Q&A with Jamie
Tell us about your connection with climbing?
I was introduced by my mum who used me as a guinea pig for her Single Pitch Award training consolidation. This involved trips to EICA where I got my first taste of climbing. I then started to go climbing independently indoors with friends. I then got more involved through my job as a support worker and also started doing some freelance instructor work. Through my freelance work got involved in the Young Explorers Climbing Club in Callander which was awesome! I was keen to develop the clubs offering to young climbers, which I did during my time with the club. It still is great to see club members now and where climbing has taken them and remained a part of their lives as they have grown up to young adults. This is definitely where my passion grew for climbing.
How long have you been involved in climbing / mountaineering?
Climbing since the age of 19 and skiing since the age of 12
Why do you like climbing / mountaineering?
I love the social element and the community feel climbing has. It is a great way to stay fit/active and so many ways you can take part. I also enjoy hillwalking and skiing with friends and family when I get the time to do so too.
What is your favourite type of climbing?
I have dabbled in most disciplines but would say currently, bouldering is my preference and best fits in with my current life style. I go bouldering indoors usually twice a week and use this time to get my climbing fix but also to catch up with friends and family who come along too. I am looking forward though to getting back into Trad climbing, especially multi-pitch as I enjoy the adventure element to it.
What other interests do you have?
Sport wise, I have enjoyed skiing from a young age and in more recent years have been enjoying wakeboarding. Hobbies, too many! I’m a bit of a gearhead and enjoy anything car related. Love music! Mostly punk rock, metal, rock etc… Dabble with photography and love a bit of urban exploration. I could go on…
What made you want to join the ClimbScotland team?
Ehhh… I joined it, through creating it. The development of the ClimbScotland Initiative has been and continues to be an amazing experience that I am constantly learning and developing through.
What is your role?
I am the Development Manager for the ClimbScotland Team. When I first joined Mountaineering Scotland in 2013 I was the Club Development Officer.
What do you like about working with the team?
The Psych with in the team for climbing! Also there is a wealth of knowledge in the team and feel that everyone brings some different to the table that we can all learn from on a day to day basis.
What is your main ambitions with your role?
To continuously raise the profile of the sport in Scotland as well as the UK. To build positive working relationship with key partners and the wider sporting community as well as the development of the pathway/opportunities for all involved.