Fort William Mountain Festival 2015 Programme by Nikki Mackinnon

Fort William Mountain Festival MAJOR SPONSORS

18th - 22nd February 2015 Celebrating the Wild in the Outdoor Capital of the UK

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

WITH THANKS TO Abacus Mountain Guides, Bill Scott Architect, The Granite House, Cotswold Outdoor, John Muir Trust, National Trust for Scotland, Printsmith, Three Wise Monkeys Climbing, lamontdesign

PRESENTING PARTNER

Programme www.mountainfestival.co.uk

PRESENTING PARTNER

www.mountainfestival.co.uk /fort.william.mountain.festival

@FWMountainFest

/FortWilliamFestival

WELCOME

THANKS!

A very warm welcome to the 2015 Fort William Mountain Festival! In the five days of the Festival our aim is to inspire and entertain you and show you action & adventure from both within the Scottish Highlands and beyond. To our regular audience we say a huge welcome back and thank you for your support. If this is your first time with us, we very much welcome you to the Festival and indeed… to the Outdoor Capital of the UK.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors for their continuing support through both funding and in-kind contributions – you can view all our sponsors on the back page of the programme. This year, we’re also very proud to announce that our new Presenting Partner is Jöttnar (www.jottnar.com) … come and visit them at their stand at the Festival and view their products which include Technical Clothing for Mountaineering, Winter Climbing and AllMountain Skiing!

This year, as every year, we celebrate the wild mountain culture that surrounds us by bringing you films for all tastes, outstanding presenters, workshops, fringe events, our exhibition area and much, much more. New this year is the screening of the European Outdoor Film Tour – not to be missed – and of course, the much loved Best of Banff World Tour returns. We bring you a paddle night, a bike night, a climbing night, a new fringe book festival, an endure race (get your entry in) children’s writing competition and our exhibition area which this year features local photographer Scott Robertson. There’s so much to look forward to and get involved in. So… get your tickets booked now... meet up with friends, have some great nights out and don’t miss out on the fun. Full details of all the Festival activities can be found at: - www.mountainfestival.co.uk - www.facebook.com/fort.william.mountain.festival (Like us and get every update)! LOCHABER SCHOOLS POETRY COMPETITION Take a look at the winning and commended poetry entries from local primary school children, which will be displayed on the John Muir Trust stand in the exhibition area.

We would also like to thank all our volunteers who do a fantastic job for us every year – their contributions are invaluable – we simply couldn’t run the Festival without them. Thanks also goes to all the external organisations that we work with… you know who you are… thank you for your endless professionalism and general support before, during & after the Festival. Last but certainly not least… we would like to thank you – our audience – who support us every year. We are grateful for your attendance, your comments and your continued support over the years. We very much hope you enjoy the 2015 Festival line up… please do let us know what you think on our Facebook page or simply email us on info@mountainfestival. co.uk

THE SCOTTISH AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MOUNTAIN CULTURE THE ADULT AWARD … is now in its 8th year and we continue to be proud of the reputation the award has gained. The award is presented each year on the Saturday night of the Festival in recognition of an individual who has either promoted Mountain Culture over a sustained period of time in their given field or discipline, or perhaps they have encouraged and/or educated others to engage with Mountain Culture through their enthusiasm and drive for adventure. The award is supported by Rio Tinto Alcan through Foundation Scotland.

EXHIBITION AREA Our exhibition area is open for you to enjoy from 6.00-7.00pm each evening of the festival and again during the interval. Access to the exhibition area is free and you will find a range of stands from artists, educators and trusts to outdoor enthusiasts. BOOK FESTIVAL 2015 also sees the introduction of our Book Festival, full details can be found on the website. www.mountainfestival. co.uk/book, as well as in the centre pages of this programme

THE YOUTH AWARD ... is new for this year and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to extend our recognition of outstanding achievement to the youth in our outdoor world. The inaugural youth award will also be presented on the Saturday night of the Festival and we are extremely grateful to our sponsors … Corpach Boatbuilding Co Ltd and the Nevis Landscape Partnership … who made this happen.

