Keeping one of Perthshire’s most spectacular mountains in top condition is like “painting the Forth Bridge”, the expert in charge of its care has said.
Dr Liz Auty said this was a result of Schiehallion’s popularity with families. The wildlife and botany expert is to take over the running of the iconic Munro on behalf of the John Muir Trust.
She said: “Because of its easy access from much of central Scotland and its relative safety in good weather, Schiehallion is one of Scotland’s most popular and family-friendly mountains.
“The trust is always keen to encourage people out on to the hills but maintaining the footpath and keeping it clear of litter can make it feel like painting the Forth Bridge.
“We want to encourage people to experience the fantastic, panoramic views from the summit. We would ask the public, in turn, to leave nothing behind them on the mountain except boot prints.”
She added that the paths on Schiehallion are to have thousands of pounds spent on repairing them.
“The trust is planning to spend £10,000 this year on repairs to the main footpath,” she said. “The mountain gets 20,000 visitors every year, which can take its toll especially after the wet winter we’ve just had. There is erosion on some stretches of the path so we’re hiring a team of contractors to get that sorted.”
A Cambridge University graduate, Dr Auty lives in Auchterarder with her husband and two children. Since 2007, she has been the trust’s national biodiversity officer, working out on the land on trust properties across Scotland.
Now, she is relishing the challenge of looking after a Munro that attracts thousands of walkers every year and is home to hundreds of animal and plant species.
“I’m really pleased to be taking on this role,” she said. “Schiehallion, the Fairy Hill of the Caledonians, has everything its Alpine-like peak rises straight up from the heart of Scotland, it is steeped in legend and folklore, it is home to more than 300 species, including some of Scotland’s rarest wildlife, it has dozens of fascinating archaeological structures and it has a unique place in the history of mathematics, science and geography.”
Exactly 240 years ago this summer, Britain’s Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne, conducted a ground-breaking experiment on Schiehallion to calculate the density and weight of the Earth. As a spin-off from that work, the concept of contour lines was developed.
Dr Auty said: “I will also be working in close partnership with our neighbours the Highland Perthshire Community Trust, which owns Duncoillich, the Forestry Commission and the Kynachan estate,” she said. “We would like to work towards a network of native woodlands across the four estates.
“We will also be stepping up the number of species studies carried out on East Schiehallion. The Black Grouse, we know, have been doing well, and last year’s beautiful summer was great for the rare Mountain Ringlet butterfly.”