Mountain Writing Competition 1996

There was a poor response to this year's competition with only three entries prior to the usual April Fools Day deadline. However, several more arrived near the date of the AGM but were unable to be circulated in time for an AGM decision. As these late entries were of a better standard it was decided to delay a decision until all the judges could see all the entries. After much deliberation the following was agreed :

1st Prize- Two Days On Meagaidh by Ruaridh Pringle (£100 prize)
Ruaridh describes ascents of two of the classic ice routes of Meagaidh to the accompaniment of the worrying effects of a chilli pepper and of aliens.
Commended - When the Shit Hits The Fan by John F Williams (£25)
A well written and structured piece that was also very topical, this describes the tempering of the joys of climbing and caving by the problem that no-one wants to talk about. It concludes by making comparisons with the proposed Ratho Quarry development but all the judges felt it was let down by a confused argument at the very end.