Big Mountain Safety Day to Take Place in October

© al siddons

The main safety event in the Scottish calendar will be held in Stirling on 11 October. Mountain Safety Day 2014 will be attended by all the big mountaineering and outdoors organisations, with a full programme of demonstrations, displays and instruction for hill-goers of all abilities.

Kathy Grindrod and Jamie Simpson (SAIS) at crown wall of huge avalanche, Coire an Lochain  © al siddons
Kathy Grindrod and Jamie Simpson (SAIS) at crown wall of huge avalanche, Coire an Lochain
© al siddons

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, and hill walking and mountaineering clubs will all have stands on the day.

There will be interactive talks by the MCofS Mountain Safety Adviser, Heather Morning, leading discussions on a potential accident scenario, plus talkes from Geoff Monk of the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) and the sportscotland Avalanche Information Service (SAIS), both of which sites are valuable resources pre-trip planning.

A number of big outdoor retailers will be on hand to give advice on different aspects of outdoor clothing and equipment, and Cameron McNeish is the day's keynote speaker.

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.'

'We will have organisations and experts in a number of fields looking to share their knowledge and advice, all with the aim of helping people to enjoy the Scottish mountains in greater safety and without taking needless risks.'

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.'

 

  • Mountain Safety Day takes place 10am - 4pm 11 October in Stirling’s Albert Halls

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