fnh journal vol 24 - Forth Naturalist and Historian - University of Stirling

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14 S. J. Harrison • October 29th/30th: Heavy rain over much of Scotland which fell as snow in some areas. • December 27th: Heavy snowfall which closed some airports. 20 cm of snow lying in Glasgow. Bridge of Allan Flood Diary 2000 The Allan overtopped its banks near Bridge of Allan on the following dates: 1st February, 27th February, 11th September, 9th October, 29th October. Scottish Snowfall Changes Project Maps have been produced which estimate the number of days with snow lying which may be expected in the 2020s, 2050s and the 2080s. These have been based on climatic analogues. The final report on the research, which was commissioned by the Scottish Executive, was published in May 2001. Changes in the number of days on which snow is lying on the ground during the winter months as a result of large scale change in climate has implications for both the economy and the environment of Scotland. The greatest effects will be felt in the winter tourism sector where opportunities for skiing and ice climbing are likely to be greatly reduced. There are further knock-on effects for related activities such as accommodation, catering, retailing and local employment. However, with some adaptation it is likely that Scotland can continue to offer opportunities to engage in these activities. The clearing of snow from the roads should become less of a problem, but the variable nature of the Scottish climate will always make it necessary to remain prepared for the occasionally heavy snowfall. Greater access to the land during the winter will mean that operations such as logging could continue but there will be a temptation for greater numbers of walkers to get into the hills. This may cause more trampling damage and could also disturb wildlife. Floods may become more frequent during the winter months but less frequent in spring, which will affect water-resource management, hydro-electric power generation and river habitats. Reference Harrison S.J., Winterbottom S.J. and Johnson R.C. (2001) Climate Change and Changing Snowfall Patterns in Scotland Scottish Executive Environment Group Research Findings No.14. Edinburgh. The Stationery Office. This report is based on the Annual Climatological Bulletin of the University of Stirling, copies of which may be obtained from the author, S.J. Harrison, at the Department of Environmental Science, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA.
Forth Naturalist and Historian, volume 24 15 THIRTY YEARS OF WEATHER OBSERVATION AT PARKHEAD S.J. Harrison Introduction Weather observation on the campus of the University of Stirling began in 1969 and has since provided a vital supply of information for a variety of research projects in the natural sciences. The observations were first published in the Monthly Weather Report of the Meteorological Office in January 1971 and so, by the end of 2000, the continuous record had reached the benchmark of thirty years, which is the standard averaging period for climatological normals. To mark the occasion, the following report places on record a short history of observation at the station and describes some of the principal features of the local climate that the records have revealed. History When the University of Stirling was founded in 1967 there were almost no suitable climate stations capable of providing a reliable flow of climatic information to support ongoing research in the biological sciences. The nearest station, at Stirling (Batterflats) (NS 786 925), had been established at the beginning of the 20th Century but the site had been encroached upon by urban development around Stirling, and observation eventually ceased during 1982. Falkirk and Grangemouth stations were distant from the University and experienced a much stronger climatic influence from the Forth Estuary than would be the case in Stirling. The other station, which also closed in the early 1980’s, was at Earl’s Hill (NS 725 882), to the south-west of Stirling, but this was at an elevation of 335 m (1100 ft). Support for the establishment of a new climate station was received from the Meteorological Office in 1969 and the site was officially named “Parkhead” in a letter dated 21st May 1969 to Dr S. Matthews of Biological Sciences. The name, which has not proved to be either helpful or appropriate, came from Parkhead Farm which, although less than 1km away from the station, is 100 m higher above sea-level. In retrospect ‘Airthrey’ or ‘Logie’ would have been more appropriate. As it is, the station has shared its name with a famous football ground, which has at least provided some amusement for the many school groups who have visited over the years. The first official return of observations to the Meteorological Office, on METFORM 3208A, was made in 1970. The Office commented on the exceptionally high standard of the return. Publication of the observations from Parkhead in the Monthly Weather Report of the Meteorological Office began from January 1971, the year temperatures changed from Fahrenheit to Celsius. In 1993 the University of Stirling produced draft plans for new residences in the immediate proximity of the Parkhead station, as a result of which it was moved to a new location a little over 100 m away (Figure 1). In 1994 the
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‘Forty Years On’ - SFAS 71 Cour
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1909 Convivio W.W. Jackson (Clarend
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Glasgow’s Water Supply 107 The nu
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The Trossachs in Art 113 same place
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The Trossachs in Art 115 looks at a
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The Trossachs in Art 117 the Valley
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The Trossachs in Art 119 himself in
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The Trossachs in Art 121 his sword
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The Trossachs in Art 123 Figure 1 T
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Appendix A The Trossachs in Art 129
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The Trossachs in Art 131 11. Cori-n
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The Trossachs in Art 133 Appendix C
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The Trossachs in Art 135 1908 [Smit
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The Trossachs in Art 137 Arthur Per
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fnh journal vol 24 - Forth Naturalist and Historian - University of Stirling

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