The Mountaineering Council of Scotland

Issue 16 February 2003

SPORTS DEVELOPMENT NEWS

British Regional Youth Competition Series 2002 by Dave Berry The day of the final had arrived and the 16 months since the last BRYCS had seemed an absolute age. The weather was atrocious, I'm sure it must have delayed the arrival of a lot of competitors and volunteers. The children went through the competitor “check in” procedure and were given finalist medals and T-shirt (Like most competitors, my daughter Natalie treasures these and still wears last years T-shirt with pride). They then made their way down to the main climbing arena of Leeds Wall which was pretty busy with competitors, parents and officials. The start was a bit delayed, but then the competitors were put through a warm up routine and organised into categories with their respective chaperones etc. and the climbing started. Our only criticism was that the route time limit did not appear to be consistently applied across all the climbs and this may have been partly responsible for the long waits. But 'Scotland South' did tremendously well - their best ever placing at second and had 4 podium fishers with Aline Kirkland 1st (Girls 10-12); Natalie Berry 2nd Girls (10-12); Robbie Prentice (Boys 10-12); and Michael Mullins Boys (13-15). Scotland North came ninth and showed a lot of spirit. Thanks to all the competitors, the BMC, the Leeds Wall, and all those volunteers who helped to provide an enjoyable competition. Nat's Final by Natalie Berry On Saturday 12th October, approximately 400 children from around the UK marched nervously into Leeds Wall for the BRYCS Final. I was one of them. For me, it was a brilliant event. I was in the girls 10-12 category, and I was going to have to climb well, because I am only 10. Here is my story .... Immediately I met up with some friends, and we started trying to work out the cruxes and sequences of our routes and boulder problems. I was with my friends, Lianne (11) and Aline (12), also in the Scotland South Team, and Charlotte (11) from the Midlands Team, so we started chattering to all the other girls to get rid of our nerves! Unfortunately we didn't get on our first climb (F5+/6a) till about an hour later, but we all completed it. After lunch it was my turn at the next route (F6b). It was a very well set route with natural movements. The crux was at the top, and when I did it, it was a great feeling! The next route was supposed to be F7a+, but a mistake was made by the route-setter and it was F6a. I completed it and sat next to Aline, Lianne and Charlotte, all of us now focused on bouldering. Our first problem was about F6a, which I completed first time. The next one was the hardest of the lot, around F6b+. It had a Dyno at the end, and that was definitely the crux! Nobody got it on their first attempt, but Aline and I got it on our second. The wall was overhanging by about 30 degrees, and you had to launch off a sloper (which was not pleasant!) and a positive crimp. I had to do the dyno, otherwise, I would be second to Aline. I got to the two ghastly holds.... crouched down a little... pictured myself getting the hold, trying to work the positive vibes... aimed... fired... and caught the hold! Immediately I felt a sense of achievement as I punched the air with excitement. The next problems were all pretty easy but on the third one, probably a F5+, I made a mistake! I was at the second last hold, drawing first place, and I "sort-of" dynoed to the top of the wall. Before I tell you what happened next, may I add that Glasgow Climbing Centre, where I climb, have a bouldering wall with a positive edge at the top, but at Leeds it is just a horrid sloper, so I got the top of the wall and slipped off! I got it on my second attempt, so that meant that I was second in the UK! Strangely enough I laugh at it now, because it is probably one of the only things that my dad could have beaten me on! Standing on the podium was an amazing experience - especially as Ben Moon presented the prizes. Aline, Sammy and I stood proudly, holding our cups in the air as people took photos and cheered. Scotland South came 2nd in the team result, there was a huge cheer from the Scottish parents and competitors for that, our best ever placement! Again, it was a brilliant experience. I