The
Mountaineering
Council of Scotland is calling on
The Ramblers to
reverse a decision to close the Ramblers Scotland office and make staff
redundant, meanwhile Ramblers Scotland has launched an appeal to save
their HQ and safeguard jobs.
The decision is a result of the credit crunch and associated
economic downturn which has seen the Ramblers' income fall drastically.
As a result, the Ramblers GB Board has decided to cut the budget for
work in Wales and Scotland.
Currently the Scottish budget is some £381,000 but from
October, that's set to be cut to just £81,000 with the
Scottish HQ being cut and seven staff possibly losing their jobs to be
replaced with just two employees working from home on lower salaries.
Chris Townsend, MCofS President comments:
'Ramblers Scotland is a major force in access and conservation work
north of the border. This move will have serious consequences in
Scotland and suggests that the Ramblers Board in London have little
knowledge or understanding of the role Ramblers Scotland plays.'
'I've worked with Ramblers Scotland staff and know just how good and
committed they are. Losing them will be a big blow to all outdoors
people in Scotland.'
Specifically, Scottish outdoors people are concerned that the reduction
in staff will mean local expertise which is needed to campaign
effectively at a Scottish level will be vastly reduced and Scottish
Ramblers have taken matters into their own hands with an
appeal
for £200,000 which would enable them to save the office and
staff from the cutbacks.
Details of the appeal at
www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland/
More about the Ramblers' decision at
www.walkhighlands.co.uk
Angus Macmillan
