ScotRock

We are back with part 2 of our epic history lesson with climbing legend Kevin Howett.  If you haven't caught part 1 yet, jump back an episode and hear all the stories form the man himself.  This second part will be very climbing focused looking at his role in the development of your indoor climbing walls, the entire coaching scene and our incredible RealRock program, throughout his 35 years with Mountaineering Scotland. Enjoy!

Today we have a real legend on climbing. Someone who I think doesn't get anywhere near enough recognition for all the work he has done for us all, and all the change that he has made happen, that every single climber, mountaineer and Hill Walker in Scotland has benefited from. Yes I'm talking about Mountaineering Scotlands very own Kevin Howett. Now Kevin after 35 years with us is hanging it up and retiring, but before we goes, he is here to give us a history lesson. For those of you that don't know, myself and Calum both work for Mountaineering Scotland, and they very kindly allow us to run this podcast through our positions. Mountaineering Scotland is the only recognised representative body for hill walkers, climbers, mountaineers and ski-tourers who live in Scotland or who enjoy Scotland's mountains, and acts to represent, support and promote Scottish mountaineering. But what started as a passionate team of volunteers, Mountaineering Scotland has been going for over 50 years now. Kevin Howett was the first paid member and has been with us for 35 years. In this interview Kevin takes us back to the beginning of his career and gives us an insight into the major work that Mountaineering Scotland has been involved in over the last 3 decades, and that he has been crucial in. Kevin gives his own personal perspective  on all of the work he has been involved in and how the organisation has evolved. From access to our most beloved areas, to climbing developments both indoors and out, its incredible how much he has done. It was hard to distill 35 years down to one podcast, so I've split this into two parts, the first focusing on his access, conservation and safety work, and the second part will be very climbing focused looking at his role in the development of your indoor climbing walls, the entire coaching scene and our incredible RealRock program. So strap in and enjoy a journey through time, with Kevin Howett

Part 2 Today on ScotRock, giving us a special 2 parter, we have the man the myth the legend, Robbie Phillips. Robbie has actually been part of ScotRock since almost the beginning as a regular guest on our controversial episodes, but he has never been given the chance to have his own story told. Robbie is a climber, a developer, an adventurer and an inspiration, but he calls himself a climber. He is one of the most hardcore climbers of our generation. Not because he's out there projecting 9b+, but because he has forged his life by immersing himself in every aspect of what our climbing community, old and young, consider to be the most important parts of our sport.    Sit back and be inspired with Part 1 and Part 2 with Robbie Phillips Epic Photos by: Ryan Balharry

ScotRock bringing you little nuggets of gold whenever we can. And well this Nugget is a big nugget. Today on ScotRock, giving us a special 2 parter, we have the man the myth the legend, Robbie Phillips. Robbie has actually been part of ScotRock since almost the beginning as a regular guest on our controversial episodes, but he has never been given the chance to have his own story told. Robbie is a climber, a developer, an adventurer and an inspiration, but he calls himself a climber. He is one of the most hardcore climbers of our generation. Not because he's out there projecting 9b+, but because he has forged his life by immersing himself in every aspect of what our climbing community, old and young, consider to be the most important parts of our sport.    Sit back and be inspired with Part 1 and Part 2 with Robbie Phillips Epic Photos by: Ryan Balharry

Sophia and her Dad David are much like any climbing family. Having wild adventures together and dad and daughter, enjoying something they love. However some of their adventures are a little more ambitious than most, and takes them on some wild adventures for an 10 year old. We sit down for ScotRocks first international podcast with Sophia and her dad David to hear about her latest epic challenge. One of Scotlands most iconic routes. Sophia is also using this challenge to help raise money to support more young people get access to climbing through her fundraiser:  https://bagclub.akaraisin.com/ui/summercampaign/p/18ecf49f574e4c4492d07f9545d174e3?fbclid=IwAR0YZp90AuSrAY0nLA-aDfnTPv5W2JOMrP6KYCQY7Irk0S_YkLTE-mnRJlet And here is the video of their mega adventure: https://youtu.be/bJrah7fb56c

Jamie Lowther is one to watch over the next few years. A strong climber turning his attention to trad climbing and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, watch this space!   Jamie is one of Scotland's strongest up and coming climbing outdoor climbers, but although he is strong, he has actually been in the climbing scene for nearly 20 years. An accomplished competition climber, boulderer and sport climber, he is now turning his attention back to his routes and send some of Scotland's most iconic hard Trad routes. Including Dalriada E7 6b.    If there was ever an episode to inspire you, this is it. Enjoy!    

