Christmas is just 79 days away

The Highland mountain tops have received their first true coverings of snow for the winter, and a chill wind has replaced the freakish Mediterranean heatwave that engulfed much of Britain last week.

So it’s inevitable that thoughts turn to sleigh bells, mince pies and… membership of the Mountaineering Council of Scotland.

The council, which represents hillwalkers, climbers and mountaineers north of the border, said it has the ideal present for the outdoor enthusiast who has everything: the gift of membership.

The scheme enables those who count mountaineers among their friends and family to buy them a year’s membership of the MCofS.

Chief officer David Gibson said: “The gift of membership could be of interest to parents looking for a gift for their children – including grown up children, husbands, wives, boyfriends and girlfriends seeking out a gift for their mountaineering partner, or perhaps an existing MCofS member who wants to introduce a friend or family member to the many benefits of MCofS membership.”

And membership development officer Mike Dales added: “The gift of membership is not just for Christmas.

“While it is a brilliant gift for Christmas, it is also an option for birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. That is why this offer will continue to be available beyond the New Year festivities.”

Details of the gift of membership are on the Mountaineering Council of Scotland website.