Tree Felling At Alltsaigh
From Moriston Matters Issue 2, August 1977
For The Benefit Of Our Children
One of the most challenging tasks in the past year has been the commencement of clear-felling at Alltsaigh. The trees here are fifty years old and are some of the finest in the country for their age. Unfortunately working conditions have been very difficult because of the steep slopes and the amount of loose rock. Safety considerations have dominated our plans and as a result we have had to set up a traffic control on the main road to Inverness. We are very grateful to all road users for the way in which they have co-operated during this operation. Work has now stopped for the summer season but we expect further sales and, regrettably, delays on the road. These will be confined to the winter period over the next two or three years.
I mentioned that the current felling along Loch Ness-side between Invermoriston and Fort Augustus is almost completed. Work will switch to Glenmoriston itself with a major cut planned for the lower slopes between Livishie and Blaraidh on the south side of the river. The shape of this felling block has been carefully planned with advice from the Regional Council Planning Office. Replanting will take place within two to three years of felling. It is anticipated that over the next five years, there will be harvesting work in the parish of Glenmoriston for about fifteen men locally and about thirty to forty elsewhere in haulage, sawmilling, paper making and construction, using the products of the Glen. The fruits of fifty years' work are now being harvested but at the same time we are setting the scene for our children, who will benefit in the 21st century from the next rotation of trees.