He’s scaled Mount Everest, topped every one of Scotland’s 282 Munros - seven times - and is considered one of the UK’s most experienced mountain rescue experts.
Now David Whalley, born and brought up in Ayr, is toasting his latest achievement.
David, the son of the Rev Bill Whalley, ex minister of Newton-on-Ayr Church, has spoken of his pride at becoming the 16th recipient of the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture.