The MCofS and the hillwalkers' charity Mountain Aid, in association with Cotswold Outdoor, are running a series of six free Skills for the Hills lectures at the end of November.

They promise an entertaining and informative evening that 'could one day save a life - and it might just be your own!'

The lectures will be held in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Peebles, Keswick and Fort William. The speaker at five venues will be MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser Heather Morning, a qualified mountaineering instructor and active member of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team. Mick Tighe, a British Mountain Guide with over 30 years' experience, will present at Fort William.

Heather commented:

'There is nothing quite as exciting as getting out to the mountains in winter; but there are many hazards that you need to think about. I'm really looking forward to this series of lectures and to passing on my knowledge and experience to all those who come along. You will be guaranteed an entertaining and informative evening.'

MCofS Chief Officer David Gibson added:

'Our thanks go to Mountain Aid, Cotswold Outdoor and Mick Tighe for teaming up with the MCofS to make this lecture series possible. These entertaining talks are organised and presented by a great team and will give you information on which to base your decisions concerning clothing, equipment, planning, route choice and much more. Don't miss them.'

Lectures start at 19.30. Dates and venues are:

• Monday 26th Cotswold Outdoor, Aberdeen
• Tuesday 27th Cotswold Outdoor, Edinburgh
• Wednesday 28th Cotswold Outdoor, Glasgow
• Thursday 29th Eastgate Theatre, Peebles
• Friday 30th Cotswold Outdoor, Keswick
• Friday 30th Cotswold Outdoor, Fort William

Tickets should be booked in advance to guarantee a place. Further details including Cotswold store contact info can be found on the MCofS Courses and Events page.