A Mountaineering Youth Group in Scotland is being launched with a trip to The Cobbler in the Arrochar Alps next month.
The idea for the first Scottish youth mountaineering club was ignited at the 50th anniversary celebration of East Kilbride Mountaineering Club.
When they looked at membership, they realised they were not attracting younger members.
Cathy Lee from East Kilbride Mountaineering Club said: “We realised that many people in their 20s and 30s were using meet-up groups and did not find an organised club an attractive proposition.
“We then thought about how we had started with the club and there were a number of members who first came with a family member when they were still at school.
“We realised that young people who do not have a family member who is interested in joining the club are being excluded.
“At the same time, there had been some high profile deaths of younger people on the hills, where they had maybe not had the relevant skills and experience to enable them to enjoy Scotland’s mountains safely.
“So the idea was born for a Mountaineering Youth Group for young people aged 14 to 18. It will enable those who otherwise would not have access to Scotland’s mountains to get out there and enjoy them while learning how to stay safe with some of our members.”
Monthly meet ups and donations
The Mountaineering Youth Group will meet one evening a moth and enjoy a day trip each month, too. The first trip is to The Cobbler at Arrochar on Saturday April 25. It’s hoped there will be weekend trips in the future, possibly linked to skills trainings.
Cathy said: “We are applying for funding from Awards for All for waterproofs and boots, which we can lend out to young people who don’t have access to appropriate kit.
“Craigdon Sports are kindly looking into some discount pricing for us.
“We have also had a generous donation of rucksacks and would be grateful of any waterproof jacket or trouser donations, particularly in small adult sizes.”
To find out more email: [email protected] or join the Facebook group: ekmcyg2020.