About Us
Braemar Mountain Sports Ltd. (BMS) is a two-store mountain shop located in Braemar and Aviemore, either side of the Cairngorm National Park. Our aim is to provide outstanding customer service through our product knowledge; friendly, trustworthy advice; and dependability. We’re a shop for enthusiasts, run by enthusiasts.
The original Braemar Mountain Sports opened in 1986 when Colin and Karen Bruce started hiring out cross-country skis in winter and bikes in summer. They were only the second business to offer bike hire in Scotland, after Glen Tress.
The business moved from a 10’ x 10’ shed into a larger shed, then to the Braemar Mews before occupying the purpose-built premises on Invercauld Road about 15 years ago.
BMS introduced many people to XC skiing and ski touring, but opportunities to buy equipment were limited so, gradually, ever-widening ranges of equipment and clothing were offered for sale. By 2000 the company had grown into a popular and highly respected business.
BMS’ reputation over the past 10-15 years has been built on an unparalleled inventory of winter back-country access equipment and clothing, as well as knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff, happy to recommend the most suitable products for customers’ particular exploits.
BMS in its current form is a direct descendant of the original company of the same name. Colin Bruce, Debbie McGowan, Fergus Paton, Guy Carey-Miller, Joanne McCabe and Peter Lawrence are the directors, each with a background in the outdoors one way or another.
Both stores provide a relaxed and welcoming environment in which customers can browse around whilst conceiving their next adventure. Indeed, the excellent Mountain Café upstairs at Aviemore offers fine fare to fortify customers in between bouts of serious browsing.
Although both shops carry similar inventory, Braemar is the first point of contact for mail order and equipment hire for those outside the area, while Aviemore has a wide selection of specialist climbing equipment and ice tools. Both stores offer a thorough boot-fitting service.
Within BMS there is a tremendous wealth of knowledge about expedition outfitting, summer and winter climbing, telemark and Nordic skiing, as well as Alpine ski touring, hillwalking, cycling, camping etc., so give us a call and sound us out – we’d be happy to help.
And remember, if you want to try before you buy, our equipment hire service may have just what you’re looking for.
Hope to see you soon.
