MWIS future secured for three years

Mountaineering Scotland has welcomed news that funding has been secured for a much valued weather forecasting service for mountaineers.

The Mountain Weather Information Service, which was thought to have been under threat of closure at the end of this year, has gained sportscotland funding for at least the next three years.

Following discussions between sportscotland and the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) both organisations have provided reassurances that the current forecasting service will be maintained.

David Gibson, Chief Executive Officer with Mountaineering Scotland, said: "This is excellent news that such a crucial and valued service has been secured for a three-year period, and we look forward to working with other stakeholders in developing an enhanced service for the future."

sportscotland has been working in partnership with MWIS since 2007 to provide valuable mountain weather forecasting. Over the last four year cycle sportscotland has invested £150,000 in MWIS, and has now agreed to continue with the same level of investment throughout the development phase for a minimum of three years.

This will enable MWIS to sustain current forecast provision throughout a development period which will result in a sustainable, long-term and enhanced service.

The two organisations will continue the partnership which started in 2007 and will work with a wider stakeholder group, including the Met Office, MWIS, Mountaineering Scotland and the outdoor community, which engaged in sportscotland's 2015 survey about developing an enhanced service.

Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland said: “sportscotland has consistently maintained that we would guarantee the continuation of a high-quality mountain weather forecasting service and that is precisely what has been delivered. I’m delighted that we will continue to work in partnership by investing in MWIS for a minimum period of three years throughout the development phase while we plan for a sustainable and enhanced service for the long-term.

“The outcome we are all working towards during the development phase is a sustainable mountain forecast service for Scotland through the provision of reliable, authoritative forecasts which informs good decision-making on the mountains.

“We recognise how highly-valued MWIS is by the outdoor community and we want to help deliver the continuation of a high-quality mountain weather forecasting service.”

Geoff Monk, lead forecaster at MWIS, said: “It is great news that we have reached this agreement and I’m pleased sportscotland is to continue investing in MWIS at the same financial level as in previous years.

“There was a misunderstanding about investment beyond 2016 and now we have a resolution to cover the development phase before a sustainable, long-term service is up and running.

“We can focus on continuing to provide a quality service to help people enjoy the mountains safely and we look forward to working with sportscotland to support the development plans.”

Aileen Campbell, Minister for Public Health & Sport, added: "I am pleased a resolution has been reached that allows the high quality service provided by MWIS to continue and the reassurance this will give to those who rely on it when enjoying Scotland's wild landscapes.

“I am also pleased that the wider view and consideration of those with a passion and interest in outdoor sports will be reflected and harnessed as we work towards creating a long term and sustainable mountain forecast service for Scotland. I look forward to working with that group and engaging with the progress in this important national service for Scotland."