Jo Dytch has become first woman to be appointed as chair of Mountaineering Scotland, just months after Anne Butler was announced as first female President.
Jo, who has been the Director of Clubs at Mountaineering Scotland – a representative organisation for hill walkers, climbers, mountaineers and ski tourers – for six years, was voted in unanimously by the board.
She said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as the chair of Mountaineering Scotland. Working alongside the board and wider staff team over the last few years has been a huge privilege and one I take great pride in being part of.
“Personally, hill walking in Scotland is a passion of mine and I love exploring our wild places. Over the last few years, we have seen a real shift in the number of women joining us, heading to the hills and taking part in our skills courses.
“I’m thrilled to be part of that movement, both as a member of the board and as a woman who loves spending time in the Scottish Mountains.”
Jo is also the founder of the brilliant Munro Beanies.
Anne Butler is Mountaineering Scotland president
Jo joins newly elected president Anne Butler, the experienced and well-known hillwalker who recently “compleated” two Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC) Full Houses, a feat that saw her become the first-known woman to undertake two full rounds of Munros, Munro Tops, Corbetts, Grahams, Donalds and Furths.
Anne said: “I am extremely proud to be elected as president of Mountaineering Scotland and honoured to be the first woman to hold the position.
“Over the last 25 years, hillwalking has kept me physically and mentally strong and I have developed a deep connection with the mountain landscape. I now feel it is time to give something back.
“I believe that time spent amongst the hills and mountains will improve a person’s resilience, self-confidence, and well-being, and I am keen to show that women of any age and athletic ability can access the hills.
“I would like to act as a role model and use my own personal experiences to help and support women to overcome the real and self-imposed barriers that may be deterring them from enjoying time in the mountains.”
Stuart Younie, CEO of Mountaineering Scotland, said: “I couldn’t think of a better advocate for encouraging people to get into the hills than Anne Butler, and I have seen the positive impact Jo Dytch has made over the last six years in her role as Director for Clubs.
“I am looking forward to working with them both and excited to begin this new chapter in the history of Mountaineering Scotland.”