The Mountaineering Council of Scotland

 
With the transfer to the new MCofS website at www.mcofs.org.uk, the discussions in this section have been closed. Pitch-in will continue with new topics in the Get Involved area of the new website.

'Pitch-In' offers you (climbers and walkers) an opportunity to contribute articles about any aspect of mountaineering in Scotland. Articles can be about issues which you are concerned about, ranging from the ethics of mountaineering and climbing; to the despoilation of part of our mountains; to current affairs such as the sale of mountains. Or you could write about your own personal experiences.

We welcome comments from other readers about the issues these articles raise and will publish any that are relevant (and not obscene or libellous!).

 

Current Items

The removal of bolts on Lower Lednock Crag has sparked a new debate on the ethics of rock climbing in Scotland.

Many fine views in Scotlands mountains are facing having wind factories added to them. Should the MCofS Policy on industrial developments in the mountains be changed?

Iconic Images of Scotland
comments added 9th October '07

Nevis Issues. Comments on an 'extension' to the tourist path &  should the CIC hut be developed?

Nevis Issues
comments added 3rd January '08

Is the introduction of parking charges at the Linn o' Dee car park by NTS to gather funds for footpath repair and conservation work a welcome development?

Car Parking Fees - do you agree with them?
comments added 3rd January '08

With the new law coming to ban smoking in enclosed public places, what rules should be in place in our mountain huts?

Smoking Rules in Club Huts
comments added 12th June '07

Memorials placed on our mountains. How many deserve their place, or are they just litter on the hills?

Mountain Memorials
comments added 1st December '07

Our major debate on the future ethics of the sport:

The State of Scottish Climbing
comments added 24th November '06

Dry Tooling, an exciting new development in the sport of climbing, or an attack on the sport's ethics and the rocks we climb on?

Previous Items

Incorporation of the MCofS: Discussion leading up to the Annual General Meeting. Deciding on the future course of the MCofS.

A proposal for a new hut at Lochnagar: A hut too far? Would a new MCofS Mountaineering Hut in Balmoral Estate have been welcome?
It has been decided not to go ahead with this project.

The Future of Mountaineering: The 'Talking Point' feature in issue 18 of The Scottish Mountaineer discussed the subject of safety, adventure and risk taking in Mountaineering.

the Allt a'Mhuilinn path: Lochaber Mountain Access Group proposed a re-alignment of the Allt a'Mhuilinn path onto Ben Nevis. Do you feel that the current path could be improved, straightened or changed?

No More New Huts?: A BMC member suggested that no more club huts should be developed. Do you agree, or do you think new developments are worthwhile?

Helmets (and using your head): Roger Wild invited comments on his article on safety and wearing helmets in issue 13 of Scottish Mountaineer.

Guidance for Good Practice in Winter Climbing: The MCofS produced a draft Guidance Document on Good Practice in Winter Climbing in Scotland. This was accepted as a policy at the 2002 Annual general Meeting.

The Ice Axe Length Debate: The article on Winter Safety by Pete Hill and Stuart Johnston in issue 6 of The Scottish Mountaineer caused a stir. What length of axe do you prefer ?

Direct Debit question: Should a system be introduced so Club subscriptions could be paid by direct debit?

The Name Change Debate: The suggestion was made that the MCofS should change its name, the idea being to project a more modern image, and to avoid confusion with the Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC). The proposal was finally(?) rejected at the 2001 Annual General Meeting.

Good Manners Cost Nothing: The article "Good Manners Cost Nothing" by Ruairidh MacKenzie, discusses the unpleasantness when climbing etiquette breaks down.

There, but for the grace of God...: In 'There, but for the grace of God ...', Roger Everett describes the aftermath of a climbing accident.


Well, what do you think ?

Your Articles Welcome

If you have an article you would like us to publish in Pitch-In, please submit it using this form. Anyone without online access can of course submit a printed article to the MCofS office on paper.

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