Mountain safety drive in Scotland

Safety lectures will be given by experienced mountaineers

Mountaineers can take advantage of lectures on how best to climb Scotland's peaks in winter.

The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) has organised free lectures for 2011.

The talks will be given by 12 experienced mountaineers between January and March.

Venues include Glencoe, Aviemore and Fort William. For the first time, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Perth have been added to the itinerary.

Lessons learnt

David Gibson, chief officer of MCofS, said:

"Whilst these lectures entertain, they have a serious purpose; the number of mountaineering incidents is increasing due to more people enjoying the hills in varying and testing conditions.

"Our aim is to offer expert advice - and so help people enjoy the hills with a better understanding of how to tackle winter conditions - advice that one day could be invaluable."

For more information on the lectures contact Heather Morning, MCofS safety officer, on 01479 861 241 or go to the website.

The series of lectures on mountain safety have been held since the early 1990s.

About 750 people attended the talks in Aviemore, Glencoe and Fort William in 2009.

MCofS is represents climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers and works to promote and support mountaineering in Scotland.