Our basic philosophy is to improve safety through
the delivery of top quality, professionally delivered and affordable skills
courses.
All our courses are designed to encourage participants to become better informed and skilled to operate safely and efficiently in the Scottish Mountains. The mountain safety programme is organised by our Mountain Safety team, alongside whom work a team of highly qualified, experienced professionals in the outdoors. We always welcome feedback and look for ways of improving our work. If you have any ideas/comments please contact info@mountaineering.scot.
Meet our team:
Which three words best describe what the mountains mean to you
Freedom
Challenge
Adventure
Buachaille Etive Mor because it’s not too far from my house and has everything you need for mountain adventures. Plus, it looks amazing!
Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter?Definitely winter
If you were in the process of losing your rucksack in some freak accident but had the chance to save one item, what would you save?Depends where I was and I should probably say something like my map or compass, but I’d probably save my lunch!
Most memorable trip abroad for mountains?Bugaboos in BC, Canada
Why do you enjoy teaching in the mountains?For that look on peoples faces when they start to realise that they can do stuff for themselves- sharing in their journey to becoming an independent mountain adventurer. Just brilliant.
Which three words best describe what the mountains mean to you?
Space, freedom & shared experiences (sorry!)
What’s your favourite mountain and why?
A bit cliché, but the Buachaille has it all. I did some my first scramble and first multipitch there, plus have had the joy of introducing others to the mountains on it. The view (where the is one!) is just breathtaking.
Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter?
Spring I think. Usually had my fill of winter and looking forward to dry rock and a lighter rucksack. Plus bluebells are my favourite!
If you were in the process of losing your rucksack in some freak accident but had the chance to save one item, what would you save?
My cosiest layer
Most memorable trip abroad for mountains?
Atlas Mountains in Morocco
Why do you enjoy teaching in the mountains?
I love sharing the joy I get from the mountains with others, and being able to facilitate people becoming independent mountaineers so they no longer need me. I couldn’t imagine a different way of life, and I want everyone to be able to experience that too!
Max started life as a Secondary School teacher of Biology in England, during which time he gained his Summer Mountain Leader Award. He soon discovered the larger mountains, and a passion for walking, climbing and mountaineering. He worked through his years in outdoor instruction, and ended up as a teacher of Outdoor Education, in South Wales. Initially he was a multi-discipline instructor with qualifications in caving, paddle-sport, biking as well as mountaineering. After gaining the Winter Mountaineering & Climbing Instructor Award in 2008, he left teaching in South Wales and moved full time to Fort William, back in 2010. He started his own successful mountaineering business, based on guiding and instructing in Lochaber and Glencoe. He has now completed every winter working season since 2008, completed hundreds of D. of E. expeditions since 1994, and has guided many of the classic climbs, scrambles or mountains across Scotland. His favourite mountain is still Ben Nevis, because of the stunning the North Face.
His work has also taken him to complete multiple expeditions in Peru, Greenland, Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua. He served his apprenticeship as an alpinist, and completed climbs such as the Matterhorn in his first season. Now, he is more at home trad climbing in the Highlands, or having other adventures across the Cairngorms on his gravel bike.
Max has a passion for Scotland, the Highlands, having adventures and work that involves teaching, and sharing his passion for the Scottish outdoors.
Mountaineering Scotland also use a wide variety of associate instructors to assist the core team with delivering the Mountain Safety Courses. These instructors will be qualified to the appropriate level for the terrain and conditions outlined by Mountain Training and come with a high level of skill and enthusiasm for teaching in the mountains and hills. Many will have a background of working with the National Centre or volunteering with a Mountain Rescue team which gives them a great knowledge base for you to learn from.
Richard Bentley
Richard is based in Fort William and runs his own outdoor business Mountain Motion.
Richard is probably most well-known for his winter climbing expertise on Ben Nevis, but equally has many years of experience enjoying the Scottish Hills. Richard is the course director for our Summer Mountain Leader Training Award and a regular contributor on our winter lecture series.
© 2026 Mountaineering Scotland
ClimbScotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited
Mountaineering Scotland is a registered trademark of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland Limited
