Once again, this year's mountain rescue statistics highlighted the importance of having appropriate skills for the mountains, especially the ability to navigate. Now is the right time to learn to read a map before the onset of winter. Hill walkers can do this, on hills within sight of Glasgow, with the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS). The MCofS is taking bookings now for one-day Navigation courses in the Campsie Fells and the Ochils this September. MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser Heather Morning said: “This is a great chance for hill walkers to brush up on their navigation skills as the days…

Strathclyde Police are appealing for the public to help trace a keen walker who has been missing since Tuesday 2 August. Police believe that 59 year old Richard Lyon, of Kirkmichael, may be hillwalking on the west coast of Scotland. The Police describe Mr Lyon as a very keen hill walker, saying that he has climbed many of the Munros. Police say that Mr Lyon has not been missing before and this is completely out of character for him. He has been feeling rather low lately and his family and police are now extremely concerned for his wellbeing. Mr Lyon…

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) is running a new course on mountain bike handling and basic cycle repairs for hill walkers. “Do you ever access the hills by bike? Have you ever experienced ‘the long walk out’ due to a flat tyre or broken chain? If so, this one day course could be for you” says MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser Heather Morning. The aim of the course is twofold, to develop the confidence and technical skills to carry out track-side repairs to your bike, and to learn some basic riding techniques to minimise the potential for causing damage to…

The UK Government has announced that the 24 Scottish mountain rescue teams will share an extra £68,000 this year. The announcement follows vigorous campaigning to make Mountain Rescue exempt from VAT. This has not happened but instead Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and Inverness, Badenoch and Strathspey MP, said a total of £200,000 extra money would be split between all the UK mountain and cave rescue services which are affiliated to national bodies. Three more years of grants are expected.

Plans are well underway for Cowalfest 2011 which takes place this year from Friday 7th October until Sunday 16th October. The main attraction of the programme is a wide range of walks offering something for all ages, all levels of fitness and interests whether you’re a hardy hill walker, a heritage buff, a family group, a wildlife fan or someone who likes to be busy and learn new skills on holiday, you’ll find a wealth of walks and events to fill your days and evenings during Cowalfest. Those who want a little less activity can simply relax and enjoy the…

The organisation representing mountaineers and climbers in Scotland has issued its annual report for 2011. In it, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) celebrates the lowest annual number of mountain rescue incidents but raises concerns about the future for wild landscape, particularly the issue of windfarms. The report has been published ahead of the organisation’s Annual General Meeting in Dunblane on Saturday 3rd September. The 2011 report highlights successes in the following areas: – Membership growth to over 11,000. – A record 1,379 people attended MCofS courses and lectures as a result of the Mountain Safety Programme. – Scottish athletes…

The Isle of Harris Mountain Festival is a new and exciting week long event featuring guided walks, photographic workshops, sea kayaking, the Harris Five Peaks Challenge, a ceilidh, films, talks and more. The Festival will run from 24 September to 1 October. Festival organisers say, “This is an opportunity to explore the spectacular landscapes of Harris where seas and mountains meet. The interior of North and South Harris encompass some of the largest un-roaded areas of wild land in Scotland, offering limitless possibilities for walking and exploring. Harris has an extensive path network with around 45 miles of path. North…