8 minute read
Big Bird Survey
House Sparrow Most Common Bird in Highland Gardens
Iain Ferguson In January a total of 78,066 people across Scotland (including me and I am sure some of you) took part in the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Big Garden Birdwatch. This was achieved using dedicated paperwork with pictures and names of the birds on which to record the numbers visiting the garden or area in which you would normally watch the birds.
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Across Scotland 1,527,163 birds were counted and the results broken down into various regions to give an indication of species distribution based on geography. A ‘Top Ten’ of the most numerous was also created.
Now in its 42nd year the event is also a great indicator of how different species are fairing in numbers, either thriving or declining, allowing ‘warning flags’ to be raised on environmental factors may be affecting them.
Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland said: “I am absolutely delighted with the number of people who have taken part in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch, making it the biggest year ever for RSPB Scotland.
“Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted which species are thriving and which are struggling in the garden bird world. It was first to alert the RSPB to the decline in song thrush numbers, which are still down 78 per cent across the UK compared to the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979.
“This species was a firm fixture in the top 10 in 1979. By 2009, its numbers were less than half those recorded in 1979, it came in at 20th in the rankings this year, seen in just 13% of Scottish gardens.”
HigHland results:-
in loving Memory of
MAUREEN (MO) SMITH 1941 – 2021 (Corpach) A loving wife to Jack, a caring mum to Calum and Ewen, a wonderful grandmother to her grandchildren, and a much-loved neighbour and friend. Mo will be fondly remembered, but sadly missed everyday by all her loved ones.
in loving Memory of
ELIZABETH (LIBBY) TURNER 1966 – 2021 (Kinlochleven) A loving wife to Thomas, a much-loved cousin and a great friend to so many. Libby will be greatly missed by all her family, friends and the wider community. You left this world but not the hearts of those that loved you the most.
memories. Rest In Peace.
in loving Memory of
DEREK MARTIN 1929 – 2021 (Achnacarry) With love we remember Derek Martin. A muchloved father to Paul, a special brother to Pam and so greatly loved by the wider family. Sadly missed but always remembered with fond and everlasting
in loving Memory of
JOHN FRASER 1954 – 2021 (Caol) A devoted husband to Margaret, a loving dad to Scott and Shaun, father-in-law, grandad to all his grandchildren, brother, colleague, neighbour and friend. John travelled around the world spending most, if not all his working life at sea. A good man who will be missed greatly, especially by his loving family. RIP.
MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS
10 Ba� lefi eld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
in loving Memory of
JULIE FERGUSON 1954 – 2021 (Inverness/Inverlochy) An adored wife to Roddy, a loving step mum to Gavin, a wonderful nana to Aria and a much-loved sister to Marylin and the late Ewen and a special and loyal friend to so many. Julie was a faithful, courageous and fun-loving lady who lived her life to the full. Remembered every day with treasured and special memories.
in loving Memory of
ISABEL (CORRIE) CORRIGAN 1937 – 2021 (Inverlochy) With everlasting memories, we remember Corrie. A special and loving mum to David and Meg, a wonderful granny to Laura, Sara, Shaun, Rachel and Sandy and great granny to Rowan, Alfi e, Isabella and Blossom auntie to Frances and a loyal and well-like friend to so many. A Lochaber character in her own right who will be sadly missed but never forgotten. RIP.
in loving Memory of
ROBERT (BOB) CLARK 1924 – 2021 (Roy Bridge) In loving memory of Robert (Bob) Clark, a loving father to Olga, Lillian and Morag, father-in-law, grandfather, relative, neighbour and friend. Sadly missed
in loving Memory of
MARY CONN 1934 – 2021 (Caol) A loving wife to the late James, a special mum to Ann, James and the late Mary, a much-loved mother-in-law to David, Jackie and Duncan, a wonderful nana to Duncan, Barry, James, Lee, Dean and Dominique and nana and great nana to Keira, James, Aimee, Dean, Demi, Ella, Kleo, Nina, Edie, Alice and Margo, neighbour and a loving friend. Forever in the hearts of those who loved her most.
in loving Memory of
ELLEN (EILISH) WHEELAN 1947 – 2021 (Fort William) With love we remember Eilish. An adored mum to Nicolle, Lorraine and Liz, a wonderful nana to Michelle, Lucy, Kai, Christopher, Tyler, Rory, Kian and Samuel, a muchloved mother-in-law, sister, aunt, colleague and a well-liked friend to many. Former proprietor at The Beauty Room, Fort William. Sadly missed everyday but remembered with a smile.
in loving Memory of
KATHLEEN (KATHY) WATSON 1937 – 2021 (Caol) Remembered every day with treasured memories, Kathy Watson, an adored mum to Jackie and father-in-law to Johnny, a wonderful nana to Clint and Vicki and kaka to Freddy and Finn, sister, auntie and a loving friend to so many. Kathy worked for over 20 years as a dedicated carer in Invernevis House, Fort William. Now at eternal rest with her beloved husband Willie.
MANSON & MACBEATH FUNERAL DIRECTORS
10 Ba� lefi eld Crescent, Inverlochy, Fort William PH33 6NB Tel (24 Hour): 01397 701110 www.mansonandmacbeath.co.uk
ACTIVE TRAVEL TRAIL TO GLENFINNAN ONE STEP CLOSER
The West Highland Community Rail Partnership (WHCRP) and Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG) are delighted to announce that plans for an active travel trail between Fort William and Glenfi nnan are looking brighter. Funding for a feasibility study has now been secured from Transport Scotland via Hitrans, the regional transport authority for the Highlands.
The vision for the feasibility study is to investigate route options for a high-quality path that runs at a safe distance from the heavy traffi c on the A830. The path will link the residential areas between Fort William and Glenfi nnan with the railway stations along the route and will hopefully reduce the number of cars travelling to Glenfi nnan. The proposed path will complement the ongoing work to improve infrastructure for active travel in Fort William, including LEGs public ebike share scheme and ScotRail’s active travel train carriages soon to be introduced on the West Highland Line.
A ‘Road to the Isles’ cycle path extending the National Cycle Network has been discussed for years, so the funding for the Glenfi nnan path feasibility study is an exciting step forward. The proposed path will connect with existing paths in Fort William improving opportunities for everyday commuting by bike and recreational riding.
The project group will be working with the feasibility study consultants, community groups, Hitrans, the Highland Council and ScotRail, as well as businesses and residents living along the route, to ensure that the plans take account of all accessibility requirements. If the active travel trail is deemed to be feasible, the next project stage will be ‘Concept Design’, one of three design stages that need to be completed before the construction stage.
The steering group are extremely grateful to Transport Scotland and Hitrans who have made the funding available for this project, with special thanks to Hitrans’ Active Travel Offi cer Vikki Trelfer whose help and support have been pivotal.
