Who is Mick Tighe?

Born in Derbyshire, in 1950, of Irish ancestry, Mick Tighe worked on a farm until the age of seventeen when he joined the Royal Marines. An eighteen month posting to Singapore and a year’s tour to N. Ireland was followed by qualification as a Mountain and Arctic Warfare Instructor and a brief spell with the British Biathlon Team. Seven winters in Arctic Norway and an equal amount of summers in mountainous regions throughout the world were a good apprenticeship to becoming a British and International Mountain Guide in 1979, shortly after completing his ten years service in the Royal Marines. Work as an instructor with The Joint Services Mountain Training Centre at Tulloch, near Fort William, filled the years 1979-1982 and whilst a bad car crash nearly ruined his plans, Mick started his own Mountain Guiding business, Nevis Guides, in May 1982, which has run very successfully to date. (2009)

As a member of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team for nearly thirty years, Mountain Rescue became a ‘forte’ and Mick was the National Training Officer to all of Scotland’s Mountain Rescue Teams for ten years in the 1990’s and early 2000’s. Summer Alpine trips have continued throughout the last thirty years and the Canadian Rockies have also become a speciality. Cross country ski trips to Arctic Norway continue each winter, followed year on year by his enduring passion of exploring the wild and unexplored coast of Scotland’s North West Highlands and Islands, where he has completed several hundred first ascents on the sea cliffs and sea stacks.

Having moved to Glen Roy, just north of Fort William, when he left the Marines in 1977, Mick is still there in 2009, happily married to his wife Kathy.

Mick Tighe is a prominent figure in Scottish mountaineering and mountain rescue, but he also has a strong connection to skiing, especially in the context of Scottish mountain culture. His background in both climbing and skiing makes him a key figure in understanding the evolution of outdoor sports in the Highlands.

Mick Tighe’s Background:

Mick Tighe is best known as a mountain guide, climber, and rescue specialist. He served in the Royal Marines as part of the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre, which trained soldiers in survival and combat techniques in extreme conditions. This background helped shape his deep involvement in outdoor pursuits like skiing, climbing, and mountain rescue.

Skiing and Scottish Mountains:

  • Mountain Rescue: Mick Tighe’s work in mountain rescue is intertwined with skiing. In Scotland’s rugged terrain, ski mountaineering has been an essential part of mountain rescue operations, especially during harsh winters. Tighe has often mentioned how important skiing was for mobility and survival in mountain environments, especially in his time with the RAF Kinloss Mountain Rescue Team and Lochaber Mountain Rescue.
  • Ski Mountaineering: As an expert in both climbing and skiing, Tighe was instrumental in using skis for mountaineering and rescue operations. The ability to ski gave rescuers faster and more effective access to people trapped in snow-covered or high-altitude locations. Tighe’s knowledge of skiing allowed him to navigate Scotland’s challenging winter landscapes, particularly in the Highlands, where skiing is essential for accessing remote areas.
  • Promotion of Skiing Culture: Through his work with various organizations and as a mountain guide, Tighe has helped promote skiing, not just as a sport but as an essential skill for survival and rescue in Scotland’s mountains. His extensive knowledge of the terrain and the climate has informed how skiing is used in conjunction with mountaineering.

Skiing-Related Items in the Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection:

Mick Tighe is also the founder and curator of the Scottish Mountain Heritage Collection (SMHC), which includes a significant number of skiing-related items. These range from vintage skis and boots to skiing brochures and promotional materials that reflect the development of the sport in Scotland. His passion for preserving the history of skiing, alongside other mountain sports, highlights his deep appreciation for the role skiing has played in Scotland’s mountain culture.

Tighe’s Impact on Scottish Skiing:

  • Skiing in Scottish Rescue Operations: Tighe’s contribution to ski rescue operations has had a lasting impact on how mountain rescue teams function, especially in the snow-covered Highlands.
  • Historical Preservation: By gathering and preserving historical skiing equipment and memorabilia, Tighe has ensured that the history of skiing in Scotland is not forgotten. His collection documents the early days of skiing in the Scottish mountains, from its initial introduction to the rise of ski clubs and competitions.
  • Educational Efforts: Through his writings, lectures, and the SMHC, Tighe has educated new generations about the importance of skiing in mountain survival and recreation. His efforts keep the history and culture of skiing alive in Scotland’s outdoor community.


In summary, Mick Tighe’s connection to skiing is deeply rooted in his mountain rescue experience and his passion for the heritage of outdoor sports in Scotland. His role as a preserver of skiing history and as a practitioner of ski mountaineering highlights the importance of skiing, both for sport and for survival, in the Scottish Highlands.