The Grampian Speleological Group was formed in 1961 and is now the oldest and largest caving club in Scotland with members living in all areas of the UK. From the start the objectives of the Group were not only to promote the sport of caving in Scotland and elsewhere, but to encourage the exploration, charting and publication of underground cavities and passages, to further a range of studies in speleology (the science of caving) and to take active steps to protect and conserve Scotland’s underground heritage. The Group liaises with official bodies with an interest in caves – Historic Scotland, NatureScot and the National Trust – acting as a central source for information on underground phenomena.
Its members have discovered and extended caves all over Scotland and the British Isles – a process that continues today. Further afield, members have participated in expeditions from Austria to Ecuador, Hawaii to Zimbabwe, and caved on all continents – except perhaps Antarctica (although we’ve got as far as South Georgia!). The Group maintains a special relationship with cavers in Meghalaya, north-east India, where over the years over 500 kilometres of world-class caves have been explored and recorded. There are expeditions early each year to continue this important work.
The GSG produces a range of caving publications and was also to the fore in creating the Scottish Cave Rescue Organisation (SCRO), a team specialising in recovering casualties from difficult underground
locations where caving expertise is essential.
Membership
Anyone can apply for membership, though we like to see new recruits caving with us before they part with their money. Previous experience is not required, but if you’ve never caved before then have a read of the information on the New to Caving website. Please note that due to legislation, we are unable to
accept members under 18 years of age unless accompanied by parent or other responsible adult. We do,
however cater for ‘family meets’ several times a year to introduce children to the delights of caving.
The annual subscription is £20 for a full member, £25 for joint membership with £5 reduction for students, unemployed and retired members. Added to that will be any fees due to the national governing body (BCA) to cover insurance. If you are keen to join, see the ‘Join Us’ page and fill in the online enquiry form for someone to contact you with further details.
Caving with the GSG
The GSG publishes a list of forthcoming caving meets. Many caves in the main English and Welsh caving areas require booking well in advance, and these will appear in the Meets List. Other caves do not need booking and trips may be arranged at short notice. This applies, particularly, to Scottish caves. Anyone keen to go caving should contact the GSG and check what the latest plans are. Find us at Leslie’s Bar, Edinburgh on Tuesday evenings (8 p.m.), or contact us via the online link.
The GSG is on Facebook:
Coat of Arms
To the right is the club crest, featuring the initials GSG, a tiger climbing a wire ladder, and the Scottish Saltire. The Gaelic motto can be translated to “Heare be tygers”.
“The Boot” is our ‘heraldic badge’ and, of course, represents a caving boot. It was designed by Peter ‘Snab’ MacNab.