and empowering trip.”

The course was organised by Able2Adventure, a company which strongly believes in the long-term benefits of participation in outdoor activities on physical and mental health.

Through adventurous activities disabled people can strengthen muscles/ build balance and co-ordination, develop social networks and increase confidence and independence.

Gemma Hendry, from Able2Adventure, who was lead instructor on the course, said she found the veterans both resilient and inspiring. She says: “I’m thrilled that our visitors from Sight Scotland Veterans gained so much from the Winter Skills Course.

“They were incredibly organized, resilient, and eager to dive into activities. As we progressed, their belief and confidence visibly grew, and by the end, they were effectively managing themselves.

“They even taught me new techniques, like using reference points and navigating with a clock face, which we will now use with other groups. It was also great to see how much they wanted to have fun; by the end, we were all gleefully sliding down snowy hills like children!”

For more information please visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or call our support line on 0800 035 6409.

Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin’s Back!

Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin’ is back in partnership with Edinburgh Tradfest to offer an exciting opportunity for young musicians in 2024, with support from the William Grant Foundation.

EYG Big Band is a three-day programme for ages 13–18. It will be led by some of Scotland’s finest musicians, who will support participants to learn traditional music together and create their own arrangements as a group. Band tutors are Kirsty Law, Tom Oakes and Lori Watson, supported by Shea Martin and Jonathan Foster.

New for 2024, there will be two optional taster workshops in advance of the EYG weekend, where young people can try out some music-making together and get to know each other and the tutors.

This event is for young people who would like to develop their skills on their instrument, play with other young musicians, sing, write their own songs and learn tunes. There will be also be exclusive performances and Q&A sessions from some of the acts appearing at Edinburgh Tradfest. EYG Big Band is all about creativity, making friends through music and having fun.

Taster workshops will take place 10am–1pm on 20^thand 27^thApril at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh.

EYG Big Band will be based at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh from 10am–4pm on 4^th–6^thMay. The group will perform on the evening of 6th May as part of Edinburgh Tradfest’s special commission show, Everyone’s Welcome To Edinburgh.

Tickets and registration: https://eygbigband2024.eventbrite.co.uk

Pay-what-you-can and fully-subsidised places available.

Replacement plaque installed at the Melville Monument

“We cannot allow people to silence history” – Foysol Choudhury MSP

A replacement plaque has been installed at the base of the Melville Monument in St Andrew Square.

The replacement features the same wording as the original plaque which was stolen in September 2023.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “I’m glad that a replacement plaque has been installed this morning. Since the original plaque was stolen last September, I’ve been clear that we will not allow the actions of a minority to derail the important ongoing work to address the legacies of slavery and colonialism in our city.

“Following the refusal of the Melville Monument Committee to return the original plaque, we filed an official report with Police Scotland in October. This investigation is ongoing, and our legal team will continue to monitor the situation closely.

“We’ll also be seeking to recover the costs of this replacement plaque from the Melville Monument Committee.

“We’re rightly proud of the steps we’ve taken to properly address the legacies of slavery and colonialism here in Edinburgh.

“From conducting an independent review chaired by Sir Geoff Palmer, to carrying out the recommendations through the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group (ESCLRIG) under the leadership of Irene Mosota, we’re committed to being a modern, inclusive and welcoming capital city.”

Chair of ESCLRIG, Irene Mosota said: “Today is a really significant milestone for our city, with the return of the plaque to the base of the Melville Monument. It’s only through properly acknowledging and exploring our collective past that we can address the challenges of the present and putting ourselves in a strong position to shape a positive future.

“This is a very exciting time for ESCLRIG as we now look towards implementing the recommendations of the independent review. Together, I’m confident that we can forge the foundations for a more tolerant, just, and equal Edinburgh that we can all be proud of.”

Edinburgh Council, together with Sir Geoff Palmer and heritage experts, agreed the wording for a new plaque which was installed on the monument in 2021, to expose Dundas’ role in slavery and to recognise those who suffered enslavement as a consequence. The new replacement plaque has the same wording.

Foysol Choudhury, Labour list MSP for Lothian, supported the retention of the plaque after a descendent of Dundas submitted a planning application to remove it last year.

Following the news that a replacement plaque was installed yesterday (18 March) Mr Choudhury commented: “I am glad a replacement plaque has now been installed on the Melville Monument.

“We cannot allow people to silence history – we must address Scotland’s past and build the trust of communities across Scotland who are affected by modern-day consequences, such as racism, of this past.

“The removal of the plaque was a step backwards in our fight to address Scotland’s historical role in slavery and colonialism and caused severe damage to trust from the communities who this past has affected.

“I’m glad that a replacement plaque has now been installed to address historical prejudices and educate the public on parts of Scottish history which have caused decades of hate, racism and discrimination.

