Tag: Cairngorms

Lorna strikes gold in epic Cairngorms challenge

Lorna gets gold at Cateran Yomp endurance event in aid of soldiers, veterans and their families, and is set to become top fundraiser for Army charity

Lorna Coulter from West Lothian has completed one of her toughest challenges yet – the 2025 24-hour Cateran Yomp in Perthshire in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund’s (ABF) support for soldiers, veterans and their families.

She joined nearly 1,100 people gathering in the Cairngorms on Friday 6th June, the anniversary of D-Day, to take on the gruelling endurance event this weekend – walking non-stop for up to 54 miles over 24 hours, to support soldiers, veterans and their families.

Based on the infamous long-distance military training march, the event attracts international participants and supporters from across the UK to hike the scenic but challenging terrain of the historic Cateran Trail in Perthshire. Lorna and her fellow participants faced Scotland’s famous “Four Seasons in a Day” as they trekked through the Trail’s beautiful hills and glens through the day and night for 22, 36, or 54 miles in aid of the Army’s national charity.

The Cateran Yomp is now in its 14th year and, since2011,Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £5m for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF). This year’s youngest ‘Yomper’ was aged 16, and the oldest participant was born in August 1944, the same birth month and year as the founding of the charity.

With four Yomps already under her belt, Lorna, 53, was delighted to bag her fifth ‘gold’ at the event by walking with her teammates, Lorna Frame and David Balfour, to complete the full distance.

Lorna and her husband Andrew Coulter, a former officer/soldier NCO in the 1st Battalion, the Irish Guards, are long-term supporters of military charities, and have seen at firsthand the importance of support for those who have served or continue to do so.

This has motivated Lorna to raise over £8,500 for the Army’s national charity – making her the top fundraiser so far for this year’s Yomp. She puts this achievement down to the generosity of her family, friends and colleagues from Edinburgh-based legal firm, Anderson Strathern LLP.

Lorna says: “The Cateran Yomp is special, there’s incredible camaraderie. Veterans often face challenges, particularly with their mental health and some get a raw deal. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s helped me raise funds for the ABF, which gives far-reaching support for veterans, as well as serving soldiers and their families.”

The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) provides a lifetime of support for soldiers, veterans and their families who are in need or facing hardship. Last year (FY 24/25) it helped over 80,000 people in 52 different countries through its grants to individuals and organisations including Scottish-based charities, Erskine and Bravehound.

Starting from Blairgowrie at 6am on Saturday 7th June and ending in the early hours of Sunday morning, the event challenged teams of brave souls from as far afield as the USA, Georgia, Ukraine, Canada and Denmark, and all over the UK to walk side by side on the 54-mile route around the foothills of the Cairngorms.

The event attracted teams from 40 Scottish, UK and international businesses and was sponsored by Arnold Clark and Blairgowrie- based company Castle Water.  The Cateran Yomp also works with a range of local sponsors who donate gifts in kind for the event, including Gin Bothy.

Reflecting on an incredible weekend, Major General Tim Hyams CB OBE, Chief Executive of the Army Benevolent Fund, said: “At this year’s Cateran Yomp, over 1,000 people, including more than 350 serving soldiers, crossed the start line to walk or run for up to 54 miles in 24 hours across the Cairngorms.

“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. 

“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. I am extremely grateful to every single participant; all of whom have demonstrated teamwork as well as mental and physical resilience.  Every single step helps our mission: to be there for soldiers, for life.”

Yompers gathered this year on the anniversary of D-Day before setting off on Saturday 7th June, and the event takes place ahead of VJ Day in August, marking the end of the Second World War in the East.

The Army Benevolent Fund was set up 80 years ago, so that brave servicemen and women would never face the post-war hardships experienced by veterans of the First World War. As thousands of ex-service men and women returned home, the Army Benevolent Fund was there with the help some needed. Its founding purpose remains unchanged today, and the welfare of soldiers, veterans, and their families is at the heart of its work.

There’s still time to show your support for Lorna’s fundraising efforts by donating here: Army Benevolent Fund – Lorna Coulter

Over 1,100 tackle army’s “toughest” 24-hour challenge in support of soldiers, veterans and their families

Endurance event for Army’s national charity began on D-Day anniversary

Over 1,100 people gathered in the Cairngorms on Friday 6th June, the anniversary of D-Day, before taking on their “toughest ever” challenge on Saturday 7th June – walking non-stop for 22, 36, or 54 miles over 24 hours through the Cairngorms, to support soldiers, veterans and their families.

Based on the infamous long-distance military training march, the event attracts international participants and supporters from across the UK to hike the scenic but challenging terrain of the Cateran Trail.

The Cateran Yomp is now in its 14th year and, since2011, Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £4m for the Army Benevolent Fund, which supports soldiers, veterans and their families. This year’s youngest ‘yomper’ is aged 16, and the oldest participant was born in August 1944, the same birth month and year as the founding of the charity.

Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer of the Army Benevolent Fund, said: “This year is set to be one of the toughest and biggest yet for the Cateran Yomp, in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund.

“The charity 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.

“The support we receive from individual participants, the local community and the organisations that not only sponsor the Yomp but also encourage their staff to take part, is vital. Every single step helps our mission: to be there for soldiers, for veterans, and for their families, for life.”

The Yomp attracts a range of participants, including Barry Azzopardi, from Devon, a veteran with a four-decade military career. Barry and his son, James, a former soldier, are taking on the Cateran Yomp for the first time. During the event, they will be marking the loss of Barry’s brother who died, aged 11, in 1971 and never grew up to become the soldier he wanted to be.

Barry says: “It’s fitting that I will be taking part in the Yomp on my brother’s anniversary. I enjoyed my years in the Army, and I feel fortunate to have served and survived unscathed. Now I want to give something back.”

Lauren McLean, a headteacher from Cumbria and her colleagueenjoy taking on physical challenges to support a range of charities and promote healthy lifestyles to their pupils. Both have loved ones who were injured in service and have been supported to rebuild their lives by the Army Benevolent Fund.

Lauren said, “After six months training, we are so looking forward to the Yomp. It will be physically tough and mentally challenging.

“However, it is nothing in comparison to the sacrifices our servicemen and women have made, and we want to support them in any way we can by raising funds for this fantastic charity.”

With four Yomps already under her belt, West Lothian-based Lorna Coulter, is hoping to bag her fifth ‘gold’ by completing the full distance of 54 miles in 24 hours with her teammates. She has so far raised over £8,500 – thanks to the generosity of her family, friends and colleagues. 

Lorna says: “The Cateran Yomp is special, there’s incredible camaraderie. Veterans often face challenges, particularly with their mental health and some get a raw deal.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who’s helped me raise funds for the ABF, which gives far-reaching support for veterans, as well as serving soldiers and their families.”

The Army Benevolent Fund is here to support the Army community through life’s challenges – such as bereavement, getting back to work, elderly care, and much more besides. Last year, the ABF supported over 80,000 veterans, soldiers and their families in the UK and 51 countries around the world through its grants to individuals and other organisations, including several based in Scotland, such as Erskine and Bravehound.

Army veteran, mountaineer and ABF supporter, Mac Mackay, from Dornoch, is this year’s Cateran Yomp Ambassador and will be leading a team of veterans at the Yomp. Mac is the Chair of ABF partner charity, Climb 2 Recovery (C2R), which trains disabled and injured veterans to climb, and to get climbing qualifications.

Mac (69) says: “Without the help of organisations like the ABF, the work that Climb 2 Recovery does with veterans just will not happen.

“Good luck to this year’s Yompers – it’s tough, but the atmosphere gets you to the finishing line. And you will be supporting the Army Benevolent Fund, which is there for soldiers, veterans and their families, facing hardship and need.”

Yompers are gathering this year on the anniversary of D-Day and the event takes place ahead of VJ Day in August, marking the end of the Second World War in the East. The Army Benevolent Fund was set up 80 years ago, so that brave servicemen and women would never face the post-war hardships experienced by veterans of the First World War.

As thousands of ex-service men and women returned home, the Army Benevolent Fund was there with the help some needed. Its founding purpose remains unchanged today, and the welfare of soldiers, veterans, and their families is at the heart of its work.

Edinburgh boxers march for children’s charity

Eleven Edinburgh boxers have punched above their weight by raising nearly £3,000 for a local children’s charity.

The mixed gender group from Lochend Boxing Club, aged 26 to 60, completed a hike up the Lairig Ghru, the best-known hill pass in Scotland, in just over nine hours.

The 19-mile walk climbs to an altitude of 835 metres and crosses through the central Cairngorms, one of the wildest areas in the country.

Following the club’s hike up Ben Nevis last year, Saturday’s mammoth fundraising effort was led by local mum Ciara O’Connor, whose son attends The Yard.   

The Yard works with children and young people aged 0-25 with Additional Support Needs through adventure play sessions in Edinburgh, Dundee and Kirkcaldy. 

The service offers creative and inclusive play experiences in a well-supported environment, alongside wraparound support for the whole family, with a varied programme of drop-in, respite and transition youth clubs, early years, specialist sessions with schools, family play sessions, plus inclusive play and disability training.

Ciara said: “I’ve been boxing since I moved to Edinburgh just over 10 years ago and, from my very first visit, found Lochend Boxing Club so supportive and welcoming. It’s a club for everyone, enjoyed by people of all fitness levels and from all walks of life.

“They work around their members, adjusting training where required and making it work for you. I even boxed when I was pregnant and formed many great friendships through the club.