Please place appropriate logos on this page, i.e. Rio Tinto Alcan, Foundation Scotland, Corpach Boatbuilding Co Ltd, Nevis Landscape Partnership, the Heritage Lottery Fund & Jöttnar

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 2015

WWW.MOUNTAINFESTIVAL.CO.UK

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY

FESTIVAL LAUNCH

PADDLE NIGHT - IN THE STUDIO

7pm | The Pinemarten Café & Bar, Nevis Range PH33 6SQ

7pm | Nevis Centre (Studio Theatre), Fort William, PH33 6AN

Kick off the Festival with an evening that lets you truly embrace the adventure of the Scottish mountains. A spectacular Aonach Mor torch lit descent will take place (weather permitting) and thereafter, a warm welcoming drink and a night of fascinating entertainment awaits. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy an evening with Mick Tighe & David Sedgwick and hear enthralling stories and drama of how mountain rescue together with an outdoor hospital creates mountain magic! There will also be films and music to entertain you as well as refreshments available for purchase.

Be inspired to take to the water by two adventurers who will captivate you with fascinating tales of their unimaginable achievements. Dean “Deano” Dunbar is a registered blind adventurer and extreme sports enthusiast. Over the past 17 years he has taken on almost 80 challenges, setting over a dozen world firsts. In April 2014 he became the first registered blind person to Stand Up Paddle the Caledonian Canal, a distance of 96km from Fort William to Inverness. Mick Hunter’s ‘Prying, Crying & Just About Surviving – Canoeing 1000km across Scotland takes you on his latest journey, a solo, unsupported canoe expedition across Scotland from the Mull of Galloway to North Ronanldsay in the Orkney Isles. A humorous tale of shark encounters, grueling portages, notorious tidal race crossings & almost a journey to Norway, all this in an open Canoe, can it be true?

THURSDAY 19TH FEBRUARY

EUROPEAN OUTDOOR FILM TOUR 7pm | Nevis Centre (Main Theatre), Fort William, PH33 6AN

SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY

This year we will see the European Outdoor Film Tour showcasing the most inspiring outdoor and adventure films of the year, taking you to breath-taking places and introducing you to adventurous minds. From the very bottom to the very top: If you look at the difference in altitude, the European Outdoor Film Tour 14/15 covers quite a distance.

CLIMBING NIGHT 7pm | Nevis Centre (Main Theatre), Fort William, PH33 6AN This year the Climbing Night will feature 2 outstanding climbers many of us could only dream to emulate, join us for an evening with Martin Boysen and Ines Papert.

FRIDAY 20TH FEBRUARY

SPINKS & SPAN; LET’S GO WILD!

Martin started climbing on the sandstone outcrops of Sussex over 55 years ago and rapidly became one of Britain’s outstanding rock climbers. He extended his climbing to the Alps and Greater Ranges, taking part in several important Himalayan climbs, including the first ascent of the South Face of Annapurna in 1970.

7pm | Nevis Centre (Main Theatre), Fort William, PH33 6AN We welcome back the highly talented all round hill runner and mountaineer Finlay Wild, and also introduce the legendary hill runner, farmer and record holder Nicky Spinks for an evening of film and chat.

Elite climber Ines will lead you on a journey of climbing success, first ascents, enthralling travels and deep friendships, where the question of climbing style is contemplated as much as the longing for newness. She has grown from a competitive sport climber and four-time world champion ice climber into the successful rock and ice climber and accomplished expedition alpinist she is today.

Nicky will be chatting about her recent Charlie Ramsay Round – Uncut and her other outstanding achievements. Finlay has won the Ben Nevis Race five times in a row as well as achieving top results in other hill races throughout the UK. In 2013 he broke the record for the Cuillin Ridge Traverse and managed to bring the record under three hours for the first time. Dynamic photographer and film maker Nadir Khan will be treating us to a stimulating glance of ‘The Dark Cuillin’. Already a craftsman at bringing the character out of the mountain through his stills, we share in this journey over the unmistakable ridge through the moving image. 4

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 2015

WWW.MOUNTAINFESTIVAL.CO.UK

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

FRINGE EVENTS

SATURDAY 21ST FEBRUARY

BOOK FESTIVAL | WWW.MOUNTAINFESTIVAL.CO.UK/BOOK

BIKE NIGHT - IN THE STUDIO

What do adventurers like to do most when they are not on an adventure, read about adventure, talk about others’ adventure, and get inspiration for their next adventure of course! During the Book Festival the sessions are wrapped up in the enthusiastic vibrancy of hearing great adventurers share their journey with you. Join us to hear from some truly inspiring individuals: Alan Rowan, Bob Shepton, Dave MacLeod, Felicity Aston, John Allen, Martin Boysen, Noel Williams and Richard McHardy are all featured this year.