“I hope that this important work continues to build a more equitable, just future for Edinburgh and Scotland which addresses past wrongs and their modern-day consequences.”

SILENT SLAUGHTER: £60 MILLION slashed from Edinburgh’s health and social care services

TWO CITY CARE HOMES TO CLOSE
THIRD SECTOR PROJECTS HIT WITH £1.4 MILLION CUT

TWO council-run care homes – Clovenstone and Ford’s Road – will close and third sector projects will see their funding cut by 10 per cent – £1.4 million – following yesterday’s Edinburgh Integration Joint Board meeting.

Board members were faced with a stark choice – accept the swingeing package of cuts tabled or leave the officers to do it themselves. The meeting heard there was no realistic alternative – no Plan B.

UNISON City of Edinburgh branch secretary David Harrold told EIJB board members: “Each and every one of you is presiding over the silent slaughter of Edinburgh’s essential care services. Yet each and every one of you has the ability to stop this by speaking out.”

But despite impassioned pleas from a succession of delegations urging a rethink, board members voted without dissent to accept officer recommendations to slash costs by almost £60 MILLION in an attempt to balance their books.

As ever, it’s the most vulnerable that will suffer most – the poorest communities, carers, older people … all will feel the effects of cuts of this magnitude.

The cuts will see projects cutting back the services they currently provide and in some cases will make redundancies inevitable.

Cuts to core funding will also limit match funding opportunities, and voluntary boards and management committees now face some dreadful decisions with the start of the new financial year less than two weeks away.

Other health and social care partnerships across the country are facing the same financial challenges:

EIJB-Savings-and-Recovery-Programme-202425-1-1 Download

Young people urged to wear seat belts in new life-saving campaign

THINK! Launches CLICK, the first new seat belt campaign for 13 years
aimed at young men, it will highlight how a simple click can save lives
partners include various county football associations, which will promote belting up on matchday

A new campaign to remind young men to CLICK their seat belt in a bid to shift attitudes and save lives on roads across England and Wales has launched.

Every week, 4 young people aged 17 to 29 are either killed or seriously injured on our roads when not wearing a seat belt, with young men more likely to not wear one, especially on short or well-known journeys. In 2022, 30% of fatalities among 17- to 29-year-olds were unbelted.

To help combat this, alongside targeted advertising on roadside posters, radio and social media, CLICK will collaborate with several partners, including various county football associations and local clubs to promote ‘belting up’ when travelling to matchdays to keep themselves and their teammates safe.

Taxi and private hire vehicle companies, including Uber, are also supporting the campaign and looking to introduce direct reminders to passengers to wear their seat belt when making journeys in cabs.

Roads Minister, Guy Opperman, said: “We know how important wearing a seat belt is, reducing the risk of death for drivers in a collision by 50%.

This campaign is part of the government’s plan to make our roads even safer and aims to make clicking in a seat belt second nature to young men, who currently run the highest risk of death or serious injury – reminding them that a simple CLICK can save lives.

Backed by £1.2 million of funding, this campaign – the first seat belt specific campaign since 2011 – pulls on relatable, personal moments between friends to drive home the consequences of not wearing a seat belt.

It acts as a reminder that something as simple as clicking your seat belt could save your life and that of your friends.

RAC road safety spokesman, Rod Dennis, said: “To most people, it’s second nature to wear a seat belt, but every time someone forgets to click theirs into place, they’re putting themselves and other passengers at risk.

“Young male drivers are much more likely to be seriously injured or killed than any other age group because they haven’t buckled up. For this reason, we’re in full support of THINK!’s ‘CLICK’ campaign urging all car occupants to wear their belts in transit, but especially young male audiences for whom this message could literally save lives.”

The campaign will also serve as a reminder of the importance of wearing a seat belt when travelling on a minibus, bus or coach, with drivers expected to clearly signpost rules and individual responsibilities when it comes to belting up, and with passengers over 14 expected to take responsibility for themselves and ensure they are buckled up.

Leith murder: Nashir Ahmed’s family pays tribute as hunt goes on

POLICE are continuing enquiries following the murder of 65-year-old Nashir Ahmed on Sunday, 10 March, 2024.

Mr Ahmed was standing with a 48-year-old man at a bus stop on Ferry Road, Edinburgh, Leith Library, around 8.30pm when they were approached by another man who then attacked them.

Emergency services attended and both men were taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Mr Ahmed later died in hospital on Friday, 15 March, 2024.

Mr Ahmed’s family said: “Nashir was a loving husband and father. He was a big part of our family and we are devastated at losing him.

“He was heavily involved in Edinburgh’s Bangladeshi community and will be greatly missed. He loved life and cared for all his family and friends. We will always remember his warmth and his kindness.”

His attacker is described as black, around 30-years of age, with short, dark hair. He was wearing a red tartan scarf and a long, black jacket with a hood.

