Category Archives: Family

High Risks – Climbing to Extinction – Brian Hall

Posted on December 1, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

I found this an exceptional book. It took me back to the “ Golden Years” of Alpine and Himalayan Mountaineers.The death toll of these climbers pushing their ambitions and the complexity of their lives is an eye opener. He also … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Enviroment, Equipment, Family, Friends, Gear, Health, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, People, PTSD, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Well being | Leave a comment

Is winter here ? First winter climbs over the last few days. Am I envious !

Posted on November 23, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

It’s great to see that the climbers are out in the Northern Corries after the first snows of winter. To climb in these short days with not much daylight means you have to be organised. The snow ploughs have been … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Scottish winter climbing., Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

Some great tales at the RAF Scotland Mountain Rescue re – union at Newtonmore. Thank you to all the families for your support over the years.

Posted on November 6, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

This weekend was the Annual RAF Mountain Rescue Reunion. It was a great night and RAF Lossiemouth Team joined us after the meal. What a great bunch of people. We had a superb night hosted by the Highlander Hotel who … Continue reading →

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1978 – Early days at RAF Buchan plus two big call-outs on Colonsay and Braeriach.

Posted on November 2, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Few folk will know I was posted to RAF Buchan near Peterhead after getting promoted to Corporal in 1978. It was a small station but very important part of the Cold War. Even though it broke my heart to leave … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Avalanche info, Equipment, Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

1975 – Back home and on the hills again. Completing the Munro’s became the main aim.

Posted on October 22, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

One of the great things about being away on a 9 month tour to Masirah in the Persian Gulf was I got a months leave as you cannot take leave in Masirah. I had plans hatched with my pal at … Continue reading →

Posted in Family, Friends, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, Munros, People, Views Mountaineering, Well being | 4 Comments

The mountaineering obsession begins !

Posted on October 20, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

It was all action on my first two years at Kinloss Mountain Rescue from 1972 – 74 . Every weekend was spent away with the team. I visited so many places all over Scotland. I hardly went home as I … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles, Books, Bothies, Enviroment, Equipment, Family, Friends, Hill running and huge days!, Mountain rescue, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | Leave a comment

Early Callouts in 1972 – The harsh reality of Mountain Rescues.

Posted on October 17, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

At this time the call outs were fairly simple including a search for missing boy near Kinloss at Randolph’s Leap a popular walk near a steep gorge. We found him safe and well after a night search. The other was … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft incidents, Equipment, Family, Friends, medical, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, People, PTSD, Rock Climbing, SMC/SMT, Views Mountaineering, Weather, Well being | 2 Comments

Remembrance Week – An Lurg near Bynack Mor and the Wellington crash in 14 August 1944. A past visit with the family.

Posted on August 20, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

A few years Avon just had an email about this sad incident from the son of the pilot of this crash. We visited the crash site a few years later ot was one of the most heartfelt trips I have … Continue reading →

Posted in Aircraft incidents, Articles, Family, Mountain rescue, mountain safety, Mountaineering, PTSD, Well being | 10 Comments

A Long overdue day on the Fannichs. Loch Droma Meall a Ghrasgaidh , Sgurr Mor and Beinn Liath Mor Fannich

Posted on August 2, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

Though still being driven mad by my cough I decided to go to the Fannichs and see what would happen. I have lost most of the summer due to a hacking cough that I am awaiting seeing a consultant for. … Continue reading →

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Old pals reunited .

Posted on July 15, 2022 by heavywhalley.MBE

It’s great to meet folk again ! Yesterday I met 3 old pals and had a cup of tea in Forres. Tom Taylor organised it as Bill Gault was up visiting with his wife Roberta. Bill was our Boss he … Continue reading →

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