Newsletter Summer 2023

Events and Expeditions

What a lot we have to look forward to, this summer!

Events: 

40km for 40 years.  Caroline, Neil’s sister and some of her pals are doing a 40k hill walk through the Corrieyairack Pass in the Monadhliath Mountains from Laggan near Kingussie to Fort Augustus on August 19th to commemorate Neil’s 40th birthday. They are training hard – please support them by donating via: https://gofund.me/af1d8d2d

Our meet-up for our new (still unnamed!) supporters’ group is on Saturday 2nd September, at Brin, near Inverness.  We are expecting a number of friends, family, recipients and other supporters. The outline for the day is a lunchtime meet-up and picnic, followed by afternoon activities (for all ages and abilities) for example a multi-generational walk, and refreshments and a barbeque, with lots of time to discuss all things outdoors. There will be space for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans if you would like to stay either on the Friday or the Saturday nights, or both. We also hope that some of our overseas “members” will be able to join us by video link.  If you would like to join the group, and attend in person or online, let us know, and we will give you more details.  Everyone is welcome!

Expeditions:  North West Passage

Tuppence Mellish and some of the rest of the team have left UK and are on their way to the starting point, Pond Inlet, Baffin Island, Canada for their attempt to row the North West Passage in a single season.

Tuppence said “On our journey from Eyemouth to Orkney I got to get a good feel for the workings of the boat and really worked some muscles trying to steer our course in some strong winds and choppy weather. Watching out for offshore wind farms, boats and lobster pots was also a good way of staying alert.”

From her most recent update: “So, we have just left Reykjavik and head towards Greenland, hopefully the trip will take about 6 days to reach Neuk, our progress can be tracked on the tracker that is on our expedition website. https://nwpexpedition.com/tracking/ .  The first two weeks have been amazing, and a brilliant experience. The best part has been all the wonderful and kind people we have met on the way, and I already know I have formed some fab new friendships, which is so exciting.”

We know from the tracking that they have reached the west coast of Greenland.

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Other expeditions this summer:

  • A team from Glasgow University Exploration Society has received an Educational Expedition Grant and is carrying out Scuba diving based research off the coast of  Koh Phangan Island, Thailand, between May and July.
  • A group of friends is going to Ammassalik Island, Greenland in August to traverse an unclimbed ridge at the northern most point of the island.
  • Georgie Cavanagh is going to Madagascar, also in August, to carry out conservation work with the Rangers.  Previously, in 2020, she had a trip to Ecuador, South America cancelled because of the pandemic.
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It seems to have been a long time coming – but three Ayrshire Scouts are off to South Korea next month for the 25th World Scout Jamboree.

We wish all the intrepid explorers the very best of luck with their trips and look forward to reading their reports!

Early season training, 2023:

We have decided that, for now, we will no longer help with funding for Mountain Leader courses.  We are, however, still working through our remaining Mountain Leader courses and assessments.

Phil Amos completed his Winter Mountain Leader course at Glenmore Lodge in February this year and will take his assessment there in February 2024.

We are, however, pursuing our health and wellbeing funding and have already helped Liene Kristholde to go on a Highland Wilderness Journey with Anna Danby of Wild Roots Highland Guiding – we await her report.

For information: It is important to us that our funds are used in the best possible way.  Most of our grants go to people over 14 years old, however we are currently considering applications from some under 10s who need assistance to attend a Scout camp in Tayside.  Their background is Polish and they are disadvantaged by low family income/parental unemployment, or health or social issues.  By giving them grants we believe that we can help these children gain confidence and independence whilst also learning new skills, working and playing with others, and having fun.

Grant applications are considered roughly once a month.   To apply, contact us, either through the website or directly by email, letting us know what your plans are for an expedition or skills training and, if appropriate, we will send you an application form (contact details on front page).