A leading mountaineer and Army veteran, Mac Mackay is urging people of all ages to sign up for the Cateran Yomp 2025, one of the UK’s toughest endurance events held in the Cairngorms, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity.
Mac Mackay, originally from Dornoch, in the Scottish Highlands, is the new ambassador of the Yomp, Scotland’s largest mass participation walking event – a gruelling hike of up to 54 miles in the UK’s largest national park.
Backing Mac’s call to join the challenge is fellow adventurer and ABF supporter, Sir Brian Blessed. Sir Brian is leading the rallying cry – Get Your Yomp On! – for this year’s event, saying: “It’s the ultimate charity challenge – 24 hours hiking up to 54 miles in the wilds of Scotland, testing your fitness and endurance.”
Since its launch in 2011, Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £4m for the Army Benevolent Fund’s support for soldiers, former soldiers and their families. Every year, hundreds of yompers gather in the Scottish wilderness to battle through the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, walking continuously for 22, 36, or 54 miles over 24 hours. The event is taking place from 7th to 8th June 2025 and, for the first time, teams of 4 can also sign up to complete the full distance as a relay.
Mac Mackay spent almost 30 years in the Army, in roles including Royal Physical Training Officer, and is a qualified mountain and ski guide.He completed his first Yomp in 2023 as part of a team of veterans with an average age of 71.
Mac is Chair of Climb 2 Recovery, which receives funding from the Army Benevolent Fund for its programme of climbing and mountaineering for wounded, injured, disabled and disadvantaged service people and veterans.
Mac said: “It is a great honour to be the ambassador for the Cateran Yomp 2025. I have taken on many tests of endurance but this event is different. The Yomp fosters incredible camaraderie and resilience amongst participants, and the ABF team provide you with excellent support.
“Thanks to events like this, the Army Benevolent Fund is able to support charities like Climb2Recovery, which is truly lifesaving. Many veterans we work with have been in dark places, and their experiences on our climbing courses are transformational. We help people to see their ability rather than their disability, and they go on to mentor and share this with other veterans.”
Major General Tim Hyams CB OBE, Chief Executive of the Army Benevolent Fund, added: “The support we receive from individual participants, and the organisations that not only sponsor the Yomp but also encourage their staff to take part, is vital.
“The Army Benevolent Fund relies on the generosity of our supporters to ensure that soldiers, former soldiers, and their families have the opportunity to avoid hardship and enjoy independence and dignity.
“We look forward to welcoming more yompers to Scotland in June, when we will be joined by this year’s Ambassador, Mac Mackay. Every single step helps our mission: to be there for soldiers, for veterans, and for their families, for life.”
Sir Brian Blessed, actor, adventurer and honorary Vice President of the Campaign for National Parks, was asked to lend his voice to inspire Yomp participants, because of his passion for outdoor adventure, and because his unique style conveys the spirit of the Yomp.
He said: “I am delighted to support the Army Benevolent Fund’s Cateran Yomp 2025. I’ve trekked to the North Pole so I know it takes teamwork, grit and determination to make it to the finish line. Most of all, the Cateran Yomp is fun, and it’s in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund which supports soldiers, veterans and families. So, get your Yomp on and sign up today!”
Nearly 1,000 people yomped the Scottish hills during the 2024 Cateran Yomp and the Army Benevolent Fund is hoping to attract more yompers in 2025. Early Bird Registration closes on 30th November.
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