Foot And Mouth News From BMC And Outdoor Centres

The British Mountaineering Council has announced that it's cancelling all planned outdoor events including its international climbing meet which was to have been based at Glenmore Lodge.

In a statement released today the BMC also appeals to walkers and climbers to be aware of the implications for future access issues and points out that although the 1967 outbreak fo the disease lasted for eight months, sensible behavious should mean that the current incident is contained more quickly. 'All visits to the countryside should be postponed unless essential,' they say.

The statement goes on: 'So, if you're thinking of going out this weekend, ask yourself - are a few climbs or walks really worth the potential risk to the animals and farmers in the area? And even the burning of a few deer herds doesn't concern you - think about the potential impact on future access arrangements.

'This is an ideal time to show farmers and landowners that climbers and walkers are responsible users of the countryside, who can work with, not against those who earn their living in the areas in which we play.'

Outdoor Centres

• Meanwhile, the Scottish National Winter Sport Centre at Glenmore Lodge has cancelled all courses as of noon today, Wednesday 28 February, with the situation to be reviewed on a weekly basis. As yet no decision has been taken

• Similarly Plas y Brenin, its Welsh equivalent has cancelled all courses both in Wales and Scotland until 11 March and the situation with most other centres is the same.