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Safety on the mountains
10/03/2008
Total investment of more than £370,000 to enhance safety and develop sport in Scotland's mountains was announced today.
sportscotland will provide £155,300 through the Mountaineering Council of Scotland while Snowsport Scotland, the national governing body for snowsports, will receive £217,500.
A significant proportion of the MCS funding will provide continued support for the post of Mountain Safety Adviser. It will also be used for training and the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS), now fully funded by the Scottish Government, which monitors weather conditions across five geographical areas.
Snowsport Scotland will use the money to support athletes preparing for the Winter Olympics in Vancouver in 2010 and promote the development of pre-Olympic stage athletes and snowsports in general.
At Glenmore Lodge near Aviemore, Sports Minister Stewart Maxwell said:
"Scotland is home to some of the world's most spectacular hills and mountains and it's important we encourage everyone to get out and enjoy them.
"This funding for mountaineering will help outdoor activity enthusiasts access the important information they need to enjoy Scotland's breathtaking landscape more safely. It's important anyone heading to the hills is properly equipped and prepared to cope with changing ground and weather conditions before setting off.
"This funding will also help to support and develop Scottish Snowsport athletes preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver."
Stewart Harris, Chief Executive of sportscotland, said:
"Scotland's mountains are as challenging as they are beautiful and we aim to provide as many opportunities as possible for people to enjoy them all year round.
"The measures put in place by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland and supported by this funding, provide a fantastic resource to ensure that people embark on their outdoor activities informed with the best weather information possible, making the most of all that Scotland's mountains have to offer."
David Gibson, MCS Senior Officer, said:
"The Mountaineering Council of Scotland welcomes sportscotland's continuing investment in Mountain Safety initiatives and MWIS. Self-reliance is the most important attribute in the mountains - at any time of year. With increasing numbers of people wishing to enjoy Scotland's mountains, these services help to improve both the awareness of risk, and the need for informed decision-making."