Scotland Outdoors Sunset Song - Exploring The Mearns - Part 2
Feb 12, 2025
Explore the enchanting Mearns region, rich with literary history thanks to Lewis Grassic Gibbon's influence. Discover the unique behaviors of lapwings amidst conservation challenges. Experience a picturesque stroll by Gannaghy Bridge, intertwined with local folklore and geological wonders. Delve into the historical allure of Drumtochte Glen's striking Sitka spruce. Unearth tales from a castle's past besieged by history and enjoy insights on resilient wildlife amid a complex legacy. Appreciate the stunning landscapes around Stonehaven and connect with local resources.
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Lapwings in the Mearns
- Lapwings, known as peewits, are farmland birds featured in Sunset Song.
- Helen Needham and Howell Mags observed lapwings at the RSPB's Loch of Strathbeg Reserve.
Lapwing decline and conservation efforts
- Lapwing populations have declined due to changes in agricultural practices, specifically the shift from spring- to autumn-sown crops.
- Collaborative efforts between the RSPB and farmers aim to reverse this trend through sympathetic grazing and wetland management.
Exploring the Mearns
- Chris Guthrie, the main character in Sunset Song, makes two excursions: one to Stonehaven and another to Edzell Castle.
- Mark Stephen and Ewan McElwraith explore the Mearns, the area depicted in the novel.
