Two Lochaber charities are reaching new heights after three Highland companies battled through tough conditions to conquer Scotland’s largest peak.
Staff from SSEN Transmission were joined by colleagues from Balfour Beatty and TerraFirma to trek up Ben Nevis to help raise thousands in donations for two local causes.
The 20-strong group – who worked alongside each other on the Fort Augustus to Fort William project – conquered the 4,000ft peak on a cold and wet Saturday morning in just seven hours in the name of Lochaber Hope and the Highland Hospice, selected by Balfour Beatty earlier in the year.
Their efforts raised £3,143.75 for Lochaber Hope and £2,625 for Highland Hospice, smashing their initial £2000 target for their chosen charities.
Ewan MacFarlane, SSEN Transmission’s project manager, said: “The climb was tough with strong gusts of wind and biting cold temperatures, but we all made it up and back down safely within 7 hours.
“The most challenging part was actually the descent as there were hundreds of walkers on the narrow paths heading up later, many of which were taking part in the 3 peaks challenge.
“The weather was typical for Lochaber and the rain stayed on for most of the morning. Once we were up to 3000ft the mist closed in and the temperature plummeted to -2oC. There wasn’t much to see at the summit and still some snow lying in places.”
The fundraising venture is one in a line of projects undertaken by the group to raise vital funds for local charities.
Following the completion of the Fort Augustus to Fort William project, the group held a barbeque where they raised a further £350 for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).