A step-change is under way in the world of Scottish rock climbing. A new
generation of boulderers is exploring the country’s most rugged and beautiful
places, sea cliffs and mountain peaks in search of magical movement on new-
found rock.
‹elements› is a rock climbing film like no other, the four chapters – Water,
Earth, Air and Fire – are linked with a narrative from the ecologist and land
rights activist, Alistair McIntosh, whose thoughts on faerie magic and the
human spirit fix a connection between Scotland’s ancient history and the
boulderer’s search for perfect movement on rock.
‹elements› is the first DVD devoted entirely to bouldering in Scotland. Filmed
over six months in late 2007 and early 2008, it features dozens of ascents in
new venues from all four corners of the country – including the first ascent
of the hardest new boulder problem so far this year, captured on the final
day’s filming.
With music by new Glasgow band, Frightened Rabbit, ‹elements› is released in
early April 2008, to coincide with the publication of ‹Stone Country›, the new
guidebook to Scottish bouldering by the writer John Watson, who also features
prominently in the film.