7pm | Nevis Centre (Studio Theatre), Fort William, PH33 6AN Get hyped for an evening with Stu Thomson, the man behind the lens at Cutmedia. Stu is a long time friend of Lochaber. He is taking some time out to share his passion (all things mountain bike) and tell you his story so far. Stu has only ever had one job “To chase the dream”. In his presentation he will give us insight in to how the dream evolved. Most recently Stu has directed & produced the long form BBC documentary ‘The Ridge’ along with the accompanying viral film. He also recently directed the massive hit music video ‘Free’ by Rudimental ft Emeli Sande.

CARPE DIEM | WWW.MOUNTAINFESTIVAL.CO.UK/CARPEDIEM Carpe Diem offers you a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy some of the finest mountaineering experiences in the UK for FREE. Not only that, you will be expertly cared for by our qualified mountain guides who will be with you every step of the way. FORT WILLIAM | RUNDURO WWW.MOUNTAINFESTIVAL.CO.UK/ENDURO GLENCOE MOUNTAIN – SKIMO SCOTLAND | WWW.MOUNTAINFESTIVAL.CO.UK/GLENCOE

SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY

BEST OF BANFF WORLD TOUR 7pm | Nevis Centre (Main Theatre), Fort William, PH33 6AN

NEVIS RANGE VERTICAL – SKIMO SCOTLAND | WWW.MOUNTAINFESTIVAL.CO.UK/NEVIS To find out more visit www.mountainfestival.co.uk/fringe

The Best of Banff World Tour is your chance to see the best of the best in award winning films from across the globe. Always a sell-out night, this evening showcases some of the most inspiring, creative and exciting films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival. Advanced booking is highly recommended! NOTE: Some films contain strong language and mild nudity and are classified as needing parental guidance for young children.

TO BUY TICKETS

Online tickets available at www.mountainfestival.co.uk or visit The Nevis Centre or Ellis Brigham, Fort William

Online www.mountainfestival.co.uk

£40.00 Festival Pass* £12.50 Adults £3.00 Children

The Nevis Centre & Ellis Brigham until 31st January

£12.50 Adults £3.00 Children

from 1st February

£14.00 Adults £3.00 Children

*The 2015 Festival Pass gives you entry to the 4 Main Theatre festival events, with a saving of 20%. Note: Concessions are for under 16s only For accommodation & more info, visit www.mountainfestival.co.uk 6

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 2015

or Call. 07525 827005 WWW.MOUNTAINFESTIVAL.CO.UK

2015 FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS WORKSHOP

BUSINESS & LOCATION

2015 FESTIVAL WORKSHOPS

TIME

PRICE

Nevis Range

Various

ADULT £56 CHILD £44

Abacus Mountain Guides Nevis Range

08.45

£60

ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL

WINTER WALKING SKILLS

BUSINESS & LOCATION

TIME

PRICE

BEN NEVIS GUIDED WALK

Abacus Mountain Guides Nevis Range

08.45

£60

LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD

Nevis Range

08.45

ADULT £56 CHILD £44

SUNDAY 22ND

THURSDAY 19TH LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD

WORKSHOP

For all workshop details and bookings go to: www.mountainfestival.co.uk/workshops

FRIDAY 20TH EXPEDITION PLANNING AND FUNDING WORKSHOP

Alexandra Hotel

16.30

£15

LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD

Nevis Range

Book in advance

ADULT £56, CHILD £44

UNDERSTANDING OUR MOUNTAINS THROUGH THE GAELIC LANGUAGE

West Highland College UHI

13.00

£15

WINTER AVALANCHE AWARENESS

Abacus Mountain Guides Nevis Range

08.45

£60

Nevis Range

Various

ADULT £56 CHILD £44

GLEN NEVIS ROCK SAFARI

Lochaber Geopark

10.00

FREE DONATIONS WELCOME

RED DEER PHOTO SAFARI

Nevispix

07.30

£45

VIA FERRATA SKILLS WORKSHOPS

Atlas Mountaineering

09.00

£70

WINTER AVALANCHE AWARENESS

Abacus Mountain Guides Nevis Range

08.45

£60

WINTER WALKING SKILLS

Abacus Mountain Guides Nevis Range

08.45

£60

ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT IN THE NEVIS CENTRE: New for this year, will be some ceilidh music in the Nevis Centre (www.neviscentre.co.uk) from 10pm on both the Friday & Saturday nights so when the show stops, the chat starts. Why not stick around, socialise with friends and decide which other nights of the Festival line up you’ll be going to next! Look out for more info on this and all the festival line up on social media… don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook.

