Our statement on recent bolting activity in Scotland

As Scotland's national representative body for climbers and mountaineers, our role is not to regulate climbing or police behaviour. Scottish climbing has always been built on self-regulation, shared ethics and community responsibility and that is one of its greatest strengths.

Our role is to represent the community, facilitate informed discussion and help climbers reach a broad consensus where possible. Examples where we have played that role include the consultation on the placement of bolted lower offs at Diabaig in 2019 and more recently the clean up of the Old Man of Hoy in 2023.

We fully appreciate that there are strongly held views on both sides of the bolting debate and we seek to support a healthy climbing culture where differences of opinion can be discussed respectfully, evidence can be shared openly and decisions can be made with consideration for those who have climbed before us and those who will climb after us.

Our current guidance, which was developed in consultation with the climbing community, is available to view and download from our website.

We are aware that this guidance was last revised in 2013 and given a lot has changed in climbing since then it may be time for an update.

Over the coming months, Mountaineering Scotland will consider how best we can engage with the climbing community to review our current position statement and ensure it remains relevant, understood and supported by the broadest possible range of climbers.

The recent debate provides an opportunity - not simply to revisit the question of bolts, but to reaffirm the values that have shaped Scottish climbing for generations: adventure, self-reliance, respect for the rock, and responsibility to one another.