MCofS & Silva to Join Forces on Mountain Safety Skills

The MCofS and Silva are pleased to announce that they are now working closely in a new collaboration that aims to draw attention to essential safety equipment and knowledge that walkers and climbers need if they are to enjoy the Scottish hills and mountains safely.

David Gibson, Chief Officer MCofS says:

“We selected Silva as a partner for this initiative because we have a shared aim of promoting awareness about the need for basic navigation skills and the use of appropriate equipment on the hill.

Being able to use a map and compass is a critical skill for any hill walker - our website navigation resources and subsidised courses are aimed at beginners who need to acquire these skills. Having a headlamp that works can also be a life-saver if you need to find you way or signal.

The Expedition 4 Compass will be familiar to many experienced hill walkers and is a must-have for anyone serious about navigation. The Silva Ranger headtorch is a robust product well-suited to Scotland’s ever-changing climate. Our advice is simple – get the right equipment from the start – learn how to use it - and don’t go out on the hills without it”.

Simple, easy to learn navigational skills can save lives. Many newcomers to the hills and mountains are unintentionally poorly equipped and go out without a compass or a headlamp. A precision instrument such as the Silva Expedition 4 should be found in every outdoor enthusiast’s rucksack. A compass such as this will help you to find your way for many years and it has no batteries that can go flat!

The recently published report recording all Mountain Rescue Call outs in Scotland for 2009 highlights the importance of good navigation skills. A report published by the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland confirms that virtually half (49%) of all 402 recorded incidents in the Scottish hills involved poor navigation, bad planning or poor timing

Kevin Thomson Marketing Manager Silva says, “The hope is that vital mountain safety messages will reach a wider audience by concentrating our focus on important navigational products such as the Expedition 4 Compass which has accuracy, precision and durability as its key features.”

The MCofS organise low cost subsidized one-day basic navigation training with a qualified mountain leader to show how to use a map and compass and gain valuable navigational skills whilst out on the hills. Additionally, the MCofS also organise many other events throughout the year for their members such as Winter Lectures that cater for all levels of mountaineers and hill walkers.

If you would like further information on the Navigation courses or the Winter Talks please contact The Mountaineering Council of Scotland on 01738 493942 or go to the website where there is information on mountain safety, navigation skills, and all the events and how to apply for places mountain-safety.asp

For more information on Silva navigational products please contact 01506 406277 or visit http://www.silva.se/

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For further press information please contact:

David Gibson Chief Officer MCofS on 01738 493942 e: davidg@mcofs.org.uk

Kevin Thomson Silva on 01506 406277 e: kevin.thomson@fiskars.com

13 July 2010 Barker Publicity on T: 020 7586 4604 e:sandie.barker@btinternet.com