Tributes to Scots climber killed in Swiss Alps fall

Scottish Mountaineering Club, said: “Des was a hugely experienced, competent and safe climber.

“He was a member of the club for 30- plus years and a previous president for two years.

“You have to be highly regarded to get into that position.

“He’d climbed all over Scotland, the Americas and the Himalaya and we’re absolutely stunned by his JOUST a minute. What’s going on here? Armed with foam swords, kids ran amok at Linlithgow Palace to celebrate a festival of medieval madness yesterday.

Decked out in period costumes, the youngsters were given the chance to experience the thrill of a jousting tournament, and witness horsemanship. loss – I’ve never received so many comments and tributes.

“Outdoor activities have been his life. He is probably the person we would have least expected to have had an accident of this nature.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”

David Gibson, of the Mo u n t a i n e e r i n g Council of Scotland, added: “We’d always been h a p py to contribute to his expeditions. It’s a sad loss. Our thoughts are with his family.”

As well as being a prominent member of the mountaineering community, Mr Rubens was a respected teacher.

He had recently retired, having spent much of his career at Edinburgh’s Craigroyston High.

Former pupils and parents have inundated a Facebook page set up to pay tribute to him.

Robert Pearson, a prominent member of the community where Mr Rubens taught, said he would be remembered fondly.

He said: “I’ve never seen a response like this. Tributes have been pouring in since we announced the sad news.

“It’s a mark of the man that his loss has had such an impact.

“What is clear from the posts we’ve seen is he had a remarkable effect on many lives in the local community.

“He was dedicated to his work and his death is a terribly sad loss.”

Former pupils described Mr Ru b e n s as “c o m m i t t e d and enthusiastic”.

One, Craig Stevenson, wrote: “Thank you for the awesome memories, sir.”

Another, Barry Dickson, posted: “Mr Rubens was a legend. I was in his class and loved every time he took us out climbing or canoeing.”

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