Dr Watson plotting tracks on Hill of Modloch, Glen Esk. Photo Derek Pyper/Adam Watson collection

A pioneer of ski-mountaineering and keen climber has been awarded a top honour for his knowledge of the Scottish Mountains.

Dr Adam Watson, dubbed Mr Cairngorms, will receive this year’s Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture.

The award, which is made annually at the Fort William Mountain Festival, is now in its fifth year.

Organisers described 81-year-old Dr Watson as a biologist, ecologist, mountaineer, author and defender of the environment. The award is made to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Scotland’s mountains.

Mike Pescod, chairman of the Highland Mountain Culture Association, organisers of the Fort William Mountain Festival, said: “Few people, if anyone, can have a better understanding and knowledge of the Scottish mountains than Dr Adam Watson.

“From the plants and animals that live in them through to our impact and legacy on the mountains, Dr Adam Watson has studied it all and helped us to know our mountains in far greater detail and depth. Dr Adam Watson is a great ambassador for mountain culture.”

Aberdeenshire-born Dr Watson gained a first-class honours degree in pure science from the University of Aberdeen in 1952.

He went on to complete two doctorates on the fauna of the Cairngorms and climbed extensively while a student and also acted as a deerstalking ghillie.

He joined climber Tom Patey in a major series of climbs to catalogue the Cairngorm’s rock routes for the first Scottish Mountaineering Club’s climbers’ guide to the area, and also climbed and went on ski-mountaineering trips to Iceland, Vancouver Island, Newfoundland, Baffin Island and mainland Canada, Norway, the north of Sweden, Finland, Switzerland, Italy and Alaska.

A younger Adam Watson in Owl Valley. Photo: Adam Watson collection

For many years he was an independent scientific monitor at the three ski areas in the Cairngorms and has also given technical advice at Scotland’s other two ski areas.

His main professional research was on the population biology, behaviour, habitats and environment of northern birds and mammals, and he contributed hundreds of scientific publications on these and other topics. In recognition of this, during 1971 he was promoted to Senior Principal Scientific Officer for Special Merit in Research.

Mr Pescod said: “To some people, like Dr Adam Watson, the draw of the mountains is so strong that they devote their entire life to them and make a massive contribution to the culture surrounding them in doing so.

“Recognition of their talent and commitment is rarely sought or given and this award is one opportunity to do so. We feel that this award not only celebrates their achievements and contributions but also represents the recognition of their peers.

“By awarding one exceptional individual every year we are creating a list of ambassadors who represent the best in mountain culture in Scotland and beyond.

“We believe that the continuing success of the Fort William Mountain Festival, together with an increase in its significance and importance by the annual presentation of this award, will also be reflected in economic and cultural benefits to the people of Scotland, particularly those that are resident in mountain or rural communities.”

Previous winners include: Iain Sykes, Jimmy Marshall, Richard Else and Dr Hamish McInnes.

Dr Watson’s Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture will be made on Saturday 18 February at the Nevis Centre, Fort William, as part of the festival programme.

It will be preceded by the showing of a short film that includes still photographic highlights of his lifetime achievements and testimonials from friends and admirers.