With a keynote talk by well-known writer and broadcaster Cameron McNeish, Mountain Safety Day 2014 will offer a host of demonstrations, displays and instruction available for mountain-goers of all abilities.
The free event is organised by the charity Mountain Aid, supported by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland, and aims to promote safe enjoyment of the hills by increasing awareness and giving people access to information, resources and learning and training opportunities.
Mountain rescue teams (including SARDA – the Search and Rescue Dog Association), youth organisations such as the Scouts and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, hill walking and mountaineering clubs will have stands at the event, in Stirling’s Albert Halls.
There will be interactive talks by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland’s Mountain Safety Adviser, Heather Morning, leading discussions on a potential accident scenario and visitors will be able to hear from Geoff Monk of the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) and from the sportscotland Avalanche Information Service (SAIS), both providing valuable information for the planning stage of any journey in the hills.
Jim Kinnell, of Mountain Aid, said: “We last ran a similar even in 2011, which attracted a great deal of interest from the outdoor community.
“This year’s event will be bigger, and we hope that as many walkers and climbers as possible will come along.
“It doesn’t matter whether they are looking back on their summer’s activities and wondering how they can make next year better, or whether they’re getting themselves prepared for an active winter ahead, there will be something here for everyone, regardless of how skilled or experienced they are.
Heather Morning, MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser, said: “This event is a great opportunity for people to pick up tips and information that could quite literally save their lives. The MCofS does a great deal of work on mountain safety and we are delighted to be co-host this Mountain Safety Day with Mountain Aid”
The free event will be held on Saturday 11 October at the Albert Halls, Dumbarton Road, Stirling, FK8 2QL from 10 am to 4pm.