Other Campaigns - Brief Campaign History
- Lingerbay Superquarry
- Reinstating climbing in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
- Glen Brittle Tourism Facilities
- Dumbarton Rock, Dumbarton
- Ratho Quarry Access for Climbers
Lingerbay Superquarry
A major campaign was fought by members of Scottish Wildlife LINK, to prevent this superquarry, which would have seen the complete destruction of the main hill of the Isle of Harris. It was seen as a test case, as another 7 sites (also mainly within National Scenic Areas) were earmarked for superquarry development and included areas such as Glen Coe, Torridon and the Kyle of Tongue. MCofS were part of the action group and gave evidence at the Public Inquiry in 1994/95.
In his first day in office as the new Environment Minister in 2000, Sam Galbraith ended years of dithering and turned down the application. The developers, French multi national Lafarge, who had taken over the original applicants Redland Aggregates, then launched a series of appeals but eventually abandoned the project in 2004.
Reinstating climbing in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
During Holyrood Parks' review of the management of the park, MCofS lobbied hard to allow climbers access again (without the attendant excitement of the chase by the 'Parkies' - Park Police - and the confiscation of climbing gear if you were too slow). MCofS finally secured unrestricted access to the South Quarry.
Glen Brittle Tourism Facilities
Dunvegan Estate, Skye, twice put forward proposals for a major tourism development near the campsite in Glen Brittle. Major campaigns by MCofS saw both developments prevented in order to retain the unique character of the Glen.
Dumbarton Rock, Dumbarton
After the initial development of sport climbing on the right wing of Dumbarton Rock, Historic Scotland removed the bolts and placed a ban on climbing. MCofS negotiated resumption of access for climbers.
The pictures shows MCofS President Nick Kempe meeting Historic Scotland staff at Dumbarton Rock to discuss continued access to climbers.
Ratho Quarry Access for Climbers
Wimpey's plans to infill Ratho Quarry were defeated (twice) in co-operation with local climbers and the Ratho Community.
Long term access has now been guaranteed as the quarry is the site for the National Rock Climbing Centre. For further information please visit www.eica-ratho.co.uk.
