If I moored my boat & shore fished at the same time, I'd probably put the cabin windows out with a 6oz lead. Fantastic shots at 19:30, well done & thanks for posting.
Hi Ash, the same thought has occurred to me from time to time😁 Never come close yet though👍 I can't wait until I hook my own anchor some day🙂 Cheers, Doug
No midges is a very big plus for winter fishing👍 It wasn't even very cold, given it was flat calm and sunny. I really couldn't ask for a better winter camp. Cheers, Doug
Thanks very much - conditions were fantastic and I'd a really good time, even with fish thin on the ground. It's probably just as well the upper loch is not a fishing nirvana or it would be crowded out!
It's certainly a fantastic location to fish and chill out - although that reel did very little clicking😂 Not that I minded very much, if I'm honest! Cheers, Doug
Some incredible scenery there, you should be asking the Scottish Tourist Board for some money! We holiday on Loch Sunart and I’ve always wondered why the lochs seem to be so devoid of life at times. When you think what the Norwegian Fjords are like why aren’t these waters more full!
Many thanks, although I'm not expecting the STB at my doorstep anytime soon🤣🤣 I was just lucky - snow, sunshine and calm weather don't line up all that often. As for Sunart, I've always found it pretty dour, although it can fish its head off at times. The fish do seem to move around a bit and I've never had anything worthwhile from the upper loch, around Strontian. There are some decent specimens in there though - just got to track them down😁
The decades of trawling , destroying the biodiversity , over fishing by the big corps and pollution around the UK coast... Not to forget the devastation of disease caused by fish farming... What could possibly go wrong ? And the Lord saith: in the last days... All the fishes will die and the destruction of man's GREED , the earth will NEVER be the same again!
You're right enough - I was actually starting to overheat in the sunshine at one point. Not something I often need to complain about in February😁. I'll happily sacrifice a few small spurdog in exchange for conditions like these!
Thanks very much - the main trick is really to watch the forecasts like a hawk and grab any weather window you can. I'm lucky that I've got more time to do that these days, and it really helps you forget some of the really dreich weather that's a bit more typical of a highland winter!! Cheers, Doug
Thoroughly enjoyed watching your video, beautiful part of the country , mirror images, absolutely stunning, brilliant little camp just up from the waters edge , some good fishing too, thank you 👍
Many thanks - and conditions like these certainly inspire me to get out and about. Just love sun bathed snowy country and mirror smooth lochs. Cheers, Doug
Thanks - that wee beach is another great spot to put up a tent. The only downside at this time of year is that it doesn't catch the sun until mid-morning so it's a bit chilly first thing in the morning. Cheers, Doug
Some stunning shots there. Shame the fishing wasn't up to much. I've watched your videos for years and always admire your set up. The fishing's usually pretty good too.
Thanks! - I reckon the backdrop more than compensated for the lack of fish on this trip🙂 With Etive, my expectations are always high on the scenic front but a lot lower on the fishing side🙂 You never know - I might do better next time🤣🤣 Cheers, Doug
Etive has had such a reputation for great sport in the past with ling, spurs, rays, whiting, cod and even hake. It is such a pity that we seldom hear of "red letter days" any more. That said, your excellent video accounts of the scenery and fondness for the loch always stirs up a desire to try it again just one more time🤔....
Hi Charlie, it's quite a while since I had a red letter day on Etive - at least in terms of fishing. I still love the place though, as it offers a great deal to anyone who likes camping and general pottering about in splendid isolation🙂🙂. Though I'm still counting the weeks until I can hit those tope again...👍👍 Cheers, Doug
You definitely should - it's worth it just for the scenery on a sunny day. It's usually a very quiet place and I only rarely meet other humans up where I was camping.
Well I certainly enjoyed making it - pity the only thing lacking was the fish! With luck, as the weather improves it'll soon be possible to get out into more exposed territory.
I'm glad you liked it. The drone definitely adds another dimension although it can induce a mild heart attach at times (I've had several eagles show an unhealthy interest in it). If it survives a few more weeks it can celebrate its third birthday👍
@@Corkwing-DougK haha, I’m the same when flying my drone, I quite often get a little over excited during the flights, however I’ve not yet had to worry about any Eagles thankfully 😊
Loch Etive strikes again🙂🙂 It's a very fine place to spend a winter night, even if the fish are playing hard to get. A sea loch that's far enough inland to escape a lot of the gales👍
@@Corkwing-DougK I was there last sat sun 3 rd in the camper conditions where almost identical also Doug do you recon your mooring trick could be used on a sib ?
