[remus]

Form Steve Blake on the county psyche facebook group, 9th feb 2018.

Kyloe In Access...... I'm pleased to say that the access issue to Kyloe In has been resolved. Scottish Woodlands have confirmed that access is now permitted at all times, regardless of stalking activity. BUT - you must approach the crag via the usual track described in the guide and not deviate from it or the crag. Do not 'thrash' through the woodland from Kyloe Out. For those not familiar with it, the 'usual' track starts at the northern gate.(GR NU 03532 38982) 'Follow the forest road up a slight incline. After about 600m A track merges from the right, ignore this and continue to a fork 100m ahead . Take the right branch. Follow the right fork for 300m then turn right at the T-junction. The rocks soon appear to the left of the track just after an obvious disclaimer sign.' There isn't a lot of parking so park sensibly, don't block the gate, DO NOT light fires! and pack out any rubbish. A BMC sign will be posted on the gate in the near future. If there are any incidents; either of selfish behaviour, or adverse contact with a stalker please let Franco Cookson or myself know. Remember, access to Kyloe In is a privilege, not a right and inconsiderate or irresponsible behaviour can lose it.

[Stewart]

We had some issues on Sunday again. There was a sign up saying no entry due to shooting. After a bit of debate and checking BMC website, ukc and in here we decided it didn't apply to climbers as long as we stuck to the path and the crag. On the way up we meet an employee and stalker coming down. The Scottish woodland employee was, understandably, irked we ignored his sign. Not being local we thought it was up all the time to deter walkers as the BMC guidelines are very clear. I've dropped a PM to Franco, in the meantime it's probably best to avoid if the sign is up as the guy does put it up and down when shooting is in progress. We left it amicably, he was happy for us to continue as he was just leaving and we totally understand he doesn't want to be responsible for a stray ricochet. His arguement seemed reasonable to me but I think the BMC guidelines may need amended.

[SB]

This is very odd.... Scottish Woodlands management have categorically stated that access is permitted at all times, even when shooting is taking place. This was checked and confirmed.

I'll get onto the office tomorrow to find out what's going on.

BTW, both Franco and i are Access Reps.

Regards,

Steve

[SB]

I have spoken this afternoon with the Land Agent for Scottish Woodlands.

He was aware of the contact between climbers, the stalker and an SW employee. He has confirmed that the access arrangement which allows access at any time stands, as long as the described route along the forest track is taken to the crag and you don't wander away from the rocks.

He is well aware of the significance of the crag and the distances folks travel to use it.  He has spoken directly to the stalker about the arrangement, hopefully there will be no more incidents with either the stalker or SW staff.

If an issue does arise then please let Franco or myself know.

Merry Christmas and good connies to all!

Steve

[SA Chris]

Well done Steve and Franco for resolving.

Ho Ho Ho and all that.

[Stewart]

Thanks Steve, although we were fairly sure we were in the right it was hard to argue when the employee kept asking if we'd ignored his large 'no access, shooting in progress' sign. Our answer that 'yes we'd read it but didn't think it applied to us if we stuck to the path' did sound a little weak and i fully understand the employee wouldn't want to be responsible for any accidents, however unlikely. We certainly didn't want to inflame the situation.

Anyway, good news. I have no reason not to go back and get crouching tiger done now 

[Franco]

There is felling taking place at the moment at Kyloe. Scottish Woodlands have been in touch. They've been really good with allowing access over the last year or so and have asked me to pass on this message. As always, be friendly and pass on any information on interactions you have to me or Steve Blake if you think they contradict the current situation. Thanks:
"Whilst I am not proposing that access be halted for the duration of these operations, I would appreciate if you could pass this information on to your fellow climbers so that they can take extra care along the access track to the crags. We will be erecting a full set of warning signs at the entrance and on the worksite to increase awareness. The operation is likely to be complete by the end of February."

[SA Chris]

Can we ask them to chop back some trees to let a bit more light in?

[SB]

The felling that Franco has reported will be in the area left of the track, before it kicks uphill and left. There's been felling in this area before.  Can I remind every one that large timber wagons will be using the gate, so please park well away from the turning arc and don't restrict access.

Cheers,

Steve