Nordic Skiing, Lynx and Mountain Rescue

Jan 11, 2025

Guest

Shahbaz Majeed

Guest

Lily Camp, an expert instructor from the Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre, shares her passion for cross-country skiing, breaking down essential techniques and tips. Jack Somerset recounts his firsthand experience as a learner. Kirsty Matheson discusses the emotional impact of weather in art at the 'A Weather Eye' exhibition. Donald MacRae highlights the challenges faced by Scottish Mountain Rescue teams in winter conditions. Photographer Shahbaz Majeed showcases his stunning work, featured on banknotes and in his new book, capturing the beauty of the Scottish landscape.

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ANECDOTE

Mark Tries Cross-Country Skiing

Mark Stephen visited Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre to try cross-country skiing.
He received instruction from Lily Camp.

ADVICE

Cross-Country Skiing Basics

Start by laying skis flat, curly bits pointing away, then kick heel up to attach to the metal bar.
Practice step turns, jump turns, and getting up after falling.

INSIGHT

Nordic vs. Downhill Skiing

Nordic skiing uses body energy for propulsion, unlike downhill skiing which relies on gravity.
Dress as if you were going for a run; you should feel cold while standing still.

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The weather has certainly been a big talking point for a lot of us this week. And it’s also the theme of a new exhibition at the McManus Art Gallery and Museum in Dundee. Rachel went to take a look at A Weather Eye along with curator Kirsty Matheson.

We hear from Paul Hetherington of charity Buglife about the impact the mild weather before Christmas, and now the very cold weather, is having on our bees. Sadly, it’s not great news.

A second pair of lynx has been captured after being found near Kingussie in the Cairngorms National Park. Two other lynx, released illegally, were caught in the same area on Thursday. We get the latest from BBC Scotland’s Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs Correspondent Kevin Keane.

Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre in Aberdeenshire is Britain's only purpose-built all-weather facility for cross-country skiing and roller skiing. And since there was a bit of snow on the ground, Mark went along to try his hand at cross-country skiing.

We speak live to Donald MacRae, vice chair of Scottish Mountain Rescue about the conditions the teams across the country have been facing so far this year. We also hear advice on heading to the hills at this time of year and how prepared you need to be.

Staying in the hills, the Glenmore Visitor Centre and Café near Loch Morlich has had a bit of a facelift in recent weeks. It’s now owned by the community, who have big plans for the centre. Rachel went along for a visit to hear about what they’ve done so far, and what’s yet to come.

The wintry weather prompted Mark to think about the extreme winter weather of the recent past, including low temperatures in Braemar of -27.2 degrees Celsius.

Photographer and Landward presenter Shahbaz Majeed has a new book out which explores Scotland’s landscapes from a slightly different perspective. Recently, Rachel caught up with Shahbaz in his home city of Dundee for the Scotland Outdoors podcast. He told Rachel the story of how a rather unexpected request led to him making a name for himself behind the lens.

And when Mark visited the Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre, he couldn’t say no when he was offered the chance to go tubing. The simple pastime of sliding down a hill in an inflatable ring is pretty popular at the centre with kids and big kids too!