The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has launched its autumn training series, providing novice and less-experienced hill walkers and climbers with a low-cost opportunity to gain potentially life-saving skills. Announcing the expanded events programme, Heather Morning, Mountain Safety Advisor, said: “Getting lost and poor navigation are the most frequent causes of mountain incidents and rescue team call-outs. Our aim is to provide entry-level navigation skills at a price anyone can afford.” David Gibson, MCofS Chief Officer added “For starters, we want all mountaineers to be competent in map and compass work. GPS has its uses and our new course is…

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team say that two recent call-outs may have been caused by deer rather than hillwalkers. On both occasions the alarm was raised after sounds were heard which sounded like emergency whistles. The Rescue Team made two searches both in Glen Nevis, one of which lasted 6 hours and also involved a helicopter search. On the second search Team members also heard the whistling sounds. After the fruitless searches, wildlife experts told the Team that sika deer can make a whistling sound during the mating season, although this would usually be heard between September and November. Sika deer,…

Manny Gorman has today completed his non-stop round of the Corbetts with an ascent of Ben Loyal in Sutherland. This means Manny, who ran, cycled and sailed between the 219 peaks, took only 70 days to complete his epic round. Manny had originally hoped to finish on 26 June, but a fall from his bike at the two-thirds point meant he had to take a few days to recover from injuries. Manny set off on 25 April on Harris and used the Corbett Map on Walkhighlands to track his progress. The whole exciting story, including lots of posts by members…

Do you have a GPS and don’t know how to use it properly? Thinking about buying one, but not sure if a GPS would be useful for you on the hill? Sign up for one of the new Mountaineering Council of Scotland one day GPS training courses. These courses are running on Sat 3rd and Sun 4th October 2009, based at Glenmore Lodge. Only £25 per person including use of GPS, a full days instruction and tea/cakes to finish. Contact Heather Morning, MCofS Mountain Safety Advisor on 01479 861256 for further details.

A community group on the Isle of Skye are working closely with the John Muir Trust and Scottish Southern Electric to remove hydro poles at Sligachan. The Collie and Mackenzie Sculpture group, which is proposing to erect a sculpture of the two well known outdoor pioneers, Norman Collie and John Mackenzie, at the site, will remove the poles during the summer of 2009. The poles have blighted the view of the Cuillin from Sligachan and their removal will improve the area, as well as numerous photographs taken at this popular spot. At the same time a fundraising appeal for the…