This years Xmas Bus meet was a huge success because, unlike last year, we actually did some walking and had no raging rivers to cross! It was a big departure from the norm, to go fairly local for the Xmas Bus meet, when every other year in living memory (need to check this with Ken Ross!), we would head for the bigger mountainous areas of Scotland. Despite a slight hiccup with a flat battery on the original coach, and having to find a replacement, 51 members and guests were not unduly inconvenienced and were determined to enjoy the day. The last time this number was exceeded for a Xmas meet was 2006 when 53 attended. Perhaps we need to consider this option again, as it is not a serious hill day and there are plenty of places to walk and eat in Morayshire and Speyside. Weather wise it was mostly a pleasant day at ground level with a short rain shower, although there were strong winds at higher levels. 
The first big group got off the bus at the Glenfiddich Distillery and had a very pleasant walk back to Aberlour along a tributary of the Speyside Way. With time in hand, there was the irresistible temptation to call in to the Highlander Inn in Craigellachie for some refreshment and later The Mash Tun in Aberlour. The next group were dropped off on the lower road below Ben Rinnes, and some headed up to Meikle Conval and Little Conval, whilst another group took the lower track under Ben Rinnes to Aberlour. The last and hardiest group fixed bayonets and headed up Ben Rinnes from Tomachar – encountering very strong winds on the summit. Eventually everyone returned to the very pleasant surroundings of the Aberlour Hotel for an excellent meal at the earlier time of 3pm.
After the dinner we raised a glass (of our sponsors Glen Moray whisky), to toast The Moray Mountaineering Club before the President, Joe Glennie, began the annual presentation of awards. After a brief speech thanking the Hotel staff for providing a great Xmas meal, he gave a special thanks to the committee for all their hard work during the year, in keeping the Club functioning well and financially sound. The Treasurer Malcolm Campbell then went on to congratulate Rachel Higgins for completing a round of Munros and presented her with an inscribed Quaich. Next up was the newly instigated Presidents Award for Mountaineering Achievement. This year, Joe Glennie, presented this to Graeme Morrison who completed an outstanding round of the Munros in 100 days.
It was his 4th round of Munros, and he was accompanied by his dog, Penny, who completed a 2nd round! Also worthy of mention was Andy Lawson who completed a round of the Furths (34 hills above 3000ft in England/Wales and Ireland), and John Henderson who completed a round of the Donalds (89 hills above 2000ft, south of the Highland Boundary Line). Also, in May, Andy Lawson and John Henderson completed 1000 Marilyns (UK hills above 150m with a drop of 150m all round), on Hirta, St Kilda. Robert Ross attempted to climb Everest during 2015, but thankfully returned safely after an earthquake killed many people in Nepal and put a sudden end to any summit aspirations to the many climbers who were present at the time.
There was also a special mention of Ken Ross whose first meet with the Club was March 1966 to Glen Affric. Yes …. approaching 50 years as a member, and still active. Outstanding! Finally, Jake Lee took the stage for presentation of the dreaded Golden Boot Award …… for mountaineering misdemeanours! There were quite a few names on the “the list”, but after dodging the bullet for a number of years, Fiona Duncan finally was called forward to the table. Despite protesting her innocence, there were too many offences to be taken in to account, and her fate was sealed! 
As a reminder, there will not be a Bus meet in January, so the next one will be on 21 February 2016 to the Cairngorms. This meet will include winter skills training. If you would like to learn how to use an ice axe and crampons, or just refresh your skills, please indicate this when booking for the bus. Remember also, if you would like to walk in the Scottish Hills in winter, you must decide if you have the fitness, the ability and the equipment to do so safely.
“One day’s exposure to mountains is better than cartloads of books.” John Muir