Do you smell that? That smells like a new climbing!  Duncan McCallum has always played a huge part in the climbing scene and the development of climbing in Scotland. From placing the first bolt in Scotland to opening Edinburgh international climbing arena in Ratho, I'm going to say every climber in Scotland has benefitted in some way from Duncans legacy, and he aims to continue having that impact with the Ledge. So please relax for a bit of a history lesson and a look to the future, with Duncan McCallum

As promised we are back with episode 2 with our resident Mental Health Professional, Lanah Dunsmuir. After Lanah's awesome part one (go listen if you haven't), she is back to give you some helpful advice for how to deal with the stresses and anxiety that we often face while climbing. We talk about what we can do before we get on the project and what to do when it all becomes too much mid-send.  As mentioned in the episode if you have had your own experiences of anxiety when climbing and you have used some of the methods Lanah talks about, or have found your own ways of coping, please let us know: robert@mountaineering.scot Instragram: @Lanah.may

I've often get told I need professional help, so here we go...  Yes today I am joined by Mental Health Professional Lanah Dunsmuir.  Like all climbers she has gone through the rollercoaster mental gymnastics but all condensed into a fair shot period of time. Something she has battled with, but with her experience and skills as a mental health nurse she is coming out the other side a much better, and happier climber. This episode is going to come as a two parter. Lanah wants a chance to tell her story but also recognises that many of us struggle with the same anxieties so she is also putting together an episode two, to give some helpful advice on how to manage the stresses we face as best as possible. So sit back and enjoy the chat with Lanah and if empathise with her journey a little and want some guidance, then check out Episode 2 soon.

Better late then never eh!   Back once again with Robbie Phillips and Rebekah Drummond for our 3rd Controversial Panel show   This time we get deep and philosophical as we discuss Short exciting video clips on social media and the impact these have on the sport. If there's a hypocrisy in climbers advocating for protection of landscapes and climbing areas, while still wanting thew freedom to climb there unhindered? What makes a good climbing coach and can these skills really be assessed?   Tune in, prepare to get fired up and if you have a strong opinion, let us know!  

This month we are joined by the wonderful Kirsty Pallas. New to the Mountaineering Scotland team she couldn't escape an interview.    Kirsty is one of the fresh faces coming up through the instructor qualifications, with her sights set firmly on getting her Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor award by the time she's 30. She's fast tracked herself through working in the industry with pure passion and hard graft.    In this episode we get to know a bit about Kirsty before diving into some ethical debates and the gender balance in the professional side of our sport.    So grab a cuppa, and enjoy a chat with Kirsty Pallas.

Real feel good episode for you all this month, as Robert hides away in a dark cupboard with one of the nicest guys in climbing.    Jamie White started ClimbFree a 'small' non-profit social enterprise down in Sussex to help  who's aim is to help those with poor mental health climb back to mental fitness. Following his own personal experience and using climbing as a tool to help himself heal, he started ClimbFree to try and help others on a path back to mental wellness. Over the first 10 months they have seen over 350 people try climbing as a mental health tool.    Jamies story and his journey to helping others is a roller coaster that will restore your faith that there are genuine good people in this world. So strap in and enjoy the chat, with Jamie White. 

This episode is a little different, a little special, but big cool   At the start of this month the Edinburugh International Climbing Arena hosted its first IFSC World Cup in event in 5 years   We had a huge team from GB Climbing up there crushing as they do. That team included 6 Scottish Athletes, competing on their home wall, in front of friends, family and an army of young climbers from across Scotland. A proper inspirational event it was.    Before the competition though I caught up with our athletes to get a feel for the psych they had for the event. I then managed to catch them all after to get the low down on how it went and how much fun they had. So this episode is a bit of a collection of short interviews with some Scotlands strongest athletes in the heat of battle. 

