In reply to pneame:
> Foul language? Shocking.
Even worse, he was of the Scottish persuasion, Aberdonian in fact.
But Scots do get a bit touchy sometimes, when you fail to buy them a drink, when they fall in crevasses, when you suggest that deep fried marsbars are not ideal food. I once climbed what we were sure was a new route on Liaathach, with a Scotsman who was very proud of his Scottish heritage, but not greatly blessed by success that day, especially on the first pitch. After I had got up it, he suggested that I might like to finish.
Some weeks later, he phoned me up to discuss a name for the route. I said that as we were in Scotland, it should show some recognition of that, and of the countries great achievements. There was enthusiastic agreement from the other end of the line. Particularly Scottish engineering achievements. Even more enthusiasm. And should reflect the atmosphere of the first ascent. "Great" he shouted (in a thick Aberdonian accent) "what do you want to call it then?"
"How about 'The Flying Scotsman'?"
There was a long, intense, silence, made more striking by the contrast with the previous (and very rare for an Aberdonian), enthusiasm. Some weeks later still, he phoned me up again "that route was done 3 years ago, it is called 'The Fairy Queen'".
I am still not sure I entirely believe him.