Lectures - Òraidean

Fast and Light in the Himalaya

World-renowned professional mountaineer Adrian Burgess is one of the pioneers of smaller alpine-style climbs on big mountains and he represents high-altitude climbing at its finest. Come along to hear tales of 25 years of exhilarating climbs from Alaska to Patagonia, the Alps to the Himalaya.

After the break, Slovenian climbing superstar Marko Prezelj, known for his impeccable style on spectacularly difficult routes, will share the passion that drives him to keep exploring ever-higher and wilder places.

 

Saturday 14th March | Nevis Centre Festival Theatre | 7-10pm | £15/£12 for under 16's.

Don't Die with Dave MacLeod

The evening is introduced with a screening of 'Don't Die', the incredible story of Dave MacLeod's new route 'Don't Die of Ignorance' XI, 11 on Ben Nevis. In his talk, Dave explains his unique approach to high-risk, high-stakes routes.With footage from the award-winning new film 'Echo Wall', including 'Training Day' a short film on his 8c solo in Spain, and images from the first ascent of his ungraded route 'Echo Wall'.

Got a burning question for Dave? Grab your chance to ask it at the 'You & A' session after the talk.

Thursday 12th March | Nevis Centre Festival Theatre | 7-10pm | £10/£8 for under 16's.

Working Mountains & Empty Lands with Cameron McNeish and Richard Else

In 1929 the British Aluminium Company Ltd harnessed Lochaber's water power with a major hydro-construction programme to supply their new aluminium smelters at Fort William and Kinlochleven. One of the earliest and most ambitious projects in the industrialisation of Scotland and its mountains, it brought an influx of workers to the region. Today, Rio Tinto Alcan remains one of the area's biggest employers, but many pople still don't know much about this amazing innovator on our doorstep. With the help of early photographs and archive material, we'll trace the history of the huge contruction works and their impact on the area.

PLUS join renowned mountaineer and broadcaster Cameron Mcneish and adventure filmmaker Richard Else as they take us behind the scenes on their recent TV documentary about a 77 mile journey on foot, bike and kayak through the 'empty lands' of Sutherland from Suilven to Ben Loyal.

Sunday 8th March | Nevis Centre Festival Theatre | 7-10pm | £10/£8 for under 16's.

Snowsports evening with Myrtle Simpson

In less than 90 years, Scottish Skiing has developed from an occasional aid to winter mountaineering to the weekend recreation of tens of thousands.

Myrtle Simpson guides us through the beginnings of Scottish skiing, then the story is picked up by those immersed in all kinds of snowsports today! Interspersed with contributions, exhibits, images and footage of the best of Scottish skiing, as well as of Scots overseas!

Author of many books, including Skisters - The story of Scottish Skiing, Myrtle Simpson is a former president of the Scottish Ski Club. She was the first woman to ski across the Greenland ice cap and has skied and climbed in Scotland for most of her life.

Monday 9th March | Nevis Centre Festival Theatre | 7-10pm | £6/£2

Paddle Sports Evening with Lee Kelly

Lee Kelly is a whitewater kayaker, photographer, filmmaker and 'legendary Geordie' who's spent 10 years exploring the world's best kayaking, and collecting amazing stories and images. Lee brings us tales, sounds and sights of his greatest adventures from mighty rivers such as the Blue Nile - all served with an extra dash of spicy turbo energy guaranteed to inspire you out into the whitewater world of happiness.

Evening also includes sea kayaking films, local kayaking films and a screening of 'A Dam Shame' about the recent loss of whitewater on the White Nile due to dam-building.

Saturday 7th March | Nevis Centre Festival Theatre | 7-10pm | £10/£8 for under 16's.