Diving deep into the pool of Scottish climbing heroes for this one!   Yes, we sat down with one of Scotlands greats, the well loved Kevin Shields.   Kev is one of the greatest all rounders Scotland has ever produced, and his determination mixed with his idea of acceptable risk has led him to accomplishing things way beyond what anyone could have expected. Born with one hand, he has established some of Scotlands hardest trad routes, soloed some of Scotlands hardest and scariest lines and expertly give the middle finger to anyone who's ever said he couldn't.    Kevs life and climbing career are nothing short of inspiring, and he ain't done yet! So grab drink and get ready to giggle with the hilarious legend, Kev Shields!

Karishma Rogerson is an awesome instructor/ route setter with one hell of a backstory! When Karishma told me her story I was in awe. I knew that this was a story worth sharing on the podcast. She has an amazing origin story long before she got into climbing, but this has brought her from the Seychelles to Scotland and on to becoming one of the coolest and most psyched instructors I've worked with. So cool, worth baring with the poor audio, so sit back and enjoy hearing from, Karishma Rogerson.  

Every climber has at some point on their journey thought about building their own wall. For most, this is just a passing notion and they realise what a ridiculous idea it is. Some some however this dream became a reality during the Covid lockdowns as everyone built their own little home board. Their own 3x3m sanctuary.    But that just wasn't enough for Matt. Matt went mad. Matt built a 600m2 bouldering wall, in a shopping centre, during the lockdowns... by himself! Legend!   I actually recorded the interview 8 months ago, so its a little dated but I hope you enjoy hearing about Matts crazy journey here on ScotRock. 

ScotRock returns, and we are coming in all guns blazing!   Rebekah Drummond, you may know that name. She's been on the podcast before, she is an incredible climber, awesome human and always has the best chat for podcasts. But this one is just that little bit special.    Fresh off a mega strong climbing year, Rebekah is possibly the definition of a Scottish Local Hero. Maybe not the first name on people's minds as one of the strongest climbers in Scotland, but Rebekah has 2 decades worth of climbing experience and some pretty big sends on her tick list already. In this interview we chat about her epic send of Skye Wall (E7 6b), climbing, kids and a good sprinkling of hilarious stories. 

Dan Arnold  is a super keen hillwalker who has ventured into the world of climbing, in the most extreme way!   Robert sat down with Dan and got the run down on his full 282 round, his new project and how he has found the transitions from hillwalker straight to winter climber. Definitely not your typical progression into climbing.  Grab a cuppa and enjoy some tales from the hill, with Dan Arnold  

This week on ScotRock, Robert got the chance to sit down with the Iona Rendall from the famous Ionas Adventures group.  A busy nurse in Edinburgh, Iona has a huge passion for hillwalking and is doing everything she can to inspire others to discover the outdoors. The hugely popular Ionas Adventures facebook group has over 4,500 followers nation wide. Iona has inspired so many people to try hillwalking and fall in love with it for themselves, so she is definitely just the kind of inspiring person that needed to be on ScotRock.    Grab a cuppa a enjoy the chat with Iona Rendall

Grab a cuppa and join us for an hour of live chat with Tiso ambassadors and mountaineering legends Iona Rendall, Mollie Hughes and Hamish Frost, hosted by Robert MacKenzie (ClimbScotland).   In association with Tiso, this is the first LIVE interview for the ScotRock podcast, and Robert will be chatting safety, ethics and the future of mountaineering. So tune in, listen to the legends and bring along with audience questions for the ScotRock stars.  

This week Robert got to sat down with the awesome Hannah Smith. Hannah is a young competition climber who has made it all the way to the international stage competing for the GB Climbing Team. Hannahs experience and progress in the world of competition climbing give us a great peek behind the curtain of new age competitions, but also her insight into the challenges that female climbers face and how we keep improving our sport is inspiring.  Please sit back and enjoy listening to the amazing words of Hannah Smith Contacts:      Instagram: @hannah._smith_       Twitter: @HannahSmith0104 Photo: Luke Howard

