Nostalgia: What a breath of fresh air

Fans of everything from mountain climbing and skiing to insane BMX riding will be checking out the latest equipment, hearing from some of the most respected outdoors men and women in Scotland and picking up some top tips on the best places to enjoy their passion.

It is expected that up to 5000 people will attend the two-day event, a sign of just how popular outdoor events have become in Scotland over the last decade.

But as these pictures show there have always been plenty of brave should willing to test themselves against the elements to enjoy the rugged natural beauty of Scotland.

Back in 1958 the streets of the Capital were filled with cyclists from the local Touring Club preparing to set off on another adventure. And what is today the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary was once a favoured camping ground – although in 1978 the heavy weather at Little France proved too much for some, with the summer rain prompting them to pack up and head for home.

One of the Capital’s most famous outdoors men was Graham Tiso, a mountaineer and rock climber whose shop is still the place to go for any serious outdoors enthusiast. And in 1972 he was tasked with providing equipment for the all-British expedition to scale Mount Everest.

The city has even played host to its own boat race – the Edinburgh University Boat Club annual regatta along the Union Canal.