Tom Weir
Climber, author and broadcaster
As a mountaineer, Tom Weir scaled the heights of the Himalayas and mountains of Nepal, but it was his love of the Scottish countryside that first brought him to our television screens in the 1970s.
Weir's red bobble hat and Fair Isle jumpers became trademark clothing for the climber as he trekked up Munros, over lochs and down valleys. It wasn't only the spectacular views that Weir wanted to share with his audience, it was the way of life in remote parts of the country. In each episode of the long running Weir's Way series, Weir interviewed and had a blether with anyone and everyone he met. Friend and environmentalist, Dr Adam Watson describes Weir as a small man with great presence, 鈥渉e was a brilliant conversationalist. He had a great knack of speaking to total strangers and putting them at ease.鈥� Weir's way documented the changing lifestyles and landscapes of Scotland and gained Weir a loyal fanbase and Personality of the Year award in 1978.
In a 2005 interview, Weir said 鈥渇or me, it was never what I did, but what I saw, that was important.鈥� With over 20 years of TV broadcasting to his name, Weir's viewers have been able to share in this legacy.
Clips
Tom Weir
Greg Hemphill looks at the world-class mountaineer and broadcaster's programme Weir's Way.
Links
