Mountaineering organisations working together towards a return to hill walking and climbing in Scotland
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Mountaineering organisations in Scotland are asking the hill walking and climbing community to stay local for their daily exercise for the moment.
Mountaineering Scotland – the organisation representing hill walkers, climbers and ski tourers in Scotland – is leading discussions with partners including Scottish Mountain Rescue, Police Scotland and the Association of Mountaineering Instructors on how to deliver a phased return to the hills and mountains.
They have developed proposals this week which are being submitted to the Scottish Government outlining how mountaineering activities can be re-introduced.
Damon Powell, chairman of Scottish Mountain Rescue, said: “It is good to be working as part of the Mountain Safety Group, to ensure we can get people back out into the outdoors undertaking their preferred activities as soon as there is a safe and responsible way to do so within the Scottish Government guidelines. We hope to see everyone out there soon, but preferably not on a rescue!”
George McEwan the chief officer of Mountain Training Scotland added: “Prior to lockdown, our leaders, instructors, coaches and guides supported active public participation, both voluntarily and professionally, in walking, climbing and mountaineering, which does so much to support improved health and wellbeing. As we look forward to reactivation, we are supporting the work of Mountaineering Scotland and the rest of the Mountain Safety Group, to facilitate a phased return to the outdoors which is both safe and socially responsible.”
Mountaineering Scotland has also taken on board feedback from its members and discussions with organisations across the Scottish outdoor sector, including Sportscotland, outdoor sport governing bodies and the national parks. Further work is ongoing to produce a position statement and more detailed supporting guidance.
Chief executive of Mountaineering Scotland Stuart Younie said: “These are unprecedented times and I’d like to thank Mountaineering Scotland members for keeping to the current guidelines.
"We know it’s been a challenge but it’s great to see the mountaineering community pulling together in this way.
"We want to see an immediate return to hill walking, climbing and other outdoor activities as lockdown starts to ease, and have been encouraged by the way the outdoor sector in Scotland is working together to make this happen in a safe and responsible way.”
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