So you’re thinking about setting up a new climbing club? If this seems like quite a complicated task, do not worry, we are here to help!
Mountaineering Scotland has have a network of over 140 clubs and groups, including youth-focused clubs which are supported by the ClimbScotland team. Join us and your club, club officers and club members will get a wide range of benefits for an annual cost per member of the club.
Types of clubs we support
- Youth focused climbing clubs
- College and University climbing clubs
- School climbing clubs
- Clubs with young people and family members
Here are some of the ways we can support you:
- Establishing a sustainable club structure
- Creating a club constitution
- Affiliating your club to Mountaineering Scotland
- Providing information and resources relating to safeguarding children in sport
- Providing volunteer training opportunities
- Plus much, much more, just contact us to find out!
Benefits of club affiliation
The ClimbScotland team is here to help your club operate safely and sustainably, improving the quality of experience for young club members and those who support them, whether it be parents, teachers or other volunteers.
What we offer for clubs
Liability insurance
£20m combined liability insurance for the club’s members, volunteers and committee
Safeguarding and PVG
Support and advice on safeguarding and PVG sign up for club volunteers
Skills and coaching
Training for your volunteers through our Regional Development Officers
Risk assessments & planning
Help with risk assessments, planning and running indoor and outdoor climbing activities
Competitions and other events
The chance to get together with other clubs for fun competitions and other events
Guidance and support
Tailored guidance and support to set up, manage and develop your climbing club.
What your members will get
For a small annual fee, your club members will become members of our parent body, Mountaineering Scotland, the representative body for climbers and hillwalkers in Scotland.
Membership includes:
Choice of free gift for new members
Entry to ClimbScotland competitions
Training and coaching opportunities
£20m liability insurance for climbing and mountaineering activities
Members magazine, e-news & digital publications
Digital membership card
Discounts on climbing and outdoor gear
Get started!
Club constitution
The Club constitution is worth spending some time on to make sure that it clearly outlines the purpose of the club and its aims and also how it is structured and managed. Get in touch with us to get a template constitution to use as a guide.
Affiliation application form
This form is the first step in your club becoming affiliated with ClimbScotland. This can be submitted before or alongside your clubs constitution. Please contact us for a form and return it to
Member registration spreadsheet
This spreadsheet allows you to submit your clubs membership list to us. Please contact us for a form and return it to
Membership form template
We have created the ‘Membership Form Template’ below to help you get your club up and running. This form will help you gather the relevant information from new members and should also help to inform the parents/guardians of young people about the nature of climbing related activities and seek their consent for the member’s participation through the club.
Risk Assessment
Clubs are encouraged to complete risk assessments prior to activities they are going to be participating in. This is seen as good practice and demonstrates that the club is proactive in its duty of care of its members and others. If you would like advice or support regarding carrying out and completing a risk assessment, then get in touch with us at:
Get in touch
Our Regional Development Officers are super keen to hear about your idea for a new club and are available to talk you through the process from start to finish. We will listen to your aims and tailor our advice to your needs.