Highland couple who foster rabbits tackle 'scary' mountains for animal charity SSPCA
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A couple of rabbit-loving volunteers with the animal charity, the SSPCA, are tackling Scotland's scariest mountains to raise money for the charity.
Sue and Ron Howie volunteer two days a week at the charity's Highland and Islands rescue and rehoming centre in Inverness where they help to look after the rabbits and walk dogs. They also foster numerous rabbits.
The couple, who enjoy the outdoors and climbing mountains at home and abroad, are now taking on some of the more challenging Munros to raise funds for the charity.
"Although we have summited many of the Munros of Scotland over 700 times, we have still to summit 12 of the 282 Munros," Sue said.
"This is largely due to the remote location of some summits and the exposure and technical difficulties of others.
"We have taken the decision to attempt to complete them this year, including hiring a guide to take us up those requiring ropes on the Cuillin Ridge in Skye.
"To encourage us to attempt the scariest of these, including the Inaccessible Pinacle on Skye, we hope to raise a few pounds for the SSPCA."
The couple said many people did not realise that the SSPCA was a totally separate charity to the RSPCA which did not operate in Scotland.
They have set up a Justgiving page for people to give donations.
The couple's work for the SSPCA was recognised early this year with a King’s Coronation Champion Award.
The awards celebrate and recognise inspiring volunteers who have made an exceptional difference in their communities.
The couple attended a Buckingham Palace garden party after being awarded the honour.
Go to www.scottishspca.org/support to find out more about becoming a volunteer.
