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sportscotland funding supports safety in the mountains

Monday 10 March 2008

Against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland's mountains, Sport Minister, Stewart Maxwell, today announced that sportscotland will invest £155,300 in the sport of mountaineering through the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and £217,500 in Snowsport Scotland, the national governing body for snowsports.  

Mountaineering is an important activity for Scotland, making best use of its natural resources, but safety is a key factor in getting the most out of the sport.  A significant proportion of the funding announced today will provide continued support for the post of Mountain Safety Adviser, giving vital safety advice to the general public.

Visiting sportscotland's National Centre Glenmore Lodge near Aviemore, Mr Maxwell said:  "Scotland is home to some of the world's most spectacular hills and mountains and it's important we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy them. 

sportscotland funding supports safety in the mountains

"This funding for mountaineering will help outdoor activity enthusiasts access the important information they need to enjoy Scotland's breathtaking landscape more safely. It's important anyone heading to the hills is properly equipped and prepared to cope with changing ground and weather conditions before setting off. 
 
"This funding will also help to support and develop Scottish Snowsport athletes preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver." (Photo left to right - Chris Townsend, President, Mountaineering Council for Scotland; Stewart Maxwell, Sports Minister; Tim Walker, Principal, sportscotland National Centre Glenmore Lodge.)

The other key focus for the investment is the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS), now fully funded by the Scottish Government, through sportscotland.  MWIS provides walkers and climbers with an accurate online information source about the weather conditions on Scotland's mountains across five geographical areas.   The funding will also support Mountain Leader Training.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive sportscotland said: "Scotland's mountains are as challenging as they are beautiful and we aim to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to enjoy them all year round.  

"The measures put in place by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and supported by this funding, provide a fantastic resource to ensure that people embark on their outdoor activities informed with the best weather information possible, making the most of all that Scotland's mountains have to offer."

Welcoming the investment,  David Gibson, Senior Officer Mountaineering Council of Scotland said: "The Mountaineering Council of Scotland welcomes sportscotland's continuing investment in Mountain Safety initiatives and MWIS. Self-reliance is the most important attribute in the mountains - at any time of year. With increasing numbers of people wishing to enjoy Scotland's mountains, these services help to improve both the awareness of risk, and the need for informed decision-making."

Snowsports in Scotland also received welcome news today with an investment of over £200,000 from sportscotland.  Snowsport Scotland will receive £126,000 to support their development and performance plans as athletes prepare for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010.  A further £91,500 has been allocated to promote the development of the sport and to support pre-Olympic stage athletes.

Notes to Editors

  • In 2007 sportscotland invested over £10 million in 54 sports governing bodies.
  • The £155,300 investment in the Mountaineering Council of Scotland is made up of £24,000 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund and £131,300 sportscotland funding from the Scottish Government.
  • The Mountain Weather Information Service receives £42,300 per annum of Scottish Government sportscotland funding.
  • The five geographical areas served by the MWIS are North West Highlands, West Highlands, Cairngorms, South East Highlands and the Southern Uplands.
  • The Mountaineering Council of Scotland is the national representative body for mountaineers, hill walkers and climbers. Led by volunteers, and part-funded by membership subscriptions, MCofS works with other mountaineering organisations including MWIS, Mountain Leader Training Scotland, the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland, and the National Outdoor Training Centre at Glenmore Lodge, to provide the public with a range of services, events and information concerning mountain safety.
  • Glenmore Lodge is Scotland's National Outdoor Training Centre and has an international reputation as a leader in the field of outdoor leadership training and assessment.
  • The £217,500 investment in Snowsport Scotland is made up of £70,000 sportscotland funding from the Scottish Government and £147,500 from the sportscotland Lottery Fund.
  • The following athletes will receive support through Snowsport Scotland:
    • Alain Baxter, Aviemore
    • Dougie Crawford, Glasgow
    • Jan Kochalski, Torphins
    • Melissa Piper, Auchterarder
    • Pam Thorburn, Strathaven
    • Ben Kilner (Snowboarding), Banchory
    • Noel Baxter, Aviemore
    • Andrew Noble, Edinburgh
  • Another Scottish athlete Finlay Mickel from Edinburgh is funded through UK Sport's World Class Performance - Podium Programme.
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