For those unacquainted with the Scottish vernacular, ‘muckle’ means big, so these are John Hinde’s big boots. We’d like to give them a proper title but can’t find a name, or any other form of identification on them. We do know they are double boots which are generally used for cold climates or climbing to altitude. They are well worn, well maintained and it looks like they’ve been resoled. We do know about John Hinde, who was a good friend of our founder, Mick Tighe. John spent the early years of his life as a member, then leader of several RAF Mountain Rescue Teams for which service he was awarded the B.E.M. In later years he worked for Outward Bound and was a well known figure in Scottish Mountaineering circles. John participated in several expeditions to the high mountains of the world where he no doubt wore these boots. Thanks to his daughter, Fiona, for donating them.