Brace yourself for this one, we are back with another super on the edge chat! This week Robert and Calum sit down with Rebekah Drummond and Robbie Phillips for a deep and controversial chat about some hot topics in the climbing world. Pineapple on Pizza? Should we be celebrating the bold? Should the first ascensionist be the one to give a star rating? Should we be traveling for climbing? Should we give encouragement when someone's climbing? We give our honest opinion and argue it out to put some of these topics to bed. If you have a strong opinion on any of these topics let us know.  Robert@Mountaineering.scot & Calum@Mountaineering.scot 

This week Robert gets a trip back memory lane with an old friend, Anna Wells.Anna is a freshly qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor that has had a very roller coastery journey to get here, that started with her becoming a Doctor. Yes Anna went from teenage crusher and followed a career path to becoming a junior doctor before gradually making her way into working in the mountains. Her struggles and how she broke free from the norm are an inspiration to everyone who knows her. so sit back and be inspired by Anna Wells, Dr, MCI, IMLPhoto: Anna Wells, Robert MacKenzie, Dylan MacKenzie, Aline Kirkland

Robert and Calum discuss climbing in 2020 and how many of you have had a pretty good climbing year, despite how rubbish the rest of the year has been. We share long car journeys together a lot, and during those journeys we talk a whole heap of crap. So our latest idea is record these ramblings and release them as mini episodes in between the main events. Enjoy. 

I bet you follow this guy on Instagram and didn't even know it. Yes Robert get the chance to sit down with the social media giant that is Gordon Robb, or as he's affectionately known @FatoldClimberGordons passion for climbing is addictive, but his clarity on what climbing is to him and what it can offer others is refreshing. Here we get deep into the meaning of climbing and find out more about the journey that Gordon has been on and why the 100 honest Instagram is helping. If you don't already follow this guy, go ahead and check him out, but first, sit back and enjoy with Gordon Robb. 

Calum sits down with Mountaineering Scotland's very own Kevin Howett. From humble beginnings in Northumberland, not knowing how to open a screw gate carabiner, to becoming one of Scotland's most prolific trad new routers. Kev has got plenty a tale to tell, new routing in the golden era of Glen Nevis trad with Dave Cuthbertson and Gary Latter, mastering the dark art of 'glubbing' on sea cliffs and a peak into Kev's own ethics around climbing. 

ScotRock has returned after a small break, and we are kicking of with a personal favourite.Robert managed to sit down with personal hero and friend Willie Gorman. As modest as he is, growing up climbing with some of Scottish Mountaineering's biggest names, Willie is a legend in his own right. His love and passion for climbing and teaching has inspired countless people over the years to follow his footsteps and love climbing. A Willie Gorman introduction course or coaching master class is a special thing and an inspiration to fellow instructors.Now at the age of 76 Willie obviously has a few tales to tell, so Robert sat the man himself down to hear some of his best. Grab a cuppa and take a trip back to the 50s climbing with a young lad from Glasgow and his washing line.

Part 2 This week on the podcast Robert had the honour is sitting down with one of Scotlands greatest mountaineers and famous polar explorer, Myrtle SimpsonWorking in Fort William and climbing with Scottish mountaineering legends like Hamish Macinnes, Mick Tighe, and Ian Sykes, she has been on expeditions across the world doing first ascents of massive peaks. She then went on to be the first woman to cross over Greenland and an attempt at the first to reach the North pole. It was also her 90th birthday when we recorded this, so please leave us a comment with all the birthday wishes and we will pass it on. Enjoy 

Part 1 This week on the podcast Robert had the honour is sitting down with one of Scotlands greatest mountaineers and famous polar explorer, Myrtle SimpsonWorking in Fort William and climbing with Scottish mountaineering legends like Hamish Macinnes, Mick Tighe, and Ian Sykes, she has been on expeditions across the world doing first ascents of massive peaks. She then went on to be the first woman to cross over Greenland and an attempt at the first to reach the North pole. It was also her 90th birthday when we recorded this, so please leave us a comment with all the birthday wishes and we will pass it on. Enjoy 

Time to get to know your host Calum McBain. Calum is a new school climber with an old school climbing mentality. An awesome all round climber, thats come from climbing intensive beginnings, to working in climbing and having an epic climbing family. Grab a cuppa and sit down with Me and Calum as we get to know your hosts

Covid-19 has forced us to scrape the bottom of the Scottish climbing barrel, this week we bring you Scotrock's own, Robert Mackenzie. From humble beginnings climbing at Duntelchaig with a home-made seatbelt harness, to competing for Team GB, to now giving something back to the climbing community through his work at ClimbScotland.Sit down and enjoy the full low-down with Robert.(Apologies for a slightly abrupt end - a slight mic error on Calum's part!) 

