Annual Gathering and Supper
The ANNUAL GATHERING and SUPPER is held each November to bring together members, guests and young expeditioners. Its purpose is to encourage the exchange of information and advice for the planning of future expeditions and to enjoy the company of like-minded Arctic enthusiasts. We organise an afternoon programme of talks and slide shows on recent and historic expeditions by members and by recent SAC grant awardees. Plenty of time is also allowed for the informal exchange of information and experience, as well as eating and drinking! Our AGM is also held at the Annual Gathering.
Booking forms are circulated with our Newsletters or please contact the Secretary for further information.
Spring Meet
The SPRING MEET brings club members together to enjoy a week of outdoor activities in the Scottish Highlands.
Spring Meet details are circulated with our Newsletters, or please contact the Secretary for more information.
The following report from Pat Duchart after the 2016 Meet captures the spirit and activities of our Spring Meets:
‘The SAC week at Attadale was enjoyed in whole or part by 15 members. It was unusual in that there was not a drop of rain all week but it did have its share of sunshine, wind and grey skies.
Activities were as ever many and varied. The 5 kayakers/canoeists enjoyed an interesting paddle on Loch Maree, a brief paddle off Portchuillin, when wind and tide thwarted other plans but beach and sunshine were much enjoyed, a round trip from Portchuillin to Plockton and a very windy paddle on Loch Sgamhain. There was a steep learning curve on the assembly and use of Frank’s new origami kayak. Loch Coruisk remains a challenge for the future.
The walkers preferred distance to height with walks which included the Elgol area, the shores of Loch Torridon, a very rewarding circumnavigation of Maol Chean-dearg and an investigation of the valley North East of the Strathcarron Hotel for flora fauna and a previous canoe route. The cyclists had two good days in the saddle.
The estate lambs provided much entertainment as they enjoyed life. There were many visits to the gardens, which were looking particularly good, especially the rhododendrons. The home baking was also much appreciated.
We had a communal meal on Sunday with plenty of salmon, quiche and good stew and again on Thursday with the main course amply provided by the Danish lady at the home farm. Every night had its share of good food, good drink, good conversation and most importantly good company.’
Summer Solstice Meet
The SUMMER SOLSTICE MEET was originally conceived by our first President, Iain Smart, as a suitable Scottish alternative to outings on the east Greenland coast. Co-founder Phil Gribbon writes ‘His proposal was that the Club should not waste the long daylight hours of the solstice and … should avail themselves of what was offered on their doorsteps and explore the innermost corners of their own country.‘ Initial solstice treks crossed the ‘high tundra’ of the Cairngorm plateau to the Spey valley. Although this tradition lapsed for a number of years it has recently been revived in modified form with the Simpson family generously hosting a Saturday evening barbecue at their home near Kincraig. Adventurous journeys to the Solstice Meet are strongly encouraged, with arrival by canoe being popular given the more extreme age range (young and old!) of our current membership.
Solstice Meet details are circulated with our Newsletters, or please contact the Secretary for more information.