Two of the men responsible for leading Scotland’s busiest mountain rescue team are preparing to take on one of the toughest endurance challenges ever attempted in the Highlands as they seek to raise vital funds to keep the service operating.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team leader Iain Murray and deputy team leader Astie Cameron will attempt the Lochaber Round, a gruelling 330 kilometre challenge involving running, cycling and more than 11,000 metres of ascent around the vast area covered by the rescue team.

The pair plan to tackle the route in a single continuous effort over three days between 8 and 12 June, choosing the best weather window available during that period.

The challenge has been designed to showcase both the scale and beauty of Lochaber while highlighting the enormous area covered by the volunteer rescue team, which responds to emergencies across some of Scotland’s most remote and challenging terrain.

Starting in Fort William, the route will take them through Moidart and Knoydart before crossing towards Creag Meagaidh and returning via Corrour, the Grey Corries and Ben Nevis.

While the challenge is an extraordinary physical test in its own right, the motivation behind it reflects a growing reality facing many emergency and volunteer organisations across Scotland.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team responds to more than 160 call outs each year and relies entirely on volunteers who give up their time to help people in difficulty on mountains, hills and remote locations across the West Highlands.

The team consists of around 50 volunteers and is widely recognised as the busiest mountain rescue team in Scotland.

Maintaining that level of service comes at a significant cost.

Specialist rescue vehicles, communications equipment, training, medical supplies and ongoing maintenance all require substantial investment, with a single new rescue vehicle costing as much as £120,000.

Alongside their full time jobs and family commitments, both Murray and Cameron spend countless hours helping manage the team, maintaining equipment, overseeing training and ensuring the organisation remains operational around the clock.

The pair hope to raise £10,000 through the challenge to help support the team’s future operations.

Speaking ahead of the attempt, they said:

“As team leaders Astie and I are very aware of the ongoing costs required to keep the team running and operating effectively and efficiently.

“Purchasing and maintaining vehicles, upgrading communications equipment, and team training are just some of the upcoming priorities.

“Please support us in our crazy endeavour with any spare pennies you have.

“We are grateful for anything you can donate.

“It will motivate our training, help us complete the challenge, and support the ongoing operation of Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team.

“Whilst we will be completing this 330km challenge in just three days as a pair, we will also be relying on the support of our team, and friends for logistics, and to help us survive!

“We aren’t exactly in the first flush of youth.

“It would be very much appreciated if you can support every one of our challenge team by digging deep and donating what you can to help us reach our £10,000 target.”

The challenge may last only a few days, but the service it supports operates every day of the year, ready to respond whenever someone needs help in the mountains.

For Murray and Cameron, the Lochaber Round is not simply a test of endurance.

It is a reminder of the commitment, teamwork and community support that keeps one of Scotland’s most important volunteer rescue services on the road and on the hills.

Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team’s Lochaber Round Challenge Just Giving Page:https://www.justgiving.com/page/thelochaberround