Children and young people in clubs

Many clubs now allow young people to join either in selected events or as fully-fledged members. Such inclusion does have legal, insurance and practical implications which a club needs to consider.

Mountaineering Scotland has a Child Protection Policy and Procedures, and specific advice and resources about allowing children and vulnerable adults on meets and in climbing huts.

Further information is available from the Safeguarding in Sport Service, provided by sportscotland and Children 1st offers help, support and advice about child protection, the welfare of children and young people, child protection training, policies and procedures, and the recruitment and conduct of coaches and volunteers.

In addition, the Mountaineering Scotland Child Wellbeing Protection Officer, Stuart Younie, may be contacted for advice on 01738 493947 or by email

PVG scheme for club members

All people undertaking regulated work with a protected group, children or adults, are required to become a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.

It is the responsibility of each club to ensure all persons (voluntary or paid) who work with vulnerable groups – children or adults at risk – are suitable to do so.

You can find out if your club committee or members are in roles that require them to be registered on the PVG scheme here.


Full details of how clubs can register and record members who require a PVG are available on the ClimbScotland website: Find out more