Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has introduced a motion to congratulate mountaineers Sandy Allan, from Newtonmore, and Rick Allen, from Aberdeen for securing the Piolet d'Or after a successful expedition to the Himalayas last year.

Dave said, “I congratulate both mountaineers on this well-deserved honour for their efforts climbing the Himalayas.

"Sandy and Rick are a testament to the adventurous Scottish spirit and continue the great Scottish tradition of mountaineers like John Cunningham, Tom Patey, and Dougal Haston."

The Piolet d’Or has been described as the Oscar’s of mountaineering; this is the first time for a Scot to be awarded the distinguished honour.

Previously described as the last great unclimbed route of the Himalayas, the two climbers successfully completed the Mazeno Ridge on the mountain Nanga Parbat.

Their expedition took them on a dangerous and gruelling trek over 13km consistently above 7000m in altitude.

The pair were honoured during a three-day event held in Chamonix France and Courmayeur Italy

Dave said, “I dabble with mountain walking and cannot imagine the level of physical and emotion determination involved in such an undertaking.

"I would welcome the opportunity to personally congratulate both Sandy and Rick, and wish them nothing but the best in their future climbing endeavours."

Notes:

Motion Number: S4M-06305 Lodged By: Dave Thompson Date Lodged: 22/04/2013

First Scots Receive Prestigious Piolet d’Or
That the Parliament congratulates Sandy Allan from Newtonmore and Rick Allen from Aberdeen on securing the Piolet d'Or after a successful expedition to the Himalayas in 2012; recognises the significance of the Piolet d’Or as being described as the mountaineering Oscar; notes that they are the first Scots to be awarded what it considers this distinguished honour; commends their successful completion of the Mazeno Ridge on the mountain, Nanga Parbat, described as the last great unclimbed route of the Himalayas; applauds what it considers their courage in the face of overwhelming danger; highlights the extreme physical effort put into this over 13km ridge climb consistently over 7000 metres in altitude; praises their conquest of the "Killer Mountain”, and wishes them the very best of luck in their continued expeditions and future endeavours.