Peak of fitness challenge
Two Lochaber Mountain Rescue team leaders are pushing themselves to their physical peak to raise £10,000.
Astie Cameron and Iain Murray have already made £1,433 through their online giving page here but still have a distance to cover to reach their goal in time for taking on a personal challenge on June 8 that they have devised not only to show off the best of Lochaber but also to push themselves the hardest ever.
With a combined age of 105, Astie said: "This challenge is bigger than anything either of us have ever tried before."
"As team leaders we are very aware of the ongoing costs required, to keep the team running and operating effectively and efficiently. Purchasing and maintaining vehicles, upgrading communications equipment, and team training are just some of the upcoming priorities," he added.
Lochaber Mountain Rescue team is one of Scotland’s busiest team, often carrying out more than 150 rescues a year.
The Lochaber Round will take Astie and Iain roughly 330km, and 11,000m of ascent on foot, and by bike travelling the length and breadth of Lochaber in a circular route from Fort William, through Moidart to Knoydart, then across to Creag Meagaidh, before returning to Fort William via Corrour, the Grey Corries and Ben Nevis.
They will take on the route mostly self-powered plus the use of a couple of boats and will attempt to finish it in three days.
"Whilst we will be completing this challenge as a pair, we will also be relying on the support of our team, and friends for logistics, and to help us survive!
"We are grateful for anything you are able to donate to motivate our training, help us complete the challenge, and support the ongoing operation of Lochaber MRT," added Iain.
When asked what they are most scared about, the duo said the stretch between Creag Meagaidh and Ben Nevis because of its length, lots of hills and there being "no easy way round."
The pair will be taking lots of photos and footage to share online as they make their way round the ’round’. Astieaid: "We will be going to some places that most people don’t get to see so we really will be showcasing the four corners of Lochaber."
Astie and Iain hatched the plan to mirror the public’s commitment in helping the team raise funds for a new kitted-out ambulance that will soon be ready fo rthe road.
Meanwhile neighbouring Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team has just received a £20,000 boost from the Kinghouse Hotel which introduced parking charges in 2024 using funds from that to re-invest in the community and surrounding landscape.
The donation will go towards the mountain rescue team’s essential running costs — from specialist equipment to vital training, helping make sure that everyone who visits Glencoe can continue to explore the area safely.
Managing Director at Kingshouse Hotel Craig Haddow said: “Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team is a huge part of this area, and we wanted to show our support in a meaningful way.
Mark Ripley at Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team, said: “We’re very grateful to Kingshouse Hotel for this donation. Support like this makes a real difference to the team. It helps us maintain our equipment, continue training and be ready to respond when callouts come in. As a team, that kind of backing means a great deal and the donation will allow our volunteers to continue their hard work in the mountains, keeping the public safe.”
Kingshouse Hotel hands over a £20,000 cheque to Glencoe Mountain Rescue Team to keep up its essential work. Photograph: Kingshouse Hotel
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