Current Board vacancies

Mountaineering Scotland (MScot) is a membership organisation with over 16,000 members including 135 clubs and is the only recognised representative organisation for hill walkers, climbers, mountaineers and ski-tourers who live in Scotland or who enjoy Scotland’s mountains, and acts to represent, support and promote Scottish mountaineering.  With a focus on supporting recreational participation Mountaineering Scotland works to promote the physical and mental health benefits of taking part mountaineering disciplines set out in our participation pathway. Mountaineering Scotland also plays a key role on the promotion of mountain safety and representing our members interests in relation to conservation and the environment.

Mountaineering Scotland is also the governing body for competitive sport climbing in Scotland and our activities to support the development of indoor climbing and climbing for children and young people are delivered through the ClimbScotland initiative which delivers our performance and competition programmes, supported through funding from sportscotland. This is an exciting time to be involved in delivering our new strategic plan to take the organisation forward to 2029.

Our organisation has a small professional staff team headed by a CEO which rely on the support and advice provided by volunteer directors. As a member of the board, directors help to shape the future of Scottish mountaineering and guide the strategic direction and policy development of the organisation. The board also provides a governance function assessing and managing strategic risk and monitoring budgets and the implementation of the operational plan. 

The board will be undertaking a selection process to identify preferred candidates to initially be co-opted onto the Board and nominated for election at the AGM in November 2026. 

Members who wish to stand for election independently must nominate themselves in accordance with the Articles of Association.

If you are interested in any of the opportunities detailed, please contact Stuart Younie, CEO and Company Secretary, on 07738200039 or by email at stuart@mountainering.scot for an informal discussion.

Mountaineering Scotland is committed to being an employer and volunteer organisation that recognises and encourages equal opportunities, diversity, inclusion, and respect in the workforce, with employment conditions and practices that ensure all staff and volunteers are treated equitably. We particularly welcome applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, such as women, people with disabilities (including hidden disabilities) and individuals from Black and minority ethnic communities.

We are looking for an experienced Board Chair to guide the future strategic direction of Mountaineering Scotland. The Chair will focus on governance and strategy and ensure that the Board operates effectively. The Chair will work closely with the CEO to align operational activities with strategic objectives.

The Chair will:

• Facilitate the overall strategy, direction and corporate governance of Mountaineering Scotland.
• Lead the delivery of Mountaineering Scotland’s vision and strategic objectives.
• Ensure the organisation aligns its activities with its core purpose.
• Chair Board meetings and ensure effective decision making and good governance practices.
• Lead, support and collaborate with Board members to ensure that their expertise and skills are used effectively.

Both President and Chair will act as unifying figures, fostering collaboration among Board members, staff and volunteers.

Person Specification:

• Proven experience of leadership at Board level or equivalent senior governance role within a charity, not for profit or member led organisation.
• Ability to Chair meetings effectively, fostering clear decision making and constructive debate.
• A strong understand of governance and risk management within the outdoor recreational sector.
• Proven ability to lead the development of the organisational strategy.
• An understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing voluntary, sporting and outdoor sector bodies.

As Mountaineering Scotland continues to grow it is vital to develop commercial opportunities and strategic partnerships to facilitate income generation (via sponsorships, grants, merchandise and digital opportunities). By appointing a Commercial Director, we are aiming able to fully capitalise on productive partnerships and potential income streams.

The Commercial Director will work collaboratively with the Board, CEO, Membership and Communications Team, Climb Scotland Team and external partners to align commercial activities with Mountaineering Scotland’s strategic objectives.

The Commercial Director will be responsible for:

• Developing and managing financial partnerships with external agencies and sponsors, focusing on developing innovative income streams to ensure Mountaineering Scotland’s long term financial sustainability.
• Developing and implementing a commercial strategy aligned with Mountaineering Scotland’s vision and strategic objectives.

Person specification:

• Experience in a commercial or business development role, ideally within the outdoor, sport or not for profit sectors
• A proven track record of building and managing successful financial partnerships
• Proven track record of identifying, developing and delivering commercial partnerships that drive organisational growth.
• Understanding of the outdoor recreation and mountaineering sector with an awareness of the commercial landscape within Scottish sport and recreation.
• Knowledge of the regulatory and reputational considerations linked to commercial partnership.

The Role

•  The Treasurer is a director of the company and specifically responsible for the strategic oversight of financial matters, and for additional responsibilities relating to certain Trusts associated with the Mountaineering Scotland

•  The post holder will report to the Board on matters relating to the company’s financial planning and performance, including chairing the Finance Advisory Group, and reporting on financial matters to the membership at the AGM.

•  In addition, together with fellow directors, they will provide input to the strategic and annual plans, budgets and the annual report.

•  In respect of Trusts, they will be responsible to fellow trustees for attendance at meetings and associated correspondence; and for the execution of their duties as required by the relevant trust deeds.