Nairn cyclists complete Ten Castles Challenge to fund football ground improvements
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A trio of intrepid cyclists have helped efforts to improve facilities at Nairn County FC by completing a 60km one-day tour round the sites of 10 Highland castles.
Mike MacPherson, Larry Walker and Eric Summers undertook the challenge hoping to raise £1000 for the Ground Improvement Fund (GIF) for new floodlighting at Station Park.
However their challenge, which began and ended at the football ground on Friday, has in fact so far raised nearly three times as much.
Following a route that took in 10 castles in Nairnside and Inverness it saw them pass Auldearn, Cawdor and Kilravock castles as well as lesser-known sites.
The route incorporated an ascent of some 1500ft – as Mr MacPherson said at the launch of the challenge that is the equivalent of climbing half way up a Munro.
Training for months, the furthest distance any of the three had travelled before in one go was 40km.
In a message posted on their Justgiving page on Friday, Mr MacPherson said: “We are pleased to say, we completed our sponsored cycle on Friday, July 21 with very few aches and pains considering the challenge we set ourselves.
“Thanks to your generosity we have raised, so far £2730! (online and offline).”
Club fundraiser Donald Wilson said: “All three ‘not so spring chickens’ arrived home at the ground unscathed with funding pledged of at least £2500 taking the total raised for GIF so far to £6500.
“It’s not too late to contribute and Mike is keeping his Just Giving page open until July 30 when we host Brora at Station Park in the first game of the new season.”
Mr MacPherson said: “We received great support from our families and I want to thank everyone for their generosity.
“Nairn County FC is so important to the community.
“I’m still passionate about the club and if anyone has not donated so far but would like to, they will have a last opportunity to do so at the Brora game or online.”
Donations can be made online here