like competitions because they give you good experience, and also you make new friends. Scottish Tigers - BRYCS From a Highland Perspective by Robert Mackenzie The three north rounds in the BRYCS competitions were popular and well attended. Two were held at Climb Caledonia, Inverness and the last round was held at Glenmore Lodge. All three rounds were difficult, but very exciting and ended with this year's North Scotland team of 15 competitors heading over the border. Many thanks to Tiso for generously providing us with £500 worth of prizes for all the north rounds. All us Highlanders travelled the 443 miles to Leeds Climbing Wall by coach, with much fun had by all. Many thanks to Willie the bus driver who survived the paper plane in the ear incident, oops! The Leeds Wall was a big overhanging giant and very colourful. It was very busy with young climbers battling for around 11 hours. Well done to the route setters for setting some very enjoyable routes and problems. Almost as good as the North Scotland route setters! It was really cool seeing Ben Moon give out the prizes, sign posters and even signing peoples T- shirts. My little brother Dylan thinks it was a humungous day out. Respect to the South Scotland team who showed us all how to climb with style. Their team was placed 2nd overall. Congratulations to them. Aline Kirkland and Natalie Berry put on a stunning show and fully deserved 1st and 2nd in the 10 - 12 girls. Michael Mullins finished third in the 13 - 15 boys. The BRYCS series is an excellent yearly challenge to look forward to. Hopefully next years final can be held at Ratho, Edinburgh. Please Mr Howett.

Scottish Results
Category
7 - 9 girls	Hannah Aitkin 8th, Edie O'Dowd 9th, Emma Kesson 10th.
7 - 9 boys	Ross Kirkland 4th, Calum Pearson 18th, Robert Gladdon 19th, Greg Forsyth 20th, Duncan Birse 22nd .
10 - 12 girls	Aline Kirkland 1st with an awesome performance, Natalie Berry 2nd, Lianne Smith 8th, Anna Wells 14th, Mairi Fenton 22nd, Laura Forsyth 26th.
10 - 12 boys	Saw a real battle with Robbie Prentice 2nd, Nicolas Duboust 7th, Luke MacPhee 8th, Robert Mackenzie 13th, Martin McKenna 19th, Simon Andrews 27th.
13 - 15 girls	Vicki Mayes 11th, Olivia Robinson 18th, Clare Skea 20th.
13 - 15 boys	Best place was Michael Mullins 3rd, Andy Paton 12th, Craig Hutcheson 25th, Lachlan McKeggie 27th, James Wells 29th.

OTHER NEWS Green Tourism Business Scheme - SPECIAL OFFERS for MCofS Members Members of the Mountaineering Council can take advantage of special offers being made by GTBS accommodation - so why not try living it up a little this winter and do a little bit more to protect the environment at the same time. Hilton Aviemore and Hilton Coylumbridge Hotels: Sunday to Thursday inclusive: B & B - £30 per person per night D, B&B - £35 per person per night For Friday and Saturday add £20 per person per night supplement This offer is based on 2 people sharing for a minimum of 2 nights and runs to 5 April, excluding 7-22 February. For information and to book tel: (01479) 811811 Quote: “Mountaineering Council” Isles of Glencoe Hotel: Sunday to Thursday inclusive: B&B - £34.50 per person per night D, B&B - £49.50 per person per night Friday to Saturday inclusive: B&B: - £39.50 per person per night D,B&B - £54.50 per person per night This offer is based on 2 people sharing for a minimum of 2 nights and runs to end April, excluding Easter. For information and to book tel: (01855) 821582. Quote: “Mountaineering Council”. Scottish Youth Hostels Association: Stay in any one of the following youth hostels from 7 March to 30 June and you get free membership of the SYHA for a year. Take a copy of this offer and proof of your MCofS membership to show when you book in: Glen Nevis, Glencoe, Aviemore, Cairngorm Lodge, Torridon, Broadford For information and to book, Tel: 0870 155 3255 and quote “Mountaineering Council”.   The Munro Society News By Irvine Butterfield John Moore, a librarian at Glasgow University, has volunteered to act as the Society's archivist. The first acquisition is a copy of “Munro's Tables”, which belonged to the fifth Munroist, J. Dow. This is inscribed by Dow and gives his dates of ascent. The Society's first social function, a dinner at the Grand Hotel, Fort William, was well supported with members and guests from “furth of Scotland” well represented. The Quiz on the Society's stand at the Dundee Mountain Film Festival was well received, and provided entertainment for the several participants. There were a surprising number of membership enquiries from Munroists who had not registered with the S.M.C.   