Hi John, yes - I reckon the same mooring technique will work fine with a SIB. Mine is small enough that I just drag it above HW but a larger one should be quite happy on this style of mooring. Hope your camper has a decent heating at this time of year! Cheers, Doug
Someone else asked about the stove a couple of weeks ago, so I've just copied my reply. It's a folding titanium stove that I picked up on AliExpress a few years ago - I don't think the exact model is still around but if you search for titanium wood stove you should find some equivalents. Mine is branded ThousWinds but I doubt if that means very much. Stainless steel versions are a lot cheaper but aren't very backpackable, although probably fine for a boat or kayak. The stove is very light but the titanium is also very thin so they will warp a bit with use and obviously need care in use. I'd recommend one with folding legs like mine and not ones which use threaded rods and butterfly nuts to put the stove together. Also make sure to get that little window in the front - it's altogether cosier looking on a cold night. I should also make it clear that I'm not trying to keep the stove going overnight and I carry a normal winter sleeping mat and bag - I doubt the stove would be effective for more than an hour or so without topping up the wood supply. Cheers, Doug
Maybe, although the spurs will tend to chase the whiting so perhaps they'd gone on holiday😁 I do think Etive has declined in recent years though, as I've had plenty decent catches in years gone by. The loch is notoriously hit or miss, so maybe it was just my turn to get a miss🤣🤣
@Corkwing-DougK I was listening to Ronnie Campbell who I’ve fished with many-a time was talking on a podcast about Etives decline and he’s been living and fishing for as many years as myself and are at a loss as to why . Are the returned spurs not surviving or were the whiting that were hammered for points during the club ,regional and sometimes major competitions a reason . But as a competitive sea angler for far too many years 🤷♂️😁 my experience was always take a holiday break at this time of the year because no matter where I fished East West North or South it was always a hard slog during these two months ....tight lines 👍
Etive is definitely poorer than it used to be, but I've always used it as a sheltered spot for autumn and winter fishing. I tend to avoid it once the midges wake up!
@@Corkwing-DougK that’s funny that’s when I normally fish it I have 3 days of at Easter last year I only had a spider crab so dear to my hart I may still come up 2 weeks time
Ay oop, how do. Looking for advice 😊 Heading down to ardwell 13th to 17th may with some oaps 😅 Any idea if there will be any mackerel/herring/launce about then? And what other species could we catch? Thanks
I'd be taking bait with me🙁 I haven't fished Galloway often in May as I prefer early to mid-June for the tope and more consistent fishing, so don't take any of this as gospel!. There will be some mackerel, etc. about but they'll be thin on the ground and I wouldn't rely on catching them. I've had thornbacks, huss and doggies from Luce Bay in May, plus bass, flatties and smoothies from the Cree estuary, launching and recovering the top half of the tide at Garlieston. Inshore fishing at Port Logan provides flatties (including plaice), small codling, haddock, whiting, etc. I'd expect some pollack too, although I don't remember trying for them. So there are fish, but you'll probably need to work for them! I'm not sure if the slip at Ardwell is usable or not these days, but I wouldn't drive beyond the concrete as there is clay just below the surface sand and plenty of vehicles have got stuck. If you have any peeler crab then that is a killer for smoothhound, whilst rag works well for flatties and I've found bass like lug and/or crab. If you're shore fishing then you're probably talking mainly dogs and some flatties, with the chance of bass. Good luck! Cheers, Doug
@@Corkwing-DougK taking mackerel and crab, someone mentioned top of luce bay but I don't know what they mean(scares or sandhead?) slip at ardwell is usable up to a point but like you say the clay is a problem, found a nice place last year just before drummore that was good for launching, if weather not good then shore it is I was maybe going to try logan around fish pond, don't know if the fella would let us walk through though, he fishes along there and seems to get good fish(codling thornies, pollock) Thanks for help P. S. I've noticed you range far and wide when on boat and stay out for many hours we oldies get bored after 4-5 hours if not catching much so like to feel we can come in whenever we want 😋
I'm absolutely fine thanks👍, just not had the time or decent quality video recently. I've just retired😁 - but that involved a holiday to Portugal followed by over 2 weeks hiking the Cape Wrath Trail which kept me away from any fishing for nearly a month. It's a hard life🤣 With improving weather and more time I hope that normal service resumes shortly👍 Cheers, Doug
Hi doug, well a few fish is better than non I suppose but I must admit the last 10 years on etive I've seen a dramatic decrease in fish which I'm sure you have noticed this yourself ?
