A north-east group has announced plans to scale 18 of Scotland’s toughest mountains in a bid to support charitable causes in the area.
The Turriff and District branch of the Round Table has committed itself to climbing 18 Munros to mark the 90th anniversary of the global social club and philanthropic organisation.
To launch their challenge, members of the branch will tackle Mount Keen in the Cairngorms, the most easterly peak over 3,000ft in the country. And the team plan to take their stuffed toy mascot, Munro, with them on every climb.
Last night, chairman, Martin Cameron, said: “Since it’s the 90th anniversary of the Round Table, this was the perfect opportunity to do something big. So we’ve taken it upon ourselves to scale 18 Munros, starting with Mount Keen in April, and ending with Ben Nevis in October.
“We are trying to raise money to donate back into local causes and have set up a Facebook page and a Go Fund Me page for people to keep up to date with our endeavours.”
Mr Cameron added that, although the group members were not seasoned mountaineers, they had enlisted the help of veteran climber, Garry Cormack, from Hillgoers website.
The Turriff and District Round Table is just one branch of an organisation which has now spread to 57 countries around the world.
There are more than 400 clubs in Britain alone and the Round Table now operates an online group.
Launched in 1927 by Louis Marchesi, the organisation caters for men aged between 18 and 45-years-old to socialise and support their local communities.
Mr Cameron added: “Hopefully, we can make the 90th anniversary even better by raising plenty of cash to help out loads of local groups.”
The group meets twice a month and also works closely with the Anthony Nolan Trust to encourage young men to donate blood.
In the north-east, there are nine such tables – Aberdeen, Banchory, Banff, Ellon, Inverurie, Peterhead, Stonehaven, Turriff and Westhill.
To support the Turriff branch, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/helpmunro/