The Assynt Foundation along with Woodland Trust Scotland is planning to deliver nature regeneration across Glencanisp and Drumrunie Estates, north of Ullapool, protecting, restoring and expanding woodlands including rare Atlantic rainforest, along with other habitats.
The 30-year project aims to create 2,000 to 2,500 acres of new native woodland in the first 5 to 10 years of the scheme, among a wider mosaic of trees, open moorland and mountains. Other habitats such as peatlands and river areas will also be improved over the 30 years, and 500 to 1,000 acres of existing ancient woodlands will be restored and expanded. The Estates extend in total to 44,000 acres and include Suilven, Canisp, Cul Mor, Cul Beag and other mountains.
The programme is being funded by insurance company Aviva, as part of a £10 million pounds donation to the Woodland Trust for nature restoration work across the UK. Woodland Trust Scotland will register carbon credits from the woodland creation to generate income which it will share with the Assynt Foundation, which is expected to receive £2 million to £2.5 million pounds, subject to tree growth.
Highland Council has given advance warning of temporary traffic restrictions which will be in place from next Thursday 17th July until Friday 8th August to reduce disruption of traffic likely to be caused by the Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival which will take place from 31st July till 2nd August.
Temporary 30 mph speed limits will be in force on parts of the A833 and A862 with a part of the A833 reduced to a 20 mph limit for a time. Use of minor roads close to the site may be prohibited or have manoeuvre restricted and a temporary one way restriction on Belladrum Road, Kiltarlity will also be in place. Access will be maintained at all times for emergency service vehicles. Full details are on the Highland Council website.
Ross County starts its competitive football season today in the group stages of the Premier Sports Scottish League Cup. County will make the long journey to Stranraer for its match which kicks off at 3 o’clock this afternoon.
The groups all have five teams which means one team in each group doesn’t have a fixture on every matchday. Inverness Caley Thistle is the team from its group which is not playing today. Its first competitive game will be on Tuesday against Elgin City.