I'd definitely agree - we used to get some nice fish well up the loch, into double figures, but I haven't seen these for a while. I've not had a decent ray from Etive for ages either, and we could get these in respectable numbers. Still loads of tiny spurs at times but far less sign of their mums! It's a bit strange as other places are seeing some very good catches.
Hi John, I'm absolutely fine thanks👍, and hope to resume normal service soon. Earlier in the year the weather was just too poor to make my camp'n'fish style trips appealing. On the plus side, I've just retired😁 - but that involved a holiday to Portugal followed by over 2 weeks hiking the Cape Wrath Trail which kept me away from any fishing for nearly a month. It's a hard life🤣 If the wind drops I'll be back out there shortly! Cheers, Doug
@@Corkwing-DougK aye it’s a hard life Doug great to hear you’ve retired and already making the most of it n yeah weather been terrible so far only had the sib out twice , looking forward to the next video
It's a folding titanium stove that I picked up on AliExpress a few years ago - I don't think the exact model is still around but if you search for titanium wood stove you should find some equivalents. Mine is branded ThousWinds but I doubt if that means very much. Stainless steel versions are a lot cheaper but aren't backpackable. They're very light but the titanium is very thin so they will warp a bit with use and obviously need care in use. I'd recommend one with legs like mine and not ones which use threaded rods and butterfly nuts to put the stove together. Also make sure to get that little window in the front - it's altogether cosier looking on a cold night👍
I do like the Orkneys, although it very much comes down to what you need them to do. I value their light weight and easy towing, but they are sensitive to weight and how it's distributed. As with all boats it comes down to the compromises you choose to make - none of them are perfect.
How discusting and sad to see a land so degraded , an entire eco sysytem destroyed for ever. ( Scotland a barren empty wet desert was the quoted by a novelist ). All i see is corporation alien tree plantations and very little native woodland... How sad indeed! Your camping adventure was awesome though and your talents with camera & drones captures it well.
I'd largely agree with you and I think we're still heading downhill despite some isolated recoveries. Etive is perhaps an example - wind back a century or three and most of the native woodland was cut for charcoal. It's partially recovered from that, and a good chunk of the conifer plantations are being cleared and replaced with more native species. More active control of deer too (in the area I was camping - Glen Etive has vast numbers of them). On the other hand we have new hydro schemes choking the burns and continued expansion of fish farming. People need work but some of these activities do a lot of damage in exchange for very little. You're right to say that the land is horribly degraded, but I think there is still hope - if nothing else more people care about these things and politicians feel more heat. Cheers, Doug
If I moored my boat & shore fished at the same time, I'd probably put the cabin windows out with a 6oz lead. Fantastic shots at 19:30, well done & thanks for posting.
Hi Ash, the same thought has occurred to me from time to time😁 Never come close yet though👍 I can't wait until I hook my own anchor some day🙂
Cheers, Doug
Looks so peaceful Doug and no midges.😂😂😂
No midges is a very big plus for winter fishing👍 It wasn't even very cold, given it was flat calm and sunny. I really couldn't ask for a better winter camp.
Cheers, Doug
Wow, Doug. That is truly stunning. The calm loch and the snow-capped mountains - and a few fish too. Heaven.
Thanks very much - conditions were fantastic and I'd a really good time, even with fish thin on the ground. It's probably just as well the upper loch is not a fishing nirvana or it would be crowded out!
Amazing location , beautiful back drops . Wonderful to see someone policing their reel clickers!
It's certainly a fantastic location to fish and chill out - although that reel did very little clicking😂 Not that I minded very much, if I'm honest!
Cheers, Doug
Some incredible scenery there, you should be asking the Scottish Tourist Board for some money! We holiday on Loch Sunart and I’ve always wondered why the lochs seem to be so devoid of life at times. When you think what the Norwegian Fjords are like why aren’t these waters more full!
