Scotland’s Mountaineering Legacy Enhanced: Impactful Estate Donation
The Scottish Mountaineering Trust has recently been named as the recipient of the £446,000 estate left by the late Hamish MacInnes, a legendary figure known as ‘The Fox of Glencoe’ and revered as one of Scotland’s most extraordinary mountaineers and innovators. Mr. MacInnes, who passed away at the age of 90 in 2020, has generously bequeathed his estate to the SMT, a decision that is set to have a profound impact on the organization’s mountain grant scheme.
Widely recognized for his remarkable achievements in mountaineering, Hamish MacInnes was not only a pioneer in the field but also the inventor of the metal ice axe. His legacy extends beyond his physical feats to his bold, confident, and adventurous spirit, qualities that the SMT aims to instill in others through an expansion of their grant-funded initiatives.
Enhancing Mountain Experiences
The Scottish Mountaineering Trust is dedicated to fostering a love for the outdoors and promoting safe participation in mountaineering activities. With the infusion of funds from Mr. MacInnes’ estate, the trust plans to further develop projects that support mountain access, skills training, and mountain rescue efforts. As part of their commitment to inclusivity, the SMT is actively seeking applications from organizations that work with young people and those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, aiming to broaden the reach of mountaineering opportunities.
Over the years, the SMT has channeled nearly £2 million into various projects, ranging from upland footpath repairs to life-enhancing mountain experiences for disadvantaged communities. By supporting mountain hut renovations, mountain rescue equipment, and other initiatives, the trust continues to make a lasting impact on the landscape of mountaineering in Scotland.
Preserving a Legacy
In light of this significant donation, David Broadhead, Chairman of the Scottish Mountaineering Trust, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to carry forward Hamish MacInnes’ values and memory through the projects they champion. Recognizing the unique individuality of Mr. MacInnes, the trust is committed to upholding his legacy and ensuring that his pioneering spirit lives on in all their endeavors.
Kevin Lelland from The John Muir Trust, a beneficiary of SMT grants, commended the organization for its longstanding support, which has enabled them to make the mountains accessible to all. With a shared vision of inclusivity and preservation of natural landscapes, the collaboration between the SMT and its grant recipients continues to drive positive change in the mountaineering community.
Hamish MacInnes’ contributions to the world of mountaineering were as diverse as they were groundbreaking. From his early ascent of the Matterhorn at the age of 16 to his invention of the metal ice axe and the MacInnes stretcher for mountain rescue teams, his impact on the field is immeasurable. Even in his choice of residence, Mr. MacInnes left a mark, having once owned the cottage famously associated with Jimmy Savile in Glencoe.
As the current owners of the cottage move forward with plans to replace it with a new house named Hamish House, the landscape of Glencoe undergoes a transformation. Despite Mr. MacInnes’ prior wishes for the cottage to remain standing, a shift in sentiment posthumously altered the fate of the building, reflecting the complex interplay between personal legacies and evolving landscapes. Although the recent fire at the property resulted in damage to some outbuildings, the spirit of reinvention and renewal persists.
For those interested in applying for Scottish Mountaineering Trust Grants and becoming part of the legacy that Hamish MacInnes has left behind, further information can be found on the SMT website. Submission deadlines for the upcoming grants meeting are set for Friday, March 21, 2025, offering individuals and organizations the chance to contribute to the future of mountaineering in Scotland.
