Dave MacLeod has succeeded on a long-standing project in Dumbuck to give Scotland its first 8c sport route. Devastation Generation was completed on 27 October by Dave over three years of work, which have been focused over the winter seasons of 2003-2004. The line was first equipped and attempted by Dave Redpath back in 1996, but attempts over a six-year period gave no success. Dave MacLeod also put up Happiness in Slavery at Dumbuck in May this year which was Scotland's first confirmed 8b+.
Not knowing anything at all about sports climbing in Scotland (or anywhere else to be honest), what is the view on the grade ? is it Fr8c in the same way a Scottish VS is VS or is it totally equivalent to 8c in Spain or France ?
Apart from the odd route in the newest SMC guides where the grade is actually given as "Scottish VS", there should be little difference between a VS in Scotland and a VS anywhere else. Though personally, I think grit VS's are hard and Scottish VS's are easy, so what do I know?!? Dave's climbed 8c in France, so I'd imagine he'll have graded his new route relative to that, plus others he's done in Scotland and elsewhere.
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