Monday 18th September 2023, 3:07pm
The 2023 Mountaineering Scotland Members Gathering and AGM will be held on Saturday 11 November at the Birnam Arts Centre, near Dunkeld.
This years members gathering will have a focus on the topics of access, conservation and the environment in recognition of the importance our members place on these areas of our work.
We are in the process of finalising the programme for the day, but expect to be inviting members to arrive from 10am for tea and coffee before starting the formal Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 10.30am. This will include a presentation from the Board on the annual report highlighting the achievements and challenges of the 2022-23 financial year, a vote on the adoption of the final version of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy and the other official business of the AGM following the usual preset agenda.
Following the formal AGM, we are planning an interactive members session with the opportunity to find out more about the work we have been doing with the Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland to deliver the path campaign It’s Up to Us. We are also planning to host a panel discussion which will explore some of the key issues impacting on the mountain environment, both now and in the future, and provide an update on our our new policy statement 'A Manifesto for the Mountains'.
After lunch, there will be an opportunity to join a members walk up Birnam Hill, providing an informal opportunity to meet and chat with Mountaineering Scotland staff, board and other members.
Two new directors have been nominated by the board to replace Lucy Fraser and Nigel Clark who are stepping down at the end of their four-year terms:
Nominated by the board as Director for Mountain Safety
Brendan has been an individual member of Mountaineering Scotland since 1999.
He started hillwalking and climbing when a student at the University of Glasgow and has been lucky enough to explore many of the Scottish hills and bothies over the years.
A career in the diplomatic service offered opportunities to climb further-afield with expeditions in the Karakorum, Hindu Kush and Himalaya in between postings.
Brendan was the Inverness Backcountry Snowsports Club (IBSC) Mountain Safety and Training officer from 2020-2023, before taking up the role of IBSC President in June 2023. He holds a Winter Mountain Leader qualification and has a strong interest in all aspects of mountain safety and training.
Now firmly settled back in the Scottish Highlands, Brendan is working toward compleating his Munro’s and enjoying as much ski-touring as the snow conditions permit!
Nominated by the board as Director for ClimbScotland
Born in Scotland but spending much of my youth in South America I was introduced to Scotland’s mountains by my father and they have been a live long passion. I compleated the Munros in 2007 and am probably on my way to a second round now but am not admitting that to my family. My hill walking has introduced me to scrambling, winter climbs and a love of all forms of mountain sport including now cross country mountain biking which takes up a lot of my time mainly cycling the paths of the Scottish lowlands but I have cycled to a number of Munro summits.
My introduction to climbing started abruptly when my five year old son showed an adept ability at it climbing all parts our house. He was quickly taken to EICA to take this passion in a more structured format and has never looked back. Through his involvement we initially climbed inside and then joined the Quickdraw Club and so moved to climb outside and learn its various forms and pleasures. Climbing has taken us to Crags UK wide and in France and Spain. Whilst my son does competes indoors at the various competitions (and I accordingly volunteer as a judge) my main interest aligns to the outdoor and mountains. In that capacity I am currently the Chair of the Quickdraw Club, which seeks to provide a platform for young climbers in the East of Scotland to climb together outdoors.
Professionally, I am a property lawyer qualified in England and Scotland, mainly practicing in Edinburgh for last 28 years.
The full agenda, voting papers and details of how to register will be sent to members in early October.
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Mountaineering Scotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited
