This article is sponsored by our friends at Glenmore Lodge.
Who are the mountain leaders and instructors of the future? We met four attendees on the unique Glenmore Lodge Instructor Development Scheme, which helps young outdoor professionals progress their learning and experience at Scotland’s National Training centre.
Main image: Ben Hope in great company | Credit: David Lintern
They live on site, work part time for the Lodge, and in exchange receive, peer learning, coaching and instructional placements and personal development. First, we chat with Meg Strong from Coventry.
Meg Strong (from Coventry)
What has your journey looked like up to this point?
I found indoor bouldering in 2018 and from that point on I was hooked. I moved from Coventry to the South Lakes, started an apprenticeship at YMCA Lakeside where I learnt to trad climb, walked up my first mountain, and paddled for the first time.
After 14 months I had passed 3 awards, completed Mountain Leader training and gained a year of experience working with groups.
I’ve since passed my summer ML, joined an Outward Bound Women in Outdoor Leadership course at Loch Eil, and spent a summer as a freelance RCI and ML in Torridon, before joining IDS.
Why did you apply?
I wanted to be in the Highlands and to dedicate some real time towards my personal and professional development, so the Lodge IDS looked perfect.
Previous attendees also spoke really highly of the scheme.
Dan Bruce (from Sheffield)
Favourite place for outdoor adventure?
The Highlands in general… but more specifically the Northwest and Assynt – the landscape has a uniquely wild feeling to it you don’t get anywhere else in the UK, with big mountains, vast glens, rugged coastline and countless quiet corners to pitch a tent.
What does a standard week look like for someone on the IDS?
Every week is different. It usually involves a few shifts behind the desk or cleaning the vans, and a course, either shadowing to develop our own style, training in a new or developing skill, or an assessment. The rest of the time is usually spent out with my fellow staff from the Lodge or friends in the area to put those new skills into practice!
What are your goals for after your time at Glenmore Lodge?
I’ve come to understand that for me, both Highland life and life as an outdoor instructor lends itself to having a bit of a variety, so I’d like to keep the mix of activities we’ve looked at the Lodge.
I’d also like to do a bit more volunteering and community-based work – Glenmore Lodge has given myself and so many others a leg up, and I’d love to pay that forward and follow suit.
Jon Shipp (from near Bristol)
Favourite place for outdoor adventure?
The far northwest of Scotland, with its stunning coastline for sea kayaking and its unique, ancient mountains.
What drew you to the Instructor Development Scheme?
I was getting to a stage in my outdoor career where I didn’t know where I wanted to go next, but I did know I wanted to move back to Scotland. I also knew I needed more experience, a few more qualifications, and most importantly for my own wellbeing and longevity in the outdoors, a community.
What has it been like living and working at Glenmore Lodge?
I was definitely intimidated by the Lodge, its reputation and its history, but living and working here has honestly been awesome. While the job of the IDS has its less than glamorous parts (although I can’t understate the joy of a nice and tidy bin shed), we interact with nearly every department on a weekly basis, and it genuinely has been one of the most welcoming places I’ve worked.
What is your favourite thing you’ve done so far?
It’s hard to pin down, but starting my MCI training has been a highlight – I hadn’t planned on it but I got a helpful nudge and I am so glad I did. Sea kayak training was fab, and my roll really came together for the first time. The trail riding course was also excellent – I finally learned to stop worrying and love the bike.
Rich Taylor (from Nottingham)
Favourite place for outdoor adventure?
The river Garry – it’s so diverse and offers new challenges every time I’m there, plus there’s always a great conversation waiting, someone happy to offer advice, encouragement or a laugh.
What does the support with your skills and professional development look like as part of the IDS?
Living and working on site means that support is always close by, both from the permanent staff and the freelance team. They’ll often take you under their wing for a week, offering encouragement, sharing knowledge, and helping to develop your confidence and skillset in really practical ways.
Beyond the formal training and assessments, it’s invaluable seeing how courses are delivered. Watching experienced instructors in action, observing how they manage groups, adapt sessions on the fly and communicate key concepts, helps you connect the dots between theory and practice in a way that’s hard to get elsewhere.
What are your hopes for the year?
Six months in and it’s been packed. So far, I’ve completed 3 assessments and 2 training courses and shadowed another five courses. I’m hoping to tick off another 3 assessments on both land and water, get plenty of winter climbing in and squeeze in more shadowing. I want to make the most of every opportunity that the Lodge offers – there’s no shortage of them!
