Uisdean Hawthorn

Name: Uisdean Hawthorn

Hometown: Glenelg, North West Scotland

Sport: Climbing

I grew up on a small farm on the North West coast of Scotland. Working outdoors all the time, gathering sheep from the top of Munros, driving tractors, shooting deer, and playing any sports that were available at school. One of the only activities I hadn’t tried was climbing which I started at 19 while training to become a joiner. Although my early life didn’t include any climbing, the all-day fitness and practical skills I had ingrained into me, allowed me to improve quickly and really enjoy Scottish winter climbing.

I spent a lot of time getting into the Scottish mountains. I really enjoy the remoteness and the pure style of Winter climbing in Scotland. For me, I always get the most out of a thin icy/mixed line, that pushes me most physically and mentally. the big adventures you can have in Scotland are amazing considering the cliffs are small and only a couple of hours from the road. I have started to travel to bigger mountain ranges and explore new places. All my climbing in Scotland has allowed me to try harder routes on big faces with confidence.

In the bigger mountain ranges I have really enjoyed the climbing and the committing factors of the terrain that really pushes you to the limit in every way possible. The other great thing about the style of climbing is the remote places and cultures you get to visit..

Get to know Uisdean

Tell us about your successes so far?

First ascent of Running in the Shadows on Mount Robson Canada VI, AI5, M6 2000m; First ascent of Voodoo Chile on North Howser, Canada 511+ 600m. First ascent of Gandiva on Arjuna 6100m India 5.11, WI5, 1400m (onsight); First ascent of Fun of Fear Mt Jezabel, Alaska A16 M6 1100m. House Anderson -North Face of Mount Alberta; Ecallie Epique-Les Droites; Hyper Couloir-Mont Blanc; Many new routes and significant repeats in Scotland.

What are you working on? What are your goals for the future?

After being away from Scotland for a few years I’m looking forward to climbing some hard mixed routes this winter. Then hopefully some bigger mountains later in the year!

Why do you climb? What do you love about climbing?

I really love the unknown side of climbing, from not knowing if you can climb a sport pitch to the bigger question marks that come from climbing new routes in the big mountains.