It was confirmed last night (14 September) that the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS), which has been funded by sportscotland since 2007, will receive funding at present levels for a further three years.
There has been speculation this week over the service’s future following an announcement from MWIS Lead Forecaster Geoff Monk that he had been told funding was to cease at the end of this year.
In a post on its website, the MWIS has announced that the service will be continuing.
It states: “Following discussions between sportscotland and the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) both organisations have provided reassurances that the current forecasting service will be maintained.”
Mountaineering Scotland’s Chief Executive Officer, David Gibson, said he was delighted at the news that the MWIS’s funding was to continue.
He said: “This is a vital and much valued service for everyone who resorts to Scotland’s mountains,
“We had spoken over the weekend to both Geoff and sportscotland to encourage them to sit down around the table again, and we met with the Scottish Government this week to provide evidence of the value of the MWIS forecasts and to express our concern that a satisfactory solution should be found which safeguards the forecast.
“We welcome the intervention of the Minister, Aileen Campbell, which provided the impetus for a solution to be found and it’s good news that a three year period of funding has been secured. We now look forward to being involved in the ongoing discussions which will ensure a sustainable, long-term and enhanced service.”