Highland Hospice has received an out of the ordinary registration for a brand new event which takes place on Saturday 21 September – in the form of a keen mountaineering dog called Cluanie!

On Saturday 21st September, the Hospice will attempt to break a record by gathering the largest number of people wearing kilts on top of Ben Nevis at one time.
Last week, Micky Jones registered not only himself but his beloved Jack Russell Cluanie for the event.  Cluanie, who is 2 years old, has already purchased a kilt in preparation for the challenge.

Micky said, “I was really keen to do this challenge for Highland Hospice as I appreciate their great work, having had family and friends who have needed the hospice in the past.  I took part in a Firewalk earlier this year, which was held in memory of Muriel Brough who passed away aged just 34 after a long battle with ovarian cancer, and I was really glad to have been able to help the Hospice in this way.  The challenge of Ben Nevis appealed to my adventurous side as I have always wanted to climb the mountain but know I would never have got round to it.  Fundraising for Highland Hospice has given me the reason to get out there and go for it!”

He added, “Cluanie is participating in Kilts up Ben Nevis as we go everywhere together.  He’s well used to long hill walks but this will be a big challenge for him too.  I am sure he will give it his all – he has already been getting lots of sponsorship for his pals on the Highland Dogblog Facebook page!”

Micky and Cluanie were recently involved with BBC Alba's nine-part series 'Puppy School', which Micky says was a great experience for both of them.

Organiser Amanda Burt, the Hospice’s Events & Community Fundraiser, said, “It is just fantastic to have the support of Micky and Cluanie.  We think it is just great to have a dog fundraising for the Hospice, and he looks adorable in his kilt.  Kilts up Ben Nevis promises to be great fun from beginning to end, as it appeals to such a wide range of people – and even dogs!”

If you would like to join Micky and Cluanie on this challenge, you can register at www.highlandhospice.org/kiltsupbennevis or phone Amanda on 01463 227913.
Once the challenge is over, a dance will be held in the Ben Nevis Hotel & Leisure Club in Fort William, featuring the Kate Bain Band.  Tickets for the dance are priced £15 which includes stovies and oatcakes.