This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Avalanche research group inaugurated
12/10/2001
An expert avalanche and snow science advisory group has
been created to look after the interests of the thousands
of people who visit Scotland's mountains each year.
Deputy Minister for Sport, the Arts and Culture Allan
Wilson will today inaugurate the new Snow and Avalanche
Foundation of Scotland (SAFOS) at sportscotland's National
Centre, Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore.
The foundation is a voluntary group whose role is to
improve and formalise the current knowledge and research
available as well as provide information to the Scottish
Avalanche Information Service.
Mr Wilson said:
"Mountain safety continues to generate a great deal of
public interest as mountaineering is a pursuit enjoyed by
many in this country. We are lucky to have more than our
fair share of some of the most beautiful scenery in the
world and this combined with the easy access of our
mountain ranges continues to prove a regular attraction to
many people taking up outdoor activities.
"Mountaineering brings up to £300 million each year to
the Highland economy. This represents some 60,000
mountaineers on the hills each day in the peak of winter.
The creation of SAFOS is a way of looking after the
interests of these people.
"Each winter in the mountains we are faced with volatile
and potentially dangerous situations because of avalanche
hazards. We need to make sure that education continues and
that information and advice remains free. SAFOS will
provide another safeguard.
"The specialist services provided by the foundation and
the Scottish Avalanche Information Service are a vital part
of the safety precautions everyone should take before
venturing into the hills and I welcome the additional
support the foundation established today will provide."
The Scottish Avalanche Information Service is funded by
sportscotland with £105,000 each year and was established
in December 1993. It provides daily forecasts of the
avalanche and climbing conditions at five key climbing
areas - Creag Meagaidh, Glen Coe, Lochaber, Northern
Cairngorms and Southern Cairngorms - in the winter
months.