Many thanks, although I'm not expecting the STB at my doorstep anytime soon🤣🤣 I was just lucky - snow, sunshine and calm weather don't line up all that often. As for Sunart, I've always found it pretty dour, although it can fish its head off at times. The fish do seem to move around a bit and I've never had anything worthwhile from the upper loch, around Strontian. There are some decent specimens in there though - just got to track them down😁
Agree I used to keep my caravan Resipole and always found the fishing poor
The decades of trawling , destroying the biodiversity , over fishing by the big corps and pollution around the UK coast... Not to forget the devastation of disease caused by fish farming... What could possibly go wrong ?
And the Lord saith: in the last days... All the fishes will die and the destruction of man's GREED , the earth will NEVER be the same again!
The fishing may have ben dire but, the weather and Etive are stunning!
You're right enough - I was actually starting to overheat in the sunshine at one point. Not something I often need to complain about in February😁. I'll happily sacrifice a few small spurdog in exchange for conditions like these!
what a guy great videos i would pay to experience this superb
Thanks very much - the main trick is really to watch the forecasts like a hawk and grab any weather window you can. I'm lucky that I've got more time to do that these days, and it really helps you forget some of the really dreich weather that's a bit more typical of a highland winter!!
Cheers, Doug
Thoroughly enjoyed watching your video, beautiful part of the country , mirror images, absolutely stunning, brilliant little camp just up from the waters edge , some good fishing too, thank you 👍
Glad you enjoyed it, and it was certainly a great overnight trip which I'll remember. Not so sure about the good fishing though!🙂🙂
Another fantastic addictive video Doug. Keep them coming
Just got to sacrifice another kid to the weather gods🤣🤣 Calm weather and clear skies makes such a difference!
Great watch as always thanks keep them coming 🎣
Many thanks - and conditions like these certainly inspire me to get out and about. Just love sun bathed snowy country and mirror smooth lochs.
Cheers, Doug
Great video again Doug, that spot you went and had a coffee/tea, think id of stayed there for ages, soo magical scotland is:)
Thanks - that wee beach is another great spot to put up a tent. The only downside at this time of year is that it doesn't catch the sun until mid-morning so it's a bit chilly first thing in the morning.
Cheers, Doug
Lovely video there, Doug. The weather and the water looked absolutely heavenly. You definitely picked a good time to go!
Thanks very much - sometimes it does pays off when you stare obsessively at forecasts👍 Usually it just gets depressing😥
I know that one- I’m a paraglider pilot so forecast watching is definitely an obsession with me! 😂👍
Some stunning shots there. Shame the fishing wasn't up to much. I've watched your videos for years and always admire your set up. The fishing's usually pretty good too.
Thanks! - I reckon the backdrop more than compensated for the lack of fish on this trip🙂 With Etive, my expectations are always high on the scenic front but a lot lower on the fishing side🙂 You never know - I might do better next time🤣🤣
Cheers, Doug
8.34 Stunning 👍 lovely video, especially late winter
Many thanks! Flat calm conditions, with sun on snow covered mountains - Etive is absolutely beautiful like that.
@@Corkwing-DougK I must return soon 👍🎣
Great video Doug, nice to see you back out there mate.
Glad you enjoyed it👍 Despite the look of the hills, things are definitely defrosting now so I hope to get back out again soon.
Love Etive
Favourite place for me too, especially up towards the head of the loch. Got to pick your days though🙂
Etive has had such a reputation for great sport in the past with ling, spurs, rays, whiting, cod and even hake. It is such a pity that we seldom hear of "red letter days" any more.
That said, your excellent video accounts of the scenery and fondness for the loch always stirs up a desire to try it again just one more time🤔....
Hi Charlie, it's quite a while since I had a red letter day on Etive - at least in terms of fishing. I still love the place though, as it offers a great deal to anyone who likes camping and general pottering about in splendid isolation🙂🙂. Though I'm still counting the weeks until I can hit those tope again...👍👍
Cheers, Doug
Another nice video Doug. One day I'll try launching the Coastliner into Etive.
You definitely should - it's worth it just for the scenery on a sunny day. It's usually a very quiet place and I only rarely meet other humans up where I was camping.
great video as always doug
Well I certainly enjoyed making it - pity the only thing lacking was the fish! With luck, as the weather improves it'll soon be possible to get out into more exposed territory.
