CMSC History
The CMSC was formed in April 1959 at a meeting in Ormlie Lodge (the UKAEA Hostel in Thurso). The founder members were all staff of the then infant Dounreay experimental nuclear reactor site.
The Club thrived throughout the 1960’s, with frequent ski trips and a number of ‘hard men’ rock climbers featuring. Much rock climbing was done on local sea cliffs such as Dwarwick Head at Dunnet, with snow & ice climbing in the gulleys of Ben Hope. The Club constructed a ski tow, based on an aged motor bike, and installed it above Glen Loth near Helmsdale.
At the end of the 1960’s, many of these climbers left the area. They were instantly replaced by a batch of fresh, young recruits, based in Ormlie Lodge, but whose interest was more towards hill walking. Outings were almost weekly with monthly weekends away to the Northern Highlands, almost always camping (year round!).
The end of the 1970’s was a low time for the Club, with only six or less active members, more just a group of friends. They were, however, fairly active with Club trips to Iceland and Norway at this time.
Another influx of fresh recruits in 1980 revived the Club. This time, it was of older people who were already experienced mountaineers, and with loads of enthusiasm. Walking, climbing and skiing all featured and the Club even had its own folk group, the Meikle Pap Bothy Band. The 1980 Christmas meet at the Altnacealagach Hotel will never be forgotten (except, maybe, next morning!). Meets were now based in bunkhouses and ranged further from home e.g. frequent visits to Fort William, Skye etc. There were annual ski trips to the Alps, some summer trips as well, and one member gained a first (official) ascent in the Himalayas. The 25th anniversary of the Club was celebrated with a 25 mile walk, culminating with champagne on the summit of Ben Klibreck and an all night ceilidh in the Altnahara Hotel.
That surge of enthusiasm has waned a little, but the Club continues to be steadily very active all over the Highlands and further afield. Some have climbed Kilimanjaro. One member is currently in employment in the Antarctic.
Ian Borland
3 April 2006 (member since August 1970)