Tamsin Gay
Born: East Lothian, Scotland.
Lives: I'm of no fixed abode although I'm increasingly finding myself based out of Chamonix in France.
Fave colour: Lime Green
Fave mountain snack: Anything involving chocolate. (Not white obviously though, which isn't really chocolate.)
“I won't regret time spent in the mountains when I'm on my death bed, except possibly a few hours belaying in Scottish winter.”
What do you love most about being a mountain guide?
The fact that it feels like a worthwhile way to spend your working hours. I feel like I am really out there in the world, free, meeting people and living fully. I won't regret time spent in the mountains when I'm on my death bed, except possibly a few hours belaying in Scottish winter, I want those hours back!
What inspired you to become a guide?
I think I just saw the possibility and thought oh I could do that. It turns out its quite tricky for many reasons but ultimately you can get paid to go ski-ing which I find remarkably inspiring!
What’s the most valuable lesson you have learnt?
To listen to and evaluate other people's advice rather than just follow it! YOU might know better plus there are many ways to do things, other people aren't you, they have different parameters and often they don't know what they don't know but are still happy to dispense advice. Even someone really experienced can "sell you a pup" because they aren't you and don't know what you're happy with. You need to gather your own evidence, do your own research, plan and execute your own journey. Of course part of this is seeking opinions and information from others but don't rely solely on that and consider that what other people do might not suit you. Your adventure might not look as impressive as other peoples' ideas of impressive but if you've owned it, controlled it and completed it safely then it is far more rewarding and you will learn more. Better to be independent, in charge and have responsibility for your own mistakes rather than think "Dammit I knew I shouldn't have listened to him/her! I had my own idea which probably would have worked better.....and even if it resulted in a misadventure it would have at least been my own fault!"
What's your proudest moment?
When I think about what I'm proud of I automatically think of my nieces although, really, I have very little to do with how wonderful they are! I am filled up with joy and pride by pretty much anything they do whether its the first poo in a grown up toilet, showing kindness toward others, being sick on me or writing their own name.
What's tough about your job?
It’s a massive commitment, you will spend a lot of time away from home and it will feel like your entire life is spent packing and unpacking. That’s not great for relationships; romantic ones or friends and family. It can be gruelling and the strain on your body will result in overuse injuries and worn out joints, not to mention acute injury, this is rubbish for the obvious reasons but also because your entire income is dependent on your body working. Getting qualified is expensive, the job can pay well but you don’t get sick pay or holiday pay etc…
What advice would you give the next generation of female mountain guides?
Do your physio, stay fit, guiding is not about being especially strong or fast but it helps with your own confidence. It is a male dominated world and things like the qualification scheme are designed by men so work well for men. If you want a family then get started on the guides training scheme young and plan how having children will fit into your life as a guide, the two aren’t particularly compatible but not impossible. Men are great but being constantly surrounded by them can be tedious, as I’m sure many men would agree, so seek out female mountaineering partners and create supportive climbing networks with both genders.
Name a fact about yourself not many people know (that you're happy to share).
I have a first class honours degree.
about tamsin:
Hello my name is Tamsin Gay. I work as an IFMGA Mountain Guide but identify as: an aunt (to two nieces who I can’t stop marvelling at,) a sister, a daughter, a loving friend, a socialist and lover of bright colours and funny stuff.
I grew up in Scotland near Edinburgh and am back, living on the very farm I spent my childhood on, having fled France, where I was planning on spending 2020 before Covid-19 arrived. When I’m not working I can still be found propelling myself through the mountains and tend to get enthusiastic about whatever conditions offer.
At one stage or another I’ve been obsessed with all aspects of mountaineering from ice climbing and skiing to esoteric Scottish rock climbing to big alpine ridges and summits. The happy conclusion being that the combination of these skills now mean I can and do have adventures in mountain ranges all around the globe.
Contact TAMSIN:
Insta : @tamsin.gay
E-mail: tamsingay@icloud.com