A walker survived an avalanche in the Cairngorms that mountain rescuers described as huge. The Cairngorm Ski Patrol, ranger service and avalanche dog responded to an incident at the head wall of Coire Cas. Initial reports were of someone that had gone through the cornice or had been avalanched. Rescuers were on scene within minutes and found large avalanche debris. After approximately 45 minutes of searching and probing the response was stood down as the missing person was reported safe and well. The 47 year-old walker went through a cornice triggering the avalanche. The man, whose two friends had in…

The full programme for the 2014 Fort William Mountain Festival has been announced. Some of the best inspirational speakers made up of top climbers, and mountaineers, together with adventure film screenings, mountain bike, ski mountaineering and hill running races and mountain skills workshops will make up the Festival which runs from Wednesday 19th to Sunday 23rd February 2014. Mike Pescod, Chairman of the Highland Mountain Culture Association, organisers of the Festival, said: “The Fort William Mountain Festival continues to get incredible support from local people, enthusiasts from across Scotland and the UK, and businesses from all sectors. It’s guaranteed to…

Fort William Mountain Festival has announced that the 7th Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture will go to Scottish climber, instructor and all-round mountain enthusiast, Andy Nisbet. The award will be formally presented at the festival on Saturday 22nd February. This prestigious annual award recognises and celebrates achievements and accomplishments of one inspiring individual and their outstanding contribution to Scotland&Apos;s mountains, in the fields of sport, theatre, art, photography, film and literature. Andy Nisbet was chosen as this year’s recipient because of his inspirational enthusiasm for the Scottish mountains and his invaluable contribution to climbing through his work in…

Mountain rescue teams have found a body during the search for a hillwalker who went missing after going walking in the Ben Alder area more than two weeks ago. Michael O’Grady, 64, from Irvinestown in Northern Ireland, was last seen on Sunday 22 December and was believed to have been making for Culra bothy. A body was found on Saturday 11 January in the Corrour area, to the west of Ben Alder. Police Scotland said there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances.

Police have issued an appeal for information about a missing hill walker. The missing man did not returned to his car after walking in the Loch Rannoch area. The man is from Northern Ireland and is described as 5ft 6 tall, slim build with grey hair. Although an experienced hill walker there has been no contact made with him for several days and the Police are keen to speak with any persons who may have been in the area, particularly the area around Ben Alder, who may have seen or spoken to the male. Anyone with information can contact Police…

Scottish map makers Harvey Maps have launched a map for one of Scotland’s newest long distance walks, the East Highland Way. Pioneered by Kevin Langan, this 82 mile trail forms a new link between the northern end of the West Highland Way at Fort William and the southern end of the Speyside Way at Aviemore. It also joins with the Great Glen Way at Fort William. It is a tranquil route which takes in a varied and wild landscape and includes the ancient Caledonian Forests of Inshriach, loch-side trails and mountain wilderness. Access to accommodation has been carefully considered wherever…