Born in Ayrshire with both parents employed as teachers, Bruce spent most of his childhood in the outdoors. He is quoted by his father as asking, at a young age, "Dad, why do we have to climb every mountain?" He's been climbing mountains ever since! After studying geography at Glasgow University, Bruce spent a year at Glenmore Lodge (the national outdoor training centre in the Scottish Highlands) as a trainee instructor. He has worked in the outdoor industry ever since, guiding and instructing all over the world. Bruce qualified as an IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations) guide in 2001 and is now involved in the training and assessment of British Mountain Guides. He lives in the French Alps where he runs his mountaineering business, sharing his passion for the mountains with his clients in the form of climbing courses in the summer months and skiing and ice climbing in winter. Away from the mountains, Bruce has been a regular contributor to Climber magazine for many years.