Mountain Training Scotland Strategy for 2026-30

“The more things change, the more they stay the same” goes the famous quote from French novelist Alphonse Karr. It captures a paradoxical truth about the nature of change and continuity. And really, that could sum up the focus of the new Mountain Training Scotland strategy – to arrive in 2030 still relevant and in good shape, having navigated 5 years of flux.

It’s clear there is a lot of change both here and now, and on the horizon. It not only impacts Mountain Training Scotland but Course Providers, partners and participants too. Cost-of-living pressures affect affordability and demand. The ripple effect of Covid-19 continues to have educational and societal impacts, notably with regard to young people and disengagement from education. Climate change and its impact on annual weather conditions and related hazards are an increasing issue in programming and delivery. In-house, staffing and finances will undoubtedly be affected by change and uncertainty over the next 5 years. 

It’s also a time of opportunity and possibilities. The growth in experience-interest and adventurous recreation; benefits to physical and mental health from outdoor activity and time in nature; the need for action on inclusion in the outdoors; wider interest in outdoor qualifications and integrated life skills; the role of outdoor learning in education policy (notably Learning for Sustainability and the Outdoor Education Residentials Bill); sportscotland’s ‘Sport for Life’ ambitions - all offer rich, exciting potential.

5-year focus

A strategy for 2026-30 brings into focus what’s important. It helps make deliberate choices about where to put time, energy and resources based on a clear understanding of what Mountain Training Scotland does well (and what others do). Overseeing nationally recognised mountain-related skills training and leadership qualification courses remains at the heart of this direction of travel, underpinned by a reputation for being professional, respected, supportive, consistent and knowledgeable. The skills and energy of an extended workforce will continue to be harnessed to promote a community of practice that is welcoming and open to sharing its expertise. And this all supports the development of independent walkers, climbers and mountaineers to practice and encourage safe, sustainable and sympathetic use of the outdoors.

In a nutshell, the strategic focus to 2030 is on three things: consistent quality across the delivery of personal skills training and qualifications, wider participation, and the resilience of the organisation. 

Provision and profile can grow with the current Mountain Training Scotland working model, with a notable annual ‘reach’ via its wider workforce. Current partnerships will evolve based on shared agendas and mutual benefit. Exciting new partnerships, in particular ones that support young people in school, outdoor centre, vocational and extra-curricular settings, are already emerging.

Inclusion in mountain-related activities - ensuring access, reducing or removing barriers, promoting diversity and actively supporting underrepresented communities – applies to both candidate and workforce profiles. An Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity actions 2014-2024 report captures a long-term MTUKI commitment and a foundation of activity on which to build. 

Most strategic plans nod to organisational resilience and finances, and Mountain Training Scotland’s is no different. Security and stability are vital. Clear positioning and messaging in relation to others will retain a strong sense of identity and purpose. Staff capacity and an organisation fit for purpose are key for meeting strategic aims and operational activity.

Scottish remit

Within the family of Mountain Training UK & Ireland and its four national bodies, Scotland has a particular place and role. It has 10% of the UK population, 40% of its landmass, its wildest weather, its biggest and most varied hills and mountain ranges and open spaces. It’s not only a challenging training ground for trips to the greater ranges of the wider world, it’s also a global leader for outdoor learning in education settings. Mountain Training Scotland will retain its charitable status and its distinctive voice – both with its Scottish collaborations and across UK contexts.

It's not complicated. Mountain Training Scotland is about safe and responsible enjoyment of walking, climbing and mountaineering in Scotland’s outdoors for as many people as possible. Trained and qualified leaders, instructors and coaches supporting, training and assessing – and inspiring - a growing body of confident and competent participants in mountain-related activities. However much things change over the next 5 years, that’s something that will still have a place in Scotland.

Rob Bushby
April 2026