Alan to Climb 2400-ft Peak 10 times in One Day!

Alan achieved his goal. Starting at 3.15 am on the 15th July he completed 10 ascents and descents of Beinn na Caillich by 7.30pm. His efforts raised over £2000.

Alan Cope from Broadford in Skye, the town that supports Pabay, is busy training to scale Beinn na Caillich 10 times in just one day in July, which he reckons amounts to almost the equivalent of an ascent of Mount Everest. Alan, who works on a fish farm in Heaste, was the first local in the Glamaig Hill Race last year. He volunteered to do the fund raising climb on 15th July in aid of the action group Broadford 2000, who are seeking to improve leisure facilities in South Skye.Alan is planning to start his first ascent of the 2,400-ft hill, which overlooks Broadford, just before daylight. Island Outdoors of Portree have already agreed to provide him with clothing and footwear for the run but he is still looking for sponsors and willing volunteers to accompany him on each trip.

Beinn na Caillich that overlooks Broadford and presents an imposing view from Pabay means "The Hill of the Old Woman". The old woman is reputedly Saucy Mary who laid a chain between Kyleakin and Kyle to extract tolls from passing ships. (No doubt her spirit lingers in the offices of the Toll Bridge Company!). Tradition also says that the large cairn on the summit covers the remains of a Norwegian princess. On many days when a plume of cloud stretches from the summit it is said that it is the soul of the Princess returning to her native Norway.

A new Stamp to record the event

New Pabay Stamp

A new Pabay stamp is being issued to record Alan's achievement. It shows Beinn na Callich across Loch Cill Chriosd. The photograph used for the stamp has been taken by Heather Lyon. Stamps are available at £1.50 and a First Day Cover at £2.50. 50 signed First Day Cover are also available at £5.00 each. Funds all to Broadford 2000. Orders to Pabay Stamps Sales, Broadford, Isle of Skye, IV49 9BP

SPECIAL AMATEUR RADIO STATION (WAB NG62)

A special Amateur Radio Station with the call sign GB0BNC Golf Brave Zero Beinn na Caillich will be set up on 15th July. Operation will mainly be on 40 Metres but depending on conditions other frequencies may be used, thus Radio Amateurs and Short Wave Listeners certainly in UK and Europe will be able to have first hand news of Alan's efforts!

A special QSL Card will be available and we would ask that you QSL direct to GM0PNS at the Pabay QTH and hopefully send a donation to Broadford 2000. To those who QSL Direct and enclose £2.00 a First Day Cover will be sent contain the containing Card. For £5.00 a special Certificate will also be sent. All funds to Broadford 2000. Of course in true spirit of Amateur Radio those who just send us a QSL card will receive one back via the RSGB QSL Bureau in the normal manner.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Photograph of Alan Cope is from the West Highland Free Press, Broadford. Ref Nr. FP460/C

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