Two connected things happened, co-incidentally.
On a Facebook site called ‘Ancient Stone Bothering’ I saw an aerial view of the Ring of Brodgar, taken using a Drone. I commented, saying that flying Drones over Brodgar is inconsiderate. Over on the FB page of the bloke who had posted the image, I came in for quite a bit of abuse for stating that opinion – the abuse has subsequently been deleted.
I no longer engage with the ASB site. I used to post information about good places to visit – but now I feel that it’s best not to do so.
One of the things which concerns me about this is that the man who posted the aerial view of Brodgar (on his own FB site and in response to my comment) was emphatic about how the Historic Environment Scotland sign asking folk not to fly Drones has no legal standing. Many responded that they hadn’t known that, had respected the request by HES, but would now fly their Drones where they choose.
It’s not about whether it’s ‘legal’ or not, it’s about consideration for people and respect for the place.
Around the same time, we went for a walk to the Stenness/Brodgar stones http://www.spanglefish.com/berniesblog/blog.asp?blogid=17162 and there was a Drone flying low over Brodgar and buzzing intrusively.
I have no argument with Drones when used for a specific purpose when needed….
….but, in these times, it’s particularly important for people to be able to find some peace and quiet – to walk, clear their heads, connect with the life around them. Is this going to become more and more difficult as ‘Droners’ take over the wild places and open spaces?
To paraphrase William Wordsworth…
“I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high
O’er vale and hill
When all at once
I heard the sound
Of Drone o’er head – so shrill
Beside a lake, or ‘neath some trees
Those buzzing Drones
Give folk no ease.
The Droners say air-space is free
It is – and so’s the right
To peace and quiet
BB Jan ’25.
I’m also wondering what the Brodgar Skylarks and other birds make of the Drones?
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