Young people who are involved in promoting mountain culture will be recognised by a new award at next year’s Fort William Mountain Festival.
Every year, festival organisers present the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture, which recognises and celebrates the achievements and accomplishments of one person and their outstanding contributions to Scotland’s mountains.
The award encompasses sport, theatre, art, photography, film and literature.
And they are launching a similar award for younger people, called the Scottish Youth Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture, at the 2015 event.
A spokesman for the festival, which will run from Wednesday February 18 to Sunday February 22, said they were keen to encourage a healthy outdoor lifestyle, not only for the youth of Lochaber but for all young people.
He said: “We feel that the physical and mental benefits of the outdoors are something that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy.
“There are a host of opportunities to get involved in whatever your passion is and there are lots of local experts who are able to start you on the path to health, fitness and a life-long love of the outdoors.”
Those nominated must be aged 14 to 25 and must meet two of the following criteria, all of which must be linked to an outdoor theme.
They must have shown resilience and determination to succeed within their chosen area of expertise and be thought of as an example of excellence by others.
They should be someone who has achieved results through their own efforts and ideas and not solely through external influences or support.
They should have given something back to their community by promoting the ideals of a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle, such as through a local youth group or club or a volunteering opportunity.
They should have succeeded in the face of adversity, hardship or physical or mental challenges and “achieved… no matter what!”.
The person making the nomination must provide information on what they have done to promote mountain culture, either locally, nationally or internationally.
Nomination forms are available on the festival’s website at www.mountainfestival.co.uk