Brace yourself for this one. This week Robert and Calum sit down with Rebekah Drummond and Robbie Phillips for a deep and controversial chat about some hot topics in the climbing world.Is the onsight the purest form of climbing?Should indoor climbing stop being compared to outdoor climbing?Should we replace old pegs with bolts?Do we require video evidence for every ascent?We give our honest opinion and argue it out to put some of these topics to bed. If you have a strong opinion on any of these topics let us know. Robert@Mountaineering.scot & Calum@Mountaineering.scot 

It is a beautiful morning and the best bit about it is we are now in Phase 1 of the exit from lockdown in Scotland, which means some climbing is now possible again.. Woohoo. Check out https://www.mountaineering.scot/coronavirus for the latest guidelines. This weeks ScotRock chat is with a true wildling, Anna Wynne. Anna lives deep in the glen above Lochgoilhead and is a self confessed "Mountain Obsessive". along with her family they live a really cool and adventurous life, based around the mountains. A member of the Arrochar Mountain Rescue team we get a glimpse into the life of a rescuer, the people that we hope we never have to rely on but we are all so thankful they are there for us.Hopefully you can listen to this on your way to or back from the crags, be safe, enjoy. 

Tucked away up in Glen Roy, Lochaber, lives one of Scotlands most prolific first ascensionists with potentially over 1000 new routes to his name, a pioneer in the evolution of Scottish Mountain Rescue and collector of historic climbing equipment with the Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection, a true Scottish climbing hero. Mick Tighe invited Robert in to chat history, military, climbing, mountain rescue and more.  Mick also puts out a request for artists and sculptors to contact him at www.smhc.co.uk if they fancy a lockdown project using some of his vast collection of ice screws and metal work. Grab a brew and enjoy the chat with Mick Tighe.

Hannah is one of my favourite people ever. So much love for climbing, Scotland get getting people out climbing in Scotland. She has had an awesome journey to where she is now and her psych and attitude to climbing and life in general is infectious (maybe a bad term to use right now). Robert caught up with Hannah at the Fort William Mountain Festival in February for a chilled out chat about life, the universe and everything.

In a small cupboard at the back of TCA: Glasgow, Calum sit’s down with Sophie Moodie to look at her transition from the bouldering life indoors to trad escapades on ‘The Pillar’ at Diabaig. In this episode we talk about Sophie’s roots in gymnastics, her approach to becoming a trad climber and her own battles finding ‘flow’ and overcoming a fear of failure. 

This episode we sit down with the one and only Mike Pescod. One of the most respected Mountaineers, Guide and Mountaineering Instructors out there. He sat down back in February with Robert and he told us so many amazing stories of his journey into climbing. His self taught winter climbing skills, his avalanche near and not so near misses and what hes been up to lately. Sit back and enjoy the chat with Mike.

In this episode Calum sits down with Simon Yearsley a self described father, husband and alpinist. Simon is most well known for his exploratory winter first ascents in Scotland, as well as his large alpine and greater ranges resume. However, a recent injury has forced Simon to reinvent himself as a summer rock climber. In part 2 we look at the sense of community around climbing walls, managing risk with a family and how to juggle high level climbing, business ownership and having a family.

In this episode Calum sits down with Simon Yearsley, a self described father, husband and alpinist. Simon is most well known for his exploratory winter first ascents in Scotland, as well as his large alpine and greater ranges resume. However, a recent injury has forced Simon to reinvent himself as a summer rock climber. In part 1 we look at ‘the fall’, the dilemma of continuing winter climbing and Simon’s personal ethics around climbing.

While we are all locked up, self-isolating away from the masses, there seems to be little good news. When something does come up its dogs doing tricks and home training workout fails. But every now and then something big happens… Kevs’ done it! Just before the country went indoors, Kevin Woods completed his winter round of all 282 Munros’, in just 97 days.Robert sits down with Kevin to ask him the most important question of all, why? Brought to you by ClimbScotland