Man wearing white hat and shirt sitting on a boat with water and swans behind him.

Detective Chief Inspector George Calder said: “A family has been left feeling bereft as they come to terms with losing someone so integral to their lives. The circumstances are heart breaking, and I can’t possibly imagine the pain they are feeling during these difficult times.

“We continue to follow up several lines of inquiry and I would reiterate my appeal to anyone who has any information about this crime or the person responsible to contact us. Any small piece of information could be crucial in our ongoing investigation, so please do pass it on.

“Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference 2805 of 10 March. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Avant Homes to build £43.85m, 170 new home development in Rosyth

Avant Homes Scotland will deliver 170 new homes in Rosyth with a gross development value of £43.85m after acquiring a 16.5-acre site with planning permission off Admiralty Road.

Called Stewart’s Quarter, the development will comprise a mix of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes.

It will feature 13 of Avant Homes’ practically designed, energy-efficient detached and semi-detached properties. Prices for homes at Stewart’s Quarter will be released at a later date.

The housebuilder will be investing around £27m to deliver the development, supporting local businesses and communities over a five-year period.

Stewart’s Quarter will form part of the Rosyth Garden Village master plan which will see the delivery of a mixed-use development. Once complete, it will comprise up to 390 new homes, retail units, offices, sheltered housing and a care home.

Work has started at Stewart’s Quarter and it is anticipated the first homes will be released for sale towards the end of March. A show home is scheduled to open this September and the first residents are scheduled to move into their new homes in October.

Avant Homes Scotland managing director, Jim Wilkinson, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to acquire what is an excellent residential development site in Rosyth. It is a great place to live which will be enhanced even further by the Rosyth Garden Village master plan.

“Our objective is to build quality new homes for everyone and our mix of practically designed, energy efficient properties at Stewart’s Quarter available at a range of price points will ably demonstrate that.

“We already have many enquiries from people wanting to live at the development and now we have started work it has stimulated further interest. We look forward to releasing the first homes for sale and providing people with the opportunity to make their ideal next move.”

Edinburgh-based Avant Homes Scotland currently has nine live developments. These range from Craigowl Law in Dundee to Draffen Park in Stewarton.

Avant Homes Scotland is part of the Avant Homes Group, whose house types are ideal for the private, rented, and affordable sectors. The company operates across Scotland, the north of England and Midlands from eight regional operating businesses.

At present, Avant Homes Group employs more than 600 people. The housebuilder’s ambition is to develop its multi-tenure business further across its existing regions and beyond, creating communities as well as providing employment opportunities.

Avant Homes Group is also committed to its environmental, social and governance (ESG) responsibilities in line with its vision to construct and sell “quality homes, for everyone”.

The housebuilder’s ESG strategy recognises its obligations to all stakeholders to deliver a sustainable future. Avant Homes’ house types are significantly more energy efficient compared to existing housing stock and appeal to a wide range of customers with different affordability requirements.

Each of Avant Homes’ developments provides a safe place for employees and sub-contractors to work as well supporting its supply chain. The housebuilder creates communities in places where people want to live.

Avant Homes is committed to securing sustainable growth through private for sale, PRS and additional affordable housing.

This better serves customers and communities, particularly where the cost of living has increased and affordability is stretched.

Avant Homes has invested in the internal expertise to develop and deliver strategic relationships with PRS investors as well as affordable housing providers.

The Group recently announced the sale of 306 new homes across eight developments to a leading private rented housing provider, Sigma Capital Group, for over £59.5m.

Four of the developments are in north east England, two in Yorkshire with the balance in the East Midlands. This significant PRS transaction demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver a significant volume of quality new homes to a major PRS investor.

For the year ended 30 June 2023, the Avant Homes Group delivered 1,766 completions.

For further information visit www.avanthomes.co.uk

Developer gifts 34 acres of land to local community in East Lothian

Scottish developer Ken Ross, CEO of Hallhill Developments (HDL), is continuing to support the community of Dunbar by gifting 34 acres of land to the Dunbar Community Development & Heritage Trust (Trust) in a partnership with the local council and local community.

The land has been symbolically presented to the Trust for the sum of £1 and was accepted by Trust Chairman Norman Hampshire. This brings the total land gifted by the company over the last few years to the local community up to almost 100 acres.

The Trust plan to create a quality path network, a woodland classroom for local schools, a children’s play area, and a football pitch and changing rooms. Other exciting plans, subject to approval, include a skate park and pump track, and a community café. A Woodland Management Plan will also be developed to benefit the community of Dunbar and its local wildlife.

As part of its commitment to the local community and reflecting its sustainable values, in addition to the land gifted today, HDL previously gifted 15 acres of land which now hosts the Healthy Living Centre. This is a community sports hub with excellent facilities and is home to most of the community sports clubs in the town.

