Dr. Hamish MacInnes


1930 - 2020

Mountaineer, rescuer and author. Born in Gatehouse of Fleet (Dumfries and Galloway), MacInnes has a remarkable record of international climbing. In Scotland, he was involved in several winter 'firsts'; with Sir Chris Bonnington he climbed the Raven's Gully on Buachaille Etive Mor (1953) and was one of a small team to ascend through the Zero Gully on Ben Nevis (1957) and traverse the Cuillin Ridge in Skye (1965). He has climbed in the European Alps, Caucasus, New Zealand, South America and the Himalayas, including three expeditions to Mount Everest (twice in 1972 and in 1975).

MacInnes is a leading authority and innovator in terms of mountain rescue. He was a founder member, and former leader, of the Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team. He also founded the Search and Rescue Dog Association and is a member of the Mountain Rescue Committee of Scotland.

MacInnes has invented mountaineering and rescue equipment, including the 'Terrordactyl' ice axe and the MacInnes stretcher. He has written a number of books and is a regular broadcaster.

He was awarded both a BEM and an OBE in recognition of his important contribution and was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

He died at his home in Glen Coe.


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