SATURDAY 21ST LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD ADVANCED BOOKING ESSENTIAL

FIVE YEARS. NINETEEN PROJECTS. volunteer@nevispartnership.co.uk (01397) 701088

* Please note all Nevis Range operations are wind and weather dependent, and events are subject to change.

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 2015

WWW.MOUNTAINFESTIVAL.CO.UK

EXHIBITION AREA

FESTIVAL GOODIES

Our festival is dedicated to the promotion of mountain culture and adventure through films, lectures, conversation, photography, exhibitions and workshops. It aims to entertain, enlighten and inspire, this year’s Exhibition Area is no exception.

2015 T-SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER WITH YOUR TICKETS.

IN THE EXHIBITION AREA 2015 YOU WILL SEE:

GILDAN HEAVY COTTON T-SHIRT

Outstanding landscape photography from our featured artist Scott Robertson Landscape Photographer, with images having appeared in the Landscape Photographer of the Year 2013 Collection 7 and was exhibited in the London National Theatre we are very proud to exhibit Scott’s work at this year’s festival. CARPE DIEM – SEIZE THE ADVENTURE New year, new you? Prove it. Whether you want to take your love of the outdoors to the next level or try something completely new this is your chance. Find out more by visiting the Carpe Diem Zone. JÖTTNAR NEVIS LANDSCAPE PARTNERSHIP / FRIENDS OF NEVIS ELLIS BRIGHAM CARPE DIEM ZONE CRANNOG THREE WISE MONKEYS NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND COTSWOLD OUTDOOR JOHN MUIR TRUST NEVIS HILLWALKING GROUP / LOCHABER & LORN RAMBLERS RARE BREED PRODUCTIONS SCHOOL OF ADVENTURE STUDIES, WEST HIGHLAND COLLEGE U.H.I THE CENTRE FOR OPEN STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW NEVIS CYCLES LOCHABER GEOPARK MICK TIGHE’S MOUNTAINEERING EXHIBITION GIFT YOUR GEAR THE MODEL T BRONZE FORD PROJECT

The Fort William Mountain Festival 2015 t-shirts are high quality shirts in a rich Midnight Blue with an iconic Mountain Festival design.

• • • • • • •

Short sleeve crew neck T-shirt Taped neck and shoulders Seamless double needle collar Quarter turned body to eliminate centre crease Double stitched sleeve and waist hem Tubular construction A hugely popular T-shirt made by Gildan - the leading activewear brand in the U.S. and Canada • Fabric: 100% pre-shrunk jersey cotton • Weight: 175-185 g/m² • Sizes to fit chest sizes: Small (34/36), Medium (38/40), Large (42/44), Xlarge (46/48), and 2XLarge (50/52)

ONLY £14.99 Available from the website at www.mountainfestival.co.uk/goodies/ or from the Festival Booking Office in the Nevis Centre

MULTIWAY TUBE HEAD/NECKWEAR Multiway Tubes can be worn as a thermal scarf, beanie, balaclava, headband, scrunchie, wristband, helmet-liner, muffler or dust screen. When not worn as headwear they can be worn on your wrist or ankle, and they have even been used as arm and leg warmers.

Entry to Fort William Mountain Festival Exhibition Area is FREE, and you are welcome to come into our Foyer spaces and enjoy the atmosphere with or without a ticket. The exhibition area is open to the public before the main film events and during the intervals ONLY. We welcome wheelchair users and guide companion dogs. Public Toilets – the venue has public toilets with wheelchair access and baby changing facilities.

• Tubular construction • One Sizes to all

ONLY £5

EXHIBITION OPENING TIMES: Thursday 19th

6.00 pm – 7.00 pm, and during the interval

Friday 20th

6.00 pm – 7.00 pm, and during the interval

Saturday 21st

6.00 pm – 7.00 pm, and during the interval

Sunday 22nd

6.00 pm – 7.00 pm, and during the interval

MUGS, GIFTWARE, & CARVED STONES A range of mugs, giftware, & carved stones are available from the main booking office at the Nevis Centre 7.00pm – 9.00pm Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd February 2015.

FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 2015