Mountaineering Scotland (MScot) is a membership organisation with over 16,000 members including 135 clubs and is the only recognised representative organisation for hill walkers, climbers, mountaineers and ski-tourers who live in Scotland or who enjoy Scotland’s mountains, and acts to represent, support and promote Scottish mountaineering. With a focus on supporting recreational participation Mountaineering Scotland works to promote the physical and mental health benefits of taking part in mountaineering disciplines set out in our participation pathway. Mountaineering Scotland also plays a key role in the promotion of mountain safety and representing our members' interests in relation to conservation and the environment.
Mountaineering Scotland is also the governing body for competitive sport climbing in Scotland and our activities to support the development of indoor climbing and climbing for children and young people are delivered through the ClimbScotland initiative which delivers our performance and competition programmes, supported through funding from sportscotland. This is an exciting time to be involved in delivering our new strategic plan to take the organisation forward to 2029.
Our organisation has a small professional staff team headed by a CEO which relies on the support and advice provided by volunteer directors. As a member of the board, directors help to shape the future of Scottish mountaineering and guide the strategic direction and policy development of the organisation. The board also provides a governance function assessing and managing strategic risk and monitoring budgets and the implementation of the operational plan.
Working within the context of Mountaineering Scotland’s Strategic Framework, closely with the CEO and the Mountain Safety Team, the Director for Snowsports Touring has a key role focussed upon the development of off-piste skiing including the developing sport of Skimo with a focus on helping to identify and deliver participation and performance pathways. The Director will maintain proactive relationships with the 5 Scottish Snowsports centres as well as working closely with a wide number of stakeholders to promote the safe uptake and access to the sport.
As well as attending four MS Board meetings per annum and an AGM, the Director will chair the bi-annual Snowsports Touring Advisory Group (STAG) and will focus on helping to maintain good working relations with the Eagles, IBSC & Edinburgh Ski Touring Clubs.
This opportunity would suit someone widely experienced in Snowsports Touring with a strong background in mountaineering, a passion for Scotland’s mountains and with an ability to contribute at Board level to the running of Mountaineering Scotland.
Expressions of interest are being invited from interested candidates which should be submitted by close of business on Wednesday 26th August 2026 - see below for further information and how to apply.
Working within the context of Mountaineering Scotland’s Articles of Association and closely with the Chair and CEO, the Director for Governance, HR and Equalities will provide advice and support to the Board on governance-related matters and its commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (“EDI”). The work includes supporting the review and updating of relevant policies and procedures, providing support and advice on staffing issues and ensuring that EDI considerations are embedded in all decision-making to help support and broaden our existing membership.
This is a great opportunity for someone with appropriate experience in EDI matters, legal, company secretary and / or the management of human resources, combined with a passion for mountaineering or outdoor activities.
Expressions of interest are being invited from interested candidates which should be submitted by close of business on Wednesday 26th August 2026 - see below for further information and how to apply.
Human Resources & Governance
Expressions of interest are being invited from interested candidates which should be submitted by close of business on Wednesday 26th August 2026.
The role description should be read in conjunction with the directors’ competencies and person specification which you can download from the link above. Candidates who wish to put their name forward should provide a brief summary of their experience in an organisational context and their interests in mountaineering / outdoor / sporting activities, together with a personal statement as to how they feel they would contribute to the work of Mountaineering Scotland and the associated trusts.
The board will be undertaking a selection process to identify preferred candidates to initially be co-opted onto the Board and nominated for election at the AGM in November 2026.
Members who wish to stand for election independently must nominate themselves in accordance with the Articles of Association.
If you are interested in any of the opportunities detailed, please contact Jo Dytch, Board Chair, via email at jo@jodytch.com for an informal discussion.
Mountaineering Scotland is committed to being an employer and volunteer organisation that recognises and encourages equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workforce, with employment conditions and practices that ensure all staff and volunteers are treated equitably. We particularly welcome applications from those who are significantly under-represented in our sector, such as women, people with disabilities (including hidden disabilities) and individuals from Black and minority ethnic communities.
Take a look around our website to discover more about the services we offer members and clubs, our campaigns and the activities we represent. Here are some specific pages you might like to check out too:
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Mountaineering Scotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited
