There are still some places available on the GPS navigation courses to be run by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) in October. The dates with availability are 10, 16 and 17 October. The focus of the course is to familiarise participants with the various functions of the GPS unit so they feel confident to navigate safely on the hill. The one day course will begin with a short (approx 1 hour) introduction session indoors for participants to familiarise themselves with the GPS units. This will be followed by practical sessions in the woods around Glenmore and later out on…

The Executors of the estate of Irvine Butterfield, in collaboration with the Mountain Bothies Association, have re-published Dibidil- A Hebridean Adventure. The book tells the remarkable story of the restoration in 1970 of the ruins of Dibidil cottage, on the Isle of Rum, for use as an open shelter. The book was originally written in 1972 and published as a limited edition of 500 copies. It quickly sold out. Copies which do now become available sell for considerably more than the original cover price. The book describes the story of the restoration project from its original conception in 1968 through…

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) have announced the appointment of Steve Hammond as the new Area Youth Coordinator for North Scotland. The role mainly involves the development of climbing, hillwalking and mountaineering for children and young people, including organising a number of climbing competitions. Steve lives in Aviemore and is no stranger to the climbing scene in the north, having spent nearly 4 years involved in coaching young children at Extreme Dream Climbing Wall. Steve has also helped the outgoing Area Youth Coordinator (AYC), Ruairidh Mackenzie, with the youth competitions and so is already up to speed with what…

The organisation behind Glencoe Mountain, the ski centre at the head of Glencoe, has become a Community Interest Company. This means that it will become a not for profit organisation and will be able to bid for public, European and Lottery furnding. All future profits will be re-invested in future developments at the site, which also offers mountain bike trails using the chairlift and archery during the summer months. Last year, Glencoe Mountain, was bought by Falkirk businessman, Andy Meldrum, amid worries that it might have to close altogether due to ageing equipment and the difficulty of making the centre…

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland has joined forces with the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena to offer an Introduction to Climbing for children and young people with hearing difficulties. The event will take place at Ratho on 2nd October 2010 between 13.45 -17.00. Young adults who are hard of hearing, S1 (12 years) and older, over 140 cm tall (4’ 8”) with a sense of adventure and head for heights can apply for a go at climbing and abseiling. The cost of the event will be £5. Only 18 places are available on a first come, first served basis. Booking is…

Next week, outdoor enthusiasts are invited to join the Ranger at the National Trust for Scotland’s Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve, near Moffat, to learn how to navigate in the mountains. Knowing how to navigate with a map and compass is an essential skill for those who want to explore the hills safely, so this is the ideal opportunity to learn from the mountain leader qualified expert. Senior Ranger Richard Clarkson said, “Come along and learn new skills whilst exploring the stunning landscapes of the Grey Mare’s Tail safely – under expert guidance. Bring a map – either Landranger sheet…