“The Yard, in some ways, is the same. It’s such a welcoming, non-judgemental space and has made a huge difference to my son and our family, so we wanted to give back as a club. 

“The training has been a huge commitment, with some very early morning training walks in all weather across the Pentlands, various Munros and the West Highland Way. However, everyone has rallied around and supported us.

“Their response is a testament to the values of the club, that constant support and encouragement. I’m very grateful to everyone who donated and know the money will make a huge difference to The Yard, and the many other families who have come to rely on their kindness.”

Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive Officer of The Yard, added, “We love nothing more than receiving positive feedback from our families, so when they choose to support our charity through fundraising, it’s really special, and we’re exceptionally grateful. 

“The Yard is all about community, support and enjoying life’s adventures and Ciara and her fellow boxers encapsulate these values.  Thanks again for supporting us, Lochend Boxing Club!”

To donate to Ciara and the club’s campaign, please visit:

 https://www.justgiving.com/page/ciara-oconnor-1723449713057

Blind veterans take to the hills for life-changing winter survival course

A group of inspirational Sight Scotland Veterans recently ventured up the Cairngorms to participate in a life-changing Winter Skills Course.

The veterans, who were understandably apprehensive and nervous before the climb, enjoyed a great couple of days learning about winter navigation, mountain weather and avalanche forecasts, using ice axes and crampons, moving on snow and ice, ice axe arrests and what to do in an emergency.

It was an experience they never imagined they could do because of their visual impairment and gave them a huge boost in confidence and independence.

The veterans who attended were Iain Young, 60 from East Linton, an RAF veteran coping with stargardt syndrome; Ian Hunter, 65 from Tullibody, an Army veteran who lost central vision due to three brain surgeries and an optical stroke; and Steven Williams, 41 from Edinburgh, a veteran who sustained his vision impairment during active service. Steven is also a Centre Officer at the charity’s Linburn Activity Centre in West Lothian.

Iain Young explains: “We all travelled up with quite a lot of trepidation as we were unsure whether we were capable of doing the course; both physically and due to our visual impairments.

“When we arrived at the lodge we were fitted with our equipment and were talked through what to expect the following day; I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to do it as I have long covid. But I was reassured to give it a go.

“I am just so happy that I did, as the whole experience was amazing. Our instructors were great, we practically received personal instruction and were taken through everything we were doing on the hill step by step, constantly being reassured we would only do what we could manage.

“Then before you knew it, we were at the top, which was incredible, it was only when we came down we actually realised how high up we were, we were all buzzing. It really did show us all what we can do, it was a real sense of achievement.

“I would do it again in a heartbeat, it was ten times better than I could ever have imagined. It gave us all such a massive confidence boost, not just while we were there but in everyday life, as it showed us to believe in ourselves more.

“So we went worrying about what we couldn’t do and came back feeling reinvigorated, it was so good for us mentally.

“It helped us to almost relive what it was like to be in the forces again; pushing each other, camaraderie and using skills we all thought we had forgotten. I always think confidence breeds competence, I can’t thank the organisers enough.”

Ian Hunter commented: “This was the first night I have spent away from my wife since 2017, so it was massive in terms of my confidence and independence. I really was not sure about doing the course, but I was encouraged to push myself, so I went for it.

“It gave me a real sense of what I can do, and I already have another walk planned to Hadrian’s Wall.

“It does show you that in life you shouldn’t be worried about what you can’t do, even with a visual impairment, we should all be encouraged to push ourselves, try new things and most importantly to continue doing the things that we love.”

Steven Williams adds: “I went as veteran with a visual impairment, not as a worker for the charity, and like the other two I was apprehensive about it even though I am a bit younger.

“I didn’t know what to expect, but we all just got so much out of it. The first day we were climbing the hill, using ice axes, crampons and learning new techniques to walk in deep snow, the second day was more about navigating and learning about our surroundings, we all had experiences of this during our time in the Armed Forces and Able2Adventure were constantly adding challenges to push us on, it really was a very inspirational and empowering trip.”

The course was organised by Able2Adventure, a company which strongly believes in the long-term benefits of participation in outdoor activities on physical and mental health.

Through adventurous activities disabled people can strengthen muscles/ build balance and co-ordination, develop social networks and increase confidence and independence.

Gemma Hendry, from Able2Adventure, who was lead instructor on the course, said she found the veterans both resilient and inspiring. She says: “I’m thrilled that our visitors from Sight Scotland Veterans gained so much from the Winter Skills Course.

“They were incredibly organized, resilient, and eager to dive into activities. As we progressed, their belief and confidence visibly grew, and by the end, they were effectively managing themselves.

“They even taught me new techniques, like using reference points and navigating with a clock face, which we will now use with other groups. It was also great to see how much they wanted to have fun; by the end, we were all gleefully sliding down snowy hills like children!”

For more information please visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk or call our support line on 0800 035 6409.