My second son, Paul, who is a Detective Inspector in Strathclye Police,  based in Paisley is a keen Munro climber. After my double hip replacements in 2002 I asked him to pick out an'easy' Munro and I would climb it with him within a year of my operation. Paul laughed and stated that there were no 'easy' Munroes as they are all over 3,000feet. 11 Months later we both climber Gael Charn just off the Drumochter Pass.

I had always admired the great photographs which my son would show us after reaching the summit of yet another Munro and the views of the mountains and glens were awe inspiring. I was to be disappointed however becuse we climbed Gael Charn through thick cloud in a constant drizzle and you could hardly see your hand in front of your face. I was convinced that we were lost and merely going round in circles but Paul reassured me that he was orienteering and relying on his trusty compass. Eventually we saw a large cairn emerging out of the mist and three Australians were sheltering at its base. I touched the top of the cairn and declared -'Well that is my last Munro !'


Last month Paul bagged HIS final Munro and he is registered with the Scottish Mountaineering Club which was founded in 1889 as Munro Compeatist number 4367. Hopefully he will now revert to his other hobby which is fishing.All this has nothing to do with politics but I thought it might be of interest to members and others.