Rock Improver Courses OFFER for MCofS Members Spring / Summer 2003 Courses and Dates April May June July 1. Performance Rock Weekend 19/20th 17/18th 14/15th 05/06th 2. Inside Out 26/27th 24/25th 21/22nd 3. Protecting and Escaping Summer Rock 03/04th 07/08th 19/20th 4. Crag Improvised Self rescue 31/01st 28/29th 12/13th ScottMuir.com is offering MCofS Members a massive 40% discount on courses for beginner to advanced rock climbers in spring and summer of 2003. Places are limited so book early. Intro Performance Rock Climbing Weekend (All Abilities of lead climber) £65pp Focusing on the technical, physical and mental aspects of rock climbing. Visiting a variety of venues to maximise learning. It is the perfect weekend to get you motivated and climbing better and safer than ever. Intro Inside Out Weekend (An intro for those wishing to get into rock climbing) £65pp Focusing on all aspects of physical and technical preparation needed to start out on your first steps on rock. Intro Protecting and Escaping Summer Rock Climbs (Climbers and Mountaineers of all abilities) £65pp This weekend focuses on the core aspects of increasing your safety on the crag. The course looks at important skills like equalising anchors, retreating from climbs, protecting abseils and escaping the system. Intro Crag Improvised Self Rescue (Climbers comfortable leading Very difficult and above) £65pp Everything you ever need to escape. This course focuses on personal protection and escape techniques to assist yourself or other injured climbers from the crag. The course visits prussiking, pulley systems, escaping the system and collecting and abseiling with an injured climber. The cost includes accommodation at a self-catering hut on the Saturday evening. The course cost does not include insurance, food, transport on or off course (we will share), personal equipment or climbing centre fees (if appropriate). Equipment lists will be sent with a confirmation sheet once the booking form and fee has been received. Equipment can be hired for a minimal cost in advance. To apply: Contact Scott indicating which Course(s) you wish to apply for, Course Date; your Name, Address, Email, Home Phone, Work Phone; your MCofS Membership (either Individual Membership No or Club Name) and send with the Full Course fee, and SAE to: Scottmuir.com 2b Drummond Street - Muthill - Perthshire - PH5 2A. Or complete an enquiry form online at www.scottmuir.com. For more information or advice contact Scott Muir directly scott@scottmuir.com or on 01764 681 506.   MCofS Members First Aid Course 2003 For Hill Walkers and Climbers May 24th - 25th At Mile House, Near Kincraig Run by Alan Crichton (qualified first aid instructor and director of “First Aid Matters”). The cost is £75 per person and this includes two nights self-catering accommodation. It does not include your food. The course starts at 9am on Saturday and finishes at 5pm on Sunday. To book your place, please send your full contact details (incl. Email and Membership details) to the MCofS Office (The Old Granary, West Mill Street, Perth PH1 5QP) with a £75 cheque made payable to 'MCofS'. Places are issued on a 'first come - first served' basis.   BIVVI TALK Gaelic Author Replies: Dear Sir, I can honestly say that I don't understand the anti-Gaelic feeling as expressed by Ian Landlash in the August edition of the magazine. He seems to be making a link between nationalism and Gaelic. What is the link here? The largest Gaelic speaking community, Western Isles has a Labour MSP. He asks if I am able to write in English. The answer is yes. I ask if Ian himself is able to read English. At no point did I say that the hills should be turned into "tourist circuses" as he states in his letter. It truly mystified me when he called the Gaelic article, written by myself, "elitist and uncalled for". Does this mean that Mr Landlash thinks that names of the majority of hills in the Highlands are elitist, that Gaelic speakers speaking in Gaelic are elitist? I posted a message on the MCofS forum regarding his letter and without exception everyone was in favour of Gaelic pieces. Unfortunately it would appear that there are a few prejudiced and vocal people who seem to feel the need to put the nail in the coffin of Gaelic. Ignorance is dangerous! Domhnall Morris   Paying for Access: Dear MCofS I know that the MCofS policy is still against payment for access but I must agree with Mr White's letter in the August 2002 edition of Mountaineer. As a nation we seem determined to 'keep the hills free' and then put up with eroded paths and 'natural' trail-finding using map & compass [and GPS!]