ML (S)  Mountain Leader (Summer)

Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader

Duke of Edinburgh Award Assessor

Outdoor First Aid Certificate

Climbed more than half the Munros in summer and winter, now exploring the history and culture of the Scottish Glens. 

Trips overseas have mainly been to Italy, but also walked in Spain, Majorca, Switzerland, Bavaria and Crete.

As a leader and assessor with the Duke of Edinburgh Award I have designed, planned, and led over a hundred multi day expeditions through some of the most beautiful glens in Scotland.

It’s very rewarding taking groups into places most people would never have an opportunity to experience, e.g. Camping on a beach on remote Loch Loch (yes, there is a Loch Loch!); seeing stars you feel you could pluck out the sky when it’s so black.

I was fifteen years old when I made my first overseas trip to Kandersteg in Switzerland, with the Scouts. Two full weeks walking and climbing in the stunning Bernese Oberland. Can’t believe we climbed in the snow above 3000m with shorts, no crampons, no ice axe! Safety and regulations have changed since then.

I have the fondest and most profound memories of this trip, so much so that in 2019 I returned to the international Scout chalet in Kandersteg, revisiting some of the beautiful hills and lakes.

Enjoy reliving ‘a day in the life’ of our ancestors, from ploughman to prince, in what was a very harsh environment.

With my construction background, I love to investigate historical remains – what was built here, how did they build it, what was it for, who stayed there? We also have a legacy of ancient roads and bridges built by prolific engineers in 18th and 19th centuries such as General Wade, Major Caulfield, and Thomas Telford.