Land was also provided to East Lothian Council at a subsidised cost to deliver the primary school. In addition, over 50 acres of woodland has previously been gifted by HDL to the Trust, which is managed by Lochend Community Woodland Trust for the use of the community.

Ken Ross is passionate about creating healthy environments for people to live, work and play. His team, together with East Lothian Council, the Trust and others, incorporate active travel, safe routes to school together with access to open space and woodland areas to encourage and facilitate healthier lifestyles in their developments.

Hallhill Developments has been involved in the Dunbar area for over 30 years. An independent economic assessment in 2018 by Mackay Consulting identified that more than 600 jobs have been created in the area. To date, over £40m is now being contributed to the local economy every year at Hallhill and 1,700 homes have been built or are under construction in the area.

Since the inception of Hallhill, the population of Dunbar has increased from around 8,500 to circa 14,400, facilitating the delivery of education, road infrastructure and sporting facilities for the town.

Ken Ross, Director of Hallhill Developments, said: “Hallhill is now an area where people want to work, live, and play. Creating sustainable developments that will help to address climate change and the wider healthy living needs of the community is extremely important and is part of the wider vision of Hallhill Developments.

“This land is a gift to the local community of Dunbar, via the Trust. We want to see local people having access to this land and utilising it for a variety of active lifestyle purposes. I’m delighted with the plans the Trust have for the land.”

Norman Hampshire, East Lothian Council Leader and Chair of the Dunbar Community Development & Heritage Trust commented: “I am delighted on behalf of the Trust to accept this further gift of land for the people of Dunbar.

“This project is a perfect example of how a partnership of the Community, Council and a developer can work together to create a strong sustainable community.

“The Community will produce a Woodland Management Plan to improve the woodland for the benefit of the Dunbar community and its wildlife. We will have a quality path network and a woodland classroom that will be an asset for the school.

“The open space area in the middle of the woodland already has planning consent for a football pitch and changing rooms, along with a children’s play area. The Trust have applied to also deliver a skate park and pump track, along with a community café alongside the football pitch. This will complete one of the best community sports and recreation facilities in Scotland.”

Explorers wanted to take part in Wildlife Watch of Loch Ness

Loch Ness Centre calling for eager explorers to join 8-month search

Last summer, The Loch Ness Centre hosted one of the largest ever hunts for Nessie. Over the course of the weekend, thousands of people took part, searching for the elusive creature that has captured the world’s imagination. Results from the weekend included an influx of mysterious sightings and unexplained noises, furthering the belief that something is out there waiting to be discovered.

This Spring, The Loch Ness Centre is embarking on another exhilarating journey as they delve into the mysteries in and around the famous loch. From March 29^th to November 3^rd, the Centre will be conducting research to map and photograph the vibrant wildlife thriving around the Scottish waters.

The Loch Ness Centre is asking both locals and visitors to join the search in attempt to uncover the secrets of Loch Ness and document the magnificent deer, graceful salmon, enigmatic eels, or perhaps even the legendary monster.

With the new season on the horizon, The Loch Ness Centre is gearing up to welcome a flurry of new visitors eager to learn more about the iconic loch and its history.

Spring is synonymous with new life and budding nature, the perfect time for The Loch Ness Centre to launch its Wildlife Watch and encourage people, from near and far, to look out for the beauty and abundance of wildlife in and around the Loch.

The Scottish Highlands is home to a variety of amazing wildlife and eager eyes may witness playful otters, majestic buzzards and kites, whimsical red squirrels, and the awe-inspiring flights of eagles and ospreys.

Participants are being asked to report on what they see and when, alongside further details such as the weather conditions and the loch’s surface water condition, with all findings being logged for the final report in November. Where possible watchers are being asked to take a photo of any findings.

The warmer weather also facilitates the return of the Deepscan Cruises, giving visitors the opportunity to climb onboard with Captain Alistair Matheson, to search the water right from the source. This one-of-a-kind, intimate experience takes guests on a journey across the incredible body of water, to witness the breath-taking beauty of Urquhart Castle and search the depths of the loch using world-class sonar equipment on board.

Paul Nixon, General Manager of the Loch Ness Centre, said: “We’re so excited to be launching our Wildlife Watch.

“When talking about Loch Ness we instantly think of Nessie, yet there are so many other amazing creatures right on our doorstep here in Loch Ness. We encourage everybody to take part in spotting some of Scotland’s amazing wildlife and who knows what else, or who else, you might see along the way!

“We can’t wait to see what people find and document, to give us a better understanding of what we share this amazing place with.”

Anyone can join the adventure and be part of the Wildlife Watch, whether that’s from onboard the Deepscan or watching from the loch shores.

To take part, wildlife watchers can fill in the form and attach your image or video: https://lochness.com/wildlife-watch/

For more information on The Loch Ness Centre and to make a booking, please visit: https://lochness.com