People are at the heart of the Highland Cross
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The Highland Cross, which takes place today, is a spectacular annual event, but in the months and years behind it are individuals who have stuck around since the beginning.
Currently, an army of volunteers are out on the hills somewhere between Kintail and Glen Affric helping competitors reach their destination safely.
Retired firefighter Uisdean Maclennan is one such person, who has been with the Cross since it began in 1983.
Mr Maclennan worked with Cross founders Calum Munro and Gerry Grant, where he was roped into the very first duathlon as part of the sweep team, heading along the impressive route from Kintail to Glen Affric to ensure that nobody was left on the mountain alone.
He also participated five times in the early years.
Mr Maclennan then progressed to becoming the organiser of the sweep team, and now heads the operation which he spends months preparing for.
His late wife Sandra Maclennan also organised the safety count 10 miles into the mountains for years.
Mr Maclennan said the event means a huge amount to him.
“It’s a fantastic event that is well organised. There’s a huge amount of people involved in the safety side of it and it’s nice being part of an organisation that does so much good,” he said.
“It also gives a good opportunity to train people and improve their health.
“One of the big things about the Cross is that there’s a lot of people that help to make it a success. It’s just great to be a part of it.”
All the people, businesses and organisation’s involved contribute so greatly to this event to help the charities at the heart of the event.
This year, the four benefitting charities are The Glenurquhart Care Project, Reach 4 Reality, Christian Community Action Support Team and The Oxygen Works.
Since the beginning of the event, the Cross has given £5.3 million to local charities in 37 years.
The Cross has come a long way from its beginnings as the ‘The Midsummer Madathon’, a wild idea dreamt up by two serving Fire Officers, Mr Grant and Mr Munro with the help of Graham MacLean.
It is now a monumental yearly event where the wheels never stop turning, helping people across the region.
Good luck to everyone today!