@@Corkwing-DougK mate you can only catch what’s in front of you , love watching your vids keep them coming ❤️
Nice drone footage Doug 👍
I'm glad you liked it. The drone definitely adds another dimension although it can induce a mild heart attach at times (I've had several eagles show an unhealthy interest in it). If it survives a few more weeks it can celebrate its third birthday👍
@@Corkwing-DougK haha, I’m the same when flying my drone, I quite often get a little over excited during the flights, however I’ve not yet had to worry about any Eagles thankfully 😊
another great video doug
Loch Etive strikes again🙂🙂 It's a very fine place to spend a winter night, even if the fish are playing hard to get. A sea loch that's far enough inland to escape a lot of the gales👍
@@Corkwing-DougK I was there last sat sun 3 rd in the camper conditions where almost identical also Doug do you recon your mooring trick could be used on a sib ?
Hi John, yes - I reckon the same mooring technique will work fine with a SIB. Mine is small enough that I just drag it above HW but a larger one should be quite happy on this style of mooring. Hope your camper has a decent heating at this time of year!
Cheers, Doug
Great video enjoyed it a lot just wondering what multiple reel it is what ur using the Abu Garcia
Hi - it's a pretty old reel, an Abu 7500C3. I should probably upgrade it but it suits my crappy casting quite well🙂
@@Corkwing-DougK thanks we’ll appreciated looks like a great reel
Great video Doug. My grandson loves the video and would like to go on this adventure for a few days. Where did you get the tent stove from?
Someone else asked about the stove a couple of weeks ago, so I've just copied my reply. It's a folding titanium stove that I picked up on AliExpress a few years ago - I don't think the exact model is still around but if you search for titanium wood stove you should find some equivalents. Mine is branded ThousWinds but I doubt if that means very much. Stainless steel versions are a lot cheaper but aren't very backpackable, although probably fine for a boat or kayak. The stove is very light but the titanium is also very thin so they will warp a bit with use and obviously need care in use. I'd recommend one with folding legs like mine and not ones which use threaded rods and butterfly nuts to put the stove together. Also make sure to get that little window in the front - it's altogether cosier looking on a cold night. I should also make it clear that I'm not trying to keep the stove going overnight and I carry a normal winter sleeping mat and bag - I doubt the stove would be effective for more than an hour or so without topping up the wood supply.
Cheers, Doug
Time of the year Doug .. the sea fishing always go off due to spawning or whatever … will pick up again in April . 👍
Maybe, although the spurs will tend to chase the whiting so perhaps they'd gone on holiday😁 I do think Etive has declined in recent years though, as I've had plenty decent catches in years gone by. The loch is notoriously hit or miss, so maybe it was just my turn to get a miss🤣🤣
@Corkwing-DougK I was listening to Ronnie Campbell who I’ve fished with many-a time was talking on a podcast about Etives decline and he’s been living and fishing for as many years as myself and are at a loss as to why . Are the returned spurs not surviving or were the whiting that were hammered for points during the club ,regional and sometimes major competitions a reason . But as a competitive sea angler for far too many years 🤷♂️😁 my experience was always take a holiday break at this time of the year because no matter where I fished East West North or South it was always a hard slog during these two months ....tight lines 👍
Mountains looks stunning with snow on them but I was always told don’t fish etive till snow goes class as always dug
Etive is definitely poorer than it used to be, but I've always used it as a sheltered spot for autumn and winter fishing. I tend to avoid it once the midges wake up!
@@Corkwing-DougK that’s funny that’s when I normally fish it I have 3 days of at Easter last year I only had a spider crab so dear to my hart I may still come up 2 weeks time
Ay oop, how do.
Looking for advice 😊
Heading down to ardwell 13th to 17th may with some oaps 😅
Any idea if there will be any mackerel/herring/launce about then? And what other species could we catch?
Thanks
I'd be taking bait with me🙁 I haven't fished Galloway often in May as I prefer early to mid-June for the tope and more consistent fishing, so don't take any of this as gospel!. There will be some mackerel, etc. about but they'll be thin on the ground and I wouldn't rely on catching them. I've had thornbacks, huss and doggies from Luce Bay in May, plus bass, flatties and smoothies from the Cree estuary, launching and recovering the top half of the tide at Garlieston. Inshore fishing at Port Logan provides flatties (including plaice), small codling, haddock, whiting, etc. I'd expect some pollack too, although I don't remember trying for them. So there are fish, but you'll probably need to work for them!
