North lads set for Kilt-imanjaro test

A TEAM of Inverness pals are set to bring a Scottish flavour when they scale Africa’s highest mountain for charity.

Donald MacLennan, Graeme Anderson, Brian Innes, Steven Ryles and Jamie Harkness will take on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in October in their kilts, each for a charity close to their hearts.

Taxi driver Donald is raising money for Highland Hospice, Graeme for Poppyscotland, Brian for the Archie Foundation, Steven for Diabetes UK and Jamie for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

As far as the lads are aware, their tartan trek will be the first time anyone has climbed the mountain in the traditional Scottish attire.

Donald (32) said: "I was looking at it and I don’t think it’s been done before. People have done other challenges in kilts but I don’t think anyone’s done Kilimanjaro so it’ll be a first hopefully.

"I think most people around the world know what a kilt is and where it comes from, but I’m sure there will be lots of attention and people asking questions.

"One family member told me to make sure I protect the crown jewels!"

He added: "Just before Christmas I decided I wanted to do something extreme this year.

"I approached all the boys and they’re all up for it.

"I had a chance to go up Kilimanjaro when I was in the Army, it was the choice between that and a scuba diving trip.

"My uncle died of cancer, and although he wasn’t cared for by Highland Hospice, after speaking to his children we decided that because of the great work they do for cancer patients, it’d be a good charity to do it for.

"We’re all doing it for different charities that mean something to us. I always like the idea of big challenges, but actually doing one could be another story.

"It’ll be good to give something back to charity and great to get the boys together. I’ve got a figure of how much I want to raise in mind, I don’t want to give it away though."

To help boost their fundraising, the lads are holding a dinner dance at the Drumossie Hotel on Saturday, May 9, which includes a three-course meal, a raffle, charity auction and entertainment from local musicians Stevie Revele and Carla Bernardi.

Donald said: "Tickets are selling really well but there are still some left."

It starts at 7pm with tickets at £65. To purchase, call Donald on 07462 857157.

To lend a hand to the lads’ fundraising bids, you can donate online at www.justgiving.com/donald-maclennan9555, www.justgiving.com/Brian-Innes-IBI and www.justgiving.com/Steven-Ryles.

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