The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection, a charitable trust dedicated to the collection of mountaineering gear, is opening to the public this week
September 29 – October 8
The collection, which is housed in a barn and outbuildings at Bohuntin, in Glen Roy, comprises over two thousand items of mountaineering, hillwalking and climbing memorabilia from Scotland and around in the world. The Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection believe it’s the only dedicated mountaineering museum in the UK, but unfortunately it is not on permanent display and not generally open to the public.
© Scottish Mountaineering Club
Fascinating items in the collection include Tom Weir’s bonnet, camera and ice axe, Tom Patey’s surgery desk and piton hammer, Harold Raerburn’s altimeter, the entire range of Hamish McInnes’s innovative ice axes and hammers, plus a unique selection of home-made items created in the living rooms, garden sheds and shipyards of Scotland.
From further afield, the collection includes Everest oxygen sets, Antarctic anoraks, Whillan’s Whammers, and many Alpine axes. The ski collection is probably the best in the UK, with well over a hundred pairs of wooden skis, some dating back to the 1890s, all stored and displayed in a custom-built ski hut. There is also a selection of vintage clothing coupled with a unique archive of photographic material from around Scotland and the UK.
Until now, the only public access to the collection has been the online database at smhc.co.uk. But as part of the Highland Archaeology Festival, which takes place in early October, they have agreed to open the collection to the general public.
Where: 7 Bohuntin, Glen Roy, Scotland
When: September 29 – October 8, 9.00-17.00
All welcome; entry is free, although donations will be gratefully received. Space and parking are limited. While school groups and larger parties are welcome, please call in advance to discuss arrangements on 01397 712 356.
Many thanks to Mick Tighe, Chairman SMHC, for the information and photographs.
