The Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture

Introducing a unique new national award celebrating long-term contributions to mountain culture.

The Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture is a new Scotland-wide award that will be presented annually at the Fort William Mountain Festival, from February 2008.

This prestigious and unique national award, sponsored by Rio Tinto Alcan, has been set up to raise the profile of Mountain Culture within Scotland and beyond.  

It will celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of one inspiring individual and their outstanding contributions to Scotland’s mountains, encompassing sport, theatre, art, photography, film and literature. 

The Festival is delighted to announce that the inaugural recipient of the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture, 2008 is:

Hamish MacInnes: Mountaineer, Mountain Rescue Innovator, Author

Watch a short video about Hamish (Windows Media format)

Mike Pescod, Chairman of the Fort William Mountain Festival, said: ‘With no other award like it, The Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture is of great importance to mountain culture in the UK. Mountains have always inspired artists, sportspeople, conservationists, musicians, photographers and writers.  Those people in our mountain community never consciously strive for recognition of their talent and commitment. We feel that this award will not only celebrate their amazing achievements and contributions but will also represent the recognition of their peers.'

The presentation of the first award will take place immediately before the 'Modern Face of Everest' talk at the Nevis Centre Festival Theatre on Saturday 23 February, 7pm.

The Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture is proudly sponsored by Rio Tinto Alcan. Mick Routledge, from Rio Tinto Alcan, said: 'We are very proud to sponsor the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture. The ethos of this award fits well with Rio Tinto Alcan's business culture and our drive for sustainable operations within this spectacular mountain environment.'

Rio Tinto Alcan's decision to sponsor the award is very appropriate as Scotland celebrates 100 years of hydro power production and aluminium smelting in the Highlands.

Mike Pescod added: 'We are indebted to Rio Tinto Alcan who are sponsoring the award in its inaugural year and their commitment to such a significant award for Scotland's mountain community; and of the Outdoor Capital of the UK.'

A short DVD will be shown at the award ceremony, showing film and still photographic highlights of the recipient's lifetime achievements. These will include testimonials from the recipient's peers.

Edinburgh stained glass artist Emma Butler-Cole Aiken, who has taken holidays in the Outdoor Capital of the UK from childhood and takes much inspiration for her work from the area's landscape, has been commissioned to create the award.

The idea for the award has been modelled on 'The Summit of Excellence award' introduced at the Banff Mountain Film Festival in 1987 and awarded to an individual who has made a significant contribution to mountain life in the Canadian Rockies.

The Mountain Culture Award is an intiative of the Highland Mountain Culture Association Limited, a not for profit organisation that aims to promote the understanding and appreciation of the world’s mountain places and people, by creating opportunities for people of all ages to share their mountain experiences, ideas and visions.