ScotRock

Episode 40: Kevin Howett - The Northumbrian Halfwit (35 years of Mountaineering Scotland) - Part 2

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!

Episode 39: Kevin Howett - Climb Now, works Done (35 years of Mountaineering Scotland)

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

Episode 38: Robbie Phillips - Part 2: ”The mountains are talking to me man!”

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

Episode 37: Robbie Phillips - Part 1: King of the Thumb

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

Episode 36: Sophia and David - The Battle of the Killer Birds

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

Episode 35: Jamie Lowther - E1＞E7 ”Runouts are interesting”

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!
 
 

Episode 34: Duncan McCallum - Bolts, EICA Ratho, and now... The Ledge

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

Episode 33.5 : Lanah Dunsmuir - The Professional Downclimber Part 2

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