Comments on: Can Ramblers Scotland go it alone?

By: Lynne Rayner

Lynne Rayner — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:55:23 +0000

Hello

Although I am not Scottish I am outraged with the lack of consultation with the members. I too wrote to Tom Franklin in July and am still awaiting a reply. We had a wonderful recent holiday to Scotland and were particulalry impressed with walks around Moffat. I am considering whether to renew my membership because of the many pointless campaigns and lack of consideration for the grass roots volunteers caryying out CO’s demands.

By: Patrick Vincent

Patrick Vincent — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 11:06:51 +0000

I think this situation is a reflection of some general problems in the UK’s voluntary sector (which I work in).

Firstly, under the guise of ‘professionalising’ the voluntary sector, we now have organisations whose primary aim is to raise more money, even if that means focussing on donor-friendly issues at the expense of more important issues. In other words, these organisations are losing their soul.

Secondly, the New Labour government has been pumping hundreds of millions into the voluntary sector (often through qangos) and the sector has consequently lost its independence (as Cameron mentions). This situation may be about to reverse abruptly, when government spending cuts are introduced in the coming years.

By: cameron

cameron — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:32:25 +0000

Aye Bob,
everyone I know who has written to CEO Tom Franklin about this mess is in the same position - he hasn’t responded to anyone, and that includes Ramblers Scotland Convenor Dennis Canavan and President Dick Balharry. It is this arrogant attitude that is really driving people from The Ramblers. The current situation is Scotland is that we are now looking to ‘break away’ and form an independent Ramblers Scotland. I believe Welsh members are tring to call an EGM and put forward a motion of no confidence in the CEO.

By: Bob Andrews

Bob Andrews — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:58:58 +0000

I only rejoined earlier this year. I have written to the RA giving my concerns and as yet no response whatsoever.

It is unlikely that I will re-join if this is the way they treat members and their concerns.

I wonder how much the book I was sent giving a subjective 50 best walks in the UK. Most walkers walk in a confined area. I live in West wales and am unlikely to travel to Scotland on a regular basis. There are hundreds of guide books out there. Surely the cost of that publication could have best been spent on lobbying those councils - like mine who are not keen to signpost and maintain rights of way.

By: Dawn Linney

Dawn Linney — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:13:17 +0000

Hi Cameron, I am saddened by this whole debacle and personally I wonder if the RA has lost touch with its roots. Dare I say it, possibly has become soft and even, in some respects, genteel. So much has changed, from I first started many years back: as you say, so much political correctness now. If there is a breakaway Scottish RA then my membership will be straight in the post.

By: john hee

john hee — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:31:27 +0000

Well said Cameron. But I think you’re moving towards the same natural conclusion?
http://walkaboutuk.blogspot.com/2009/07/scottish-ramblers-one-idea-can-change.html

By: Neil

Neil — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:26:25 +0000

Having followed this whole saga I sympathise with the position these staff find themselves in.

Cameron is clearly correct - devolution means that to influence Scottish politicians a credible base in Scotland (preferably Edinburgh) is essential.

However we are a small nation of about 5.1m people. According to Government estimates about 5% take part in hill walking, mountaineering or ‘rambling’.

There are a large number of organisations trying to protect Scotland’s countryside and keep it accessible for recreational users. Do we really need another one?

I know Cameron opposes any move towards rationalisation. I suggest as a first step co-location and a shared service model is considered if Ramblers Scotland chooses to ‘go it alone’ and break away from London. That way fixed costs can be kept down and more money spent on what the organisation is actually established to do.

So how about investigating sharing facilities with MCofS or JMT? Could be a step in the right direction…