HRAI rope access

Another IRATA assessment day today, this time in Alness at HRAI's training centre.

Morrone on skis.

This is a nice ski tour out the back (South West) of Braemar. Not much to see higher up the mountain though, but gave some interesting navigation practice to locate the Mast today!

Ski-mountaineering

It was a pretty horrible overcast day today, strong winds with a combination of sleet and snow. A slight warming has settled the snow a bit but more snow and colder temperatures are returning tonight so its going to be ideal for snow sports, avalanches activity may well increase though, so take care and check out Sport Scotland's , Avalanche Information Services web site-(SAIS).

IRATA Rope Assess in Baku, Azerbaijan.

A busy weekend for me but even busier for those photographed below as they were all being assessed for their IRATA rope access qualifications to work offshore in the Caspian Sea and beyond! Pictured below is the RBG Limited Rope Access manager for Baku, Steve Black (white T shirt) with some of his team! It was a 100% pass rate on this occasion, well done guys, and best wishes and I hope you reach new heights!

RBG have an interesting new safety campaingn at the momment www.rbg-reach.com

Carn a' Gheoidh, Glenshee

A nice snow ridge and corrie rim going towards Carn nan Sac (920m)

Good views down the Alt a choire Dhirich

A few stones still protruding above the snow, something to avoid catching your ski bases on! Never the less, what a wonderful summit and day out on the skis!

Road side views: Red Deer at Braemar

Lots of snow and low temperatures here which is bringing the animals down to the road side!

Glen Sheil & Kyle of Lochalsh

Glen Sheil offers amazing views, some outstanding climbs, and is far from the madding crowd. The climb photographed above is Silver Edge on the West Face of Druim Shionnach. It was First climbed by Andy and Gill Nisbet on the 24th December 1995. John and I got it wrong (or inadvertently added a variation!) at the top and took the line of a steeper but equally interesting chimney! It has been a windless day with continued low temperatures, the climbing conditions are good, lots of wind slab and several weak layers in the snow pack, so care required in getting to the base of the climbs. As you can see the views are wonderful. Just another day in Scotland.