. Yet how many of us visit Europe, the Americas or further afield and are pleasantly surprised at the park system and payment-for-access; in return we experience a high level of environmental management, excellent paths and good-quality navigational aids. . . and still find peace and solitude as necessary. It's about time we learned from our neighbours - a well-managed payment system could result in a more user-friendly environment and encourage more visitors. We could then concentrate on the provision of good-quality training and education into the important vagaries and hazards of our mountains. Let's catch up with the 21st century and stop being the 'hard man'! Douglas Hall ['Mr Pink']   Bulldozed Tracks: Dear Sir, After reading the article about the Attadale Track I feel a response is required to give balance to the question of landowners developing their estates. I know the location of the stalker's path that is being turned into a track well and visit the Attadale area on a regular basis, doing the hills and spending nights at Bendronaig, Bearneas and Moal Bhuidhe bothies. The stalkers paths and estate tracks are good, using them makes the experience much more enjoyable, not only for me, but I am sure for many. A good path/track can be a 'boon beyond price' on a wet, cold late night trip to a bothy. The owners and staff at Attadale have been helpful and supportive over the years when required for help with transport of materials for maintaining Bearneas bothy and the provision of the fine upgraded bothy at Bendronaig, which is open to all who wish to use it. The upgrade of the low ground path to a track, which I am sure will be properly landscaped, is I guess, to improve the viability of the estate - nothing wrong with that I hope! There are tracks in 'wild land' areas that are not in the best interest of conservation and are environmentally wrong. This one, in my view, will not be an eyesore and will blend into the landscape. Yours Colin McNab   More Clothing for The Average Man: Dear MCofS Mr Sandy Park (Bivi Talk Issue 14) rightly complains that most manufacturers only supply clothing based on “standard sizes” for young people. Well, we are delighted to inform him and the huge number of gents and ladies with his predicament that we make perfect fit and high performance waterproof, windproof and fleece clothing to fit all sizes. We only sell direct to the public so our prices compare favourably with those in the high street. And we are a Scottish Company. If Mr Park would like to contact us we would be pleased to send him more details. Yours, Neil Urquhart, Cioch Direct Mountainsports, Struan, Isle of Skye. Tel: 01470 572707.   Lost Rucksack: Dear MCofS I lost my rucksack on Ben Nevis after completing Tower Ridge in the dark on Sunday night, Dec. 8th . It blew away in ferocious gusting winds. From the top of the ridge it would have blown on to the top plateau rather than back down towards the north side from the wind direction. It was particularly disappointing in that it was a new 'Crux' lightweight sac - light grey - I think it's 50 litres. Inside and probably now scattered were two 'Leki' walking poles and a 'Petzl Ecrin' white helmet and water bottle. Seek is the term we used to use in Dundee. I would be extremely grateful (and also willing to offer a small reward) if anyone could reunite me with it! Thank you. Graeme Watson, 14 Havelock Street, GLASGOW, 0141 334 2825. Victorinox 'Star Letter' The winning letter published this month in Bivi Talk to receive a Victorinox “SwissChamp” Swiss Army knife (RRP £49.95) is Graeme Watson as we think he needs cheering up!!!

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