Scottish Mountaineering Club

The Scottish Mountaineering Club (SMC) is Scotland's second oldest mountaineering club. (the Cairngorm Club was founded a few months earlier.) Founded in 1889, in Glasgow, the private club, with about 400 members, publishes guidebooks and runs a list of Munroists.

History

At the time of the club's founding there were a number of experienced Alpinists living in Scotland who had no contact with like-minded mountaineers. A flurry of letters in The Glasgow Herald led to meetings and the foundation of the club. Contrary to later criticism, the club was initially open to women, but as none joined it took on a male-only persona, only changed many decades later following debate and votes within the club. There are now women members (numbering 6 of just over 400 members), some of whom have served on the club committee and all of whom are most welcome. Membership of the Club remains by invitation only, with candidate members expected to provide referees within the club and a CV of climbing experience, with particular emphasis on Scottish winter routes.

From the very first, there was an air of exploration within the club, as it became apparent to its members that within Scotland there were many challenging mountains and climbs to be found. A Club Journal was started, initially with six issues per annum. It has been published annually now for...
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