I'm not sure if the slip at Ardwell is usable or not these days, but I wouldn't drive beyond the concrete as there is clay just below the surface sand and plenty of vehicles have got stuck. If you have any peeler crab then that is a killer for smoothhound, whilst rag works well for flatties and I've found bass like lug and/or crab. If you're shore fishing then you're probably talking mainly dogs and some flatties, with the chance of bass.
Good luck!
Cheers, Doug
@@Corkwing-DougK taking mackerel and crab, someone mentioned top of luce bay but I don't know what they mean(scares or sandhead?) slip at ardwell is usable up to a point but like you say the clay is a problem, found a nice place last year just before drummore that was good for launching, if weather not good then shore it is I was maybe going to try logan around fish pond, don't know if the fella would let us walk through though, he fishes along there and seems to get good fish(codling thornies, pollock)
Thanks for help
P. S.
I've noticed you range far and wide when on boat and stay out for many hours we oldies get bored after 4-5 hours if not catching much so like to feel we can come in whenever we want 😋
@@Corkwing-DougKare you OK? 🤔
I'm absolutely fine thanks👍, just not had the time or decent quality video recently. I've just retired😁 - but that involved a holiday to Portugal followed by over 2 weeks hiking the Cape Wrath Trail which kept me away from any fishing for nearly a month. It's a hard life🤣 With improving weather and more time I hope that normal service resumes shortly👍
Cheers, Doug
Hi doug, well a few fish is better than non I suppose but I must admit the last 10 years on etive I've seen a dramatic decrease in fish which I'm sure you have noticed this yourself ?
I'd definitely agree - we used to get some nice fish well up the loch, into double figures, but I haven't seen these for a while. I've not had a decent ray from Etive for ages either, and we could get these in respectable numbers. Still loads of tiny spurs at times but far less sign of their mums! It's a bit strange as other places are seeing some very good catches.
Hope alls well Doug as been a couple of months since you last released a video
Hi John, I'm absolutely fine thanks👍, and hope to resume normal service soon. Earlier in the year the weather was just too poor to make my camp'n'fish style trips appealing. On the plus side, I've just retired😁 - but that involved a holiday to Portugal followed by over 2 weeks hiking the Cape Wrath Trail which kept me away from any fishing for nearly a month. It's a hard life🤣 If the wind drops I'll be back out there shortly!
Cheers, Doug
@@Corkwing-DougK aye it’s a hard life Doug great to hear you’ve retired and already making the most of it n yeah weather been terrible so far only had the sib out twice , looking forward to the next video
That’s a cracking wee stove , can I ask what type it is and where you got it ?
Cheers
It's a folding titanium stove that I picked up on AliExpress a few years ago - I don't think the exact model is still around but if you search for titanium wood stove you should find some equivalents. Mine is branded ThousWinds but I doubt if that means very much. Stainless steel versions are a lot cheaper but aren't backpackable. They're very light but the titanium is very thin so they will warp a bit with use and obviously need care in use. I'd recommend one with legs like mine and not ones which use threaded rods and butterfly nuts to put the stove together. Also make sure to get that little window in the front - it's altogether cosier looking on a cold night👍
@@Corkwing-DougK
Thanks Doug 👍🏻
Orkney coastline 14?
Orkney Longliner 2.
If only I had the money,I'd settle for the smaller 14,tidy boats them orkneys@@anotherangleUK
I do like the Orkneys, although it very much comes down to what you need them to do. I value their light weight and easy towing, but they are sensitive to weight and how it's distributed. As with all boats it comes down to the compromises you choose to make - none of them are perfect.
How discusting and sad to see a land so degraded , an entire eco sysytem destroyed for ever.
( Scotland a barren empty wet desert was the quoted by a novelist ).
All i see is corporation alien tree plantations and very little native woodland... How sad indeed!
Your camping adventure was awesome though and your talents with camera & drones captures it well.
I'd largely agree with you and I think we're still heading downhill despite some isolated recoveries. Etive is perhaps an example - wind back a century or three and most of the native woodland was cut for charcoal. It's partially recovered from that, and a good chunk of the conifer plantations are being cleared and replaced with more native species. More active control of deer too (in the area I was camping - Glen Etive has vast numbers of them). On the other hand we have new hydro schemes choking the burns and continued expansion of fish farming. People need work but some of these activities do a lot of damage in exchange for very little. You're right to say that the land is horribly degraded, but I think there is still hope - if nothing else more people care about these things and politicians feel more heat.
Cheers, Doug