Final call for Highlanders keen to tackle iconic Dunrobin Castle abseil for Archie Foundation

Highlanders are being given their last opportunity to scale one the region’s most iconic landmarks as part of a charity abseil in aid of The Archie Foundation.

The sponsored event, which will take place at the stunning Dunrobin Castle in Golspie on May 7, will see participants descend more than 40 metres from the castle’s highest tower.

The Archie Foundation supports local sick babies and children throughout the region has opened registration for people to sign up for the once in a lifetime event.

Karen Mangan, regional fundraising officer for The Archie Foundation, Highlands said: “It’s fantastic to be able to run this event again, it has been three years since our last abseil at this fairytale stately home. As with all charities the pandemic has severely affected us, we saw a decrease of 67 per cent in our fundraising income. We are very excited to be hosting this unique event and I look forward to meeting those brave enough to undertake the challenge.”

Dunrobin Castle is also allowing all participants to take a tour of the castle on the day, free of charge and is offering a reduced rate for families attending the abseil event. It is a great opportunity to make the day of it, taking in the spectacular views while having a family picnic or enjoying the falconry show and exploring the grounds of the castle which dates back to the middle ages.

Entrants must be over 16 years old and a maximum weight limit of 18 stone. All participants will receive an Archie t-shirt to wear and a goodie bag on the day, sign-up fee is £25, and the charity are asking participants to raise a minimum of £100.

Inverness Hospital Radio will also be broadcasting live from Dunrobin, so all patients in the hospital will be able to listen in and feel involved in the excitement of the day from their ward.

Karen said: “I know the Highland Children’s Unit staff and patients will be very excited to be able to listen in on the day, it will help them to feel involved and we hope it will bring a little extra cheer to the ward”.

One of the participants, Joanne, explained why she is taking on the challenge: “Archie made a scary and distressing situation a lot easier to deal with”. One beneficiary, Rachel, said: “Unless you have experienced it I can't begin to explain that feeling of gut-wrenching panic witnessing your own child receiving urgent medical care that they desperately need and fearing the absolute worst. We were lucky enough that once Edie's condition had stabilized we were given our own room where I could stay with her - it had a pull out bed for overnight stays, a comfy chair for during the day, our own en-suite”, these are all 'extras' provide by The Archie Foundation."

All money raised from this event will go towards Archie’s continued support of sick children and their families throughout Highlands and Islands.

To register your place in the abseil please visit: https://archie.org/events/abseil-for-archie-at-dunrobin-castle/

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.