Youth Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture

Rob Cochrane, volunteer ranger, volunteer Cub and Scout group leader and a Duke of Edinburgh leader, from Inverlochy, Fort William, has won the prestigious Scottish Youth Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture in 2019, as part of the Fort William Mountain Festival.

Robert is a very keen Scout Leader and has done much to expand the organisation’s activities in Fort William.

Having moved to the area from Aberfeldy to study Adventure Tourism Management at West Highland College, Rob got involved in the local Cub and Scout group. Starting out in a volunteer role he has now taken over as leader and has grown the group as a whole in all areas of Scouting. He often spends his spare time fixing and upgrading the local hall in Kilmallie.

Rob is a regular Duke of Edinburgh leader and has worked as a Trainee Volunteer Ranger with Nevis Landscape Partnership

Rob Cochrane recently graduated from West Highland College with a 1st in Adventure Performance and Coaching.

Rob Cochrane said: “It means an awful lot to receive this award. I really love these mountains; I love living and working in them and sharing them with others. It is truly humbling to have been given this award, and I would like to thank my friends and family who have helped me become who I am. I would also like to thank the Festival committee for their hard work behind the scenes."

Rod Pashley, Chairman of The Highland Mountain Culture Association, which runs the Fort William Mountain Festival, said: “Rob is such an excellent example of a young person getting involved and inspiring younger generations in not only Scouting activities but the broader aspects of mountain life. We’re delighted to be able to recognise Rob’s achievements so far and look forward to all that is to come”.

Marc Wilson, Marketing Manager at Gael Force Boat Building, which co-sponsors the award, said: “Gael Force Boat Building in Corpach wishes to express its sincere congratulations to Robert Cochrane on his Award win, which is thoroughly deserved given his incredible dedication to local outdoor activities as a volunteer and through Duke of Edinburgh Leadership.”

Rachel Bradley said: "I nominated Rob for this award as he has dedicated much of his time to both looking after and teaching others about the amazing landscapes we're lucky enough to call home. His many years volunteering as a Scout leader and his constant encouragement to others to get outside and appreciating wild places is commendable. With his love of bushcraft and practical mind he is the next Ray Mears in the making!"

The Scottish Youth Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture, sponsored jointly by Gael Force Group and the Nevis Landscape Partnership / Heritage Lottery Fund, will be presented to Rob Cochrane at a special ceremony on 23 February 2019 during the Fort William Mountain Festival 2019 which runs in and around Fort William and Lochaber, from 20 to 24 February.

Find out more about the Fort William Mountain Festival programme 2019

Find out more about the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture