And finally…Scottish mountains up for ‘adoption’

Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest mountain, is among four Scottish peaks being offered for “adoption” in one-acre plots as a gift for Christmas.

The John Muir Trust is inviting outdoors lovers to raise funds to be used to preserve the landscape of the famous peaks.

Ben Nevis in Lochaber, Perthshire’s “Fairy Hill” Schiehallion, dramatic Bla Bheinn on Skye and Ladhar Bheinn in Knoydart are being offered in one-acre plots at a price of £25 a year.

The scheme, launched last year, has already proven a resounding success, with hundreds of acres snapped up for adoption.

Daisy Clark, of the John Muir Trust, said: “For those who love Scotland’s world-famous mountain landscapes, this could be the ideal Christmas gift. Every Adopt an Acre gift purchased will help care for an acre of wild mountain landscape for a year by maintaining footpaths, enhancing the landscape and protecting wildlife habitats.

“It’s ideally suited for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors.”

Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the British Isle at 4,411ft.

Schiehallion derives from the Gaelic name Sidh Chailleann – “Fairy Hill of the Caledonians” and stands 3,553ft.

Bla Bheinn, or Blaven, is an eastern outlier of the Black Cuillin on the Isle of Skye, reaching 3,044ft at the highest point.

And Ladhar Bheinn is Scotland’s most westerly mainland Munro, reaching 3,346ft.