Re: How can Blencathra be for sale? | Forum

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How can Blencathra be for sale?

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nix May 5, 2014 22:19:54

Replying to GLADMAN

GLADMAN wrote:

[ except for the 'I own that' pride bit, what monetary benefit would there be with regards owning the mountain?

Quite. Not much I think - and hope. In the case of the Macleods, there was the line of history stretching back. No one would want to break that lightly.

Really these places would probably be better off in national ownership via the NT or Historic Scotland but these organisations do not take every place they are offered by any means because they then incur the expense of owning / running them.

To take on the repair of Dunvegan, originally they required everything - and it would have been somewhat of a shame if the fairy flag became just another item with a government label on it, rather than a treasure passed down in the stewardship of a family / clan!

GLADMAN May 5, 2014 23:46:00

Replying to nix

nix wrote:

GLADMAN wrote:

[ except for the 'I own that' pride bit, what monetary benefit would there be with regards owning the mountain?

Quite. Not much I think - and hope. In the case of the Macleods, there was the line of history stretching back. No one would want to break that lightly.

Too right. Imagine if you had Hadrada's 'Land Ravager' banner in your hall? Could almost touch the history. And that is apparently nowhere near as old.

tjj May 6, 2014 08:46:27

Replying to nix

nix wrote:

GLADMAN wrote:

[ except for the 'I own that' pride bit, what monetary benefit would there be with regards owning the mountain?

Quite. Not much I think - and hope. In the case of the Macleods, there was the line of history stretching back. No one would want to break that lightly.

Speaking as an English person who loves Scotland, its islands and its mountains, I have only a small insight into the deep sense of pride in the ancient clan system which lays claim to its heritage. I can understand the problems around historic castles which probably need to be maintained by organisations like Historic Scotland. In England there are instances where the National Trust has taken over a historic house (with garden/land) but the family continue to live there. Mountains are a different matter though - stewardship rather than ownership feels more apt though the cost of that stewardship (ie path maintenance etc) should be borne nationally rather than by families. I just don't get that individuals/families can 'own' mountains and islands as they still seem to. I will never get that they can be sold to the highest bidder for any reason at all.