"Go on son, you can do it"

For those of you who follow our Blipfoto page you'll be used to a mix of stories. Some raise a smile when you read the training exploits of our KiltWalkers (see the episode with the Highland Cattle below), while others leave you with a lump in the throat and a tear rolling down your cheek, as hear of peoples very personal reason for taking part in The KiltWalk.

The purpose of our Blipfoto page was to have a 'special place' where we can all share our stories and create a community of people all with one thing in mind and that's training for The KiltWalk, completing The KiltWalk and raising as much money as we can for The KiltWalk. Initially you had to put up with me wittering on, however in the last 10 days or so, the flood gates have opened and we're now receiving fantastic pictures and stories from The KiltWalk family and for that, I sincerely thank you all. It's good when a plan comes together and this 'plan' is certainly working out, so well done to everyone.

So it was with huge delight that I received a set of stunning "KiltWalk Training" photographs from Dave White. They really are quite breath taking and highlight some of the wonderful scenery we often take for granted living in the land we do. I'll post them on our Facebook page as they are excellent and the snow topped hills just seems to add to the dramatic, visual, effect.

So having received the pictures, we then did what we do best round these parts, we contacted Dave to find out what his KiltWalk story is, and as is often the case, we found out that Dave does indeed have his own reasons for taking part in such a worthy event.

Dave along with good friends Jim Jarvie, Stuart Clark, Ronnie Murray and David Simpson are all members of the Scotland Supporters Club (SSC) and are taking part in The KiltWalk for the first time this year. They found out about us from the marvelous work Alison and her team at the SSC do in terms of supporting us in everything we do. In fact they're so supportive that they're not only helping out at one of the rest areas, they also have a team taking part, however no tapping them up for tickets as they walk the 26 miles mind, as they're off duty that day.
We'll come onto why Dave is walking to raise money for The KiltWalk shortly, however let's explore a bit of background to these wonderful pictures.

It turns out that in an effort to get fit for The KiltWalk and challenge himself, our Dave has hooked up with a group of people who go by the name of "The Cowal Summit Baggers" and I think the name is fairly self explanatory, so it was a nice 05:00 start to head off and meet Fraser and Martin who were all planning to walk Beinn a Chochuil and Beinn Eunaich.

Now to set the scene for the conditions it's worth noting that we're 'blessed' with such weather in this country that we often say we can have "four seasons in one day", however Dave explained that at one point, as they scaled a rather treacherous ridge, they had four seasons in twenty minutes and had to experience a mixture of sun, gales , blizzards and to top it all off, a drop in visibility to around 15 metres, which is not ideal when you're climbing hills.

After six and a half hours, their climbing "up the hills" and "doon the hills" was over and although knackered, they had a huge sense of achievement from the climb and also delight with the views they had taken, which made it all worth it. However the day did end, as it started with a bit of good old Scottish humour, which went something like this.

As they hit the lowland and with a wee treck back to the car ahead of them, they met the farmer who had the field of Highland Cattle ahead of them.

So Dave asked the farmer, 'What about walking past the cows with the dog?' to which the farmer advised caution and said "it's not advisable to go to close with the dog. If the cows come towards you or run at you, let the dog go'

Martin, being of an inquisitive nature enquired 'Er.........what do we do? And before he answered Fraser jumped in and said "RUN"

Martin pondered for a moment before announcing 'You'll not out run a cow in that bog!!!!!' at which point Dave was in hysterics as Fraser said "No, you're right I won't, but I'll make sure I out run you, so you can take one for the team!!!"

Wi' friends like that, who needs enemies eh.

While the laughter was just what Dave needed, there is more than a touch of sadness related to why Dave's taking part in The KiltWalk this year. Dave's Dad, Thomas passed away just before Christmas leaving a huge hole in not only his life, but also the rest of the family who include his brother Lawrence and sister Annette.

Dave spoke fondly of his father and said he had been a huge inspiration to him, the kind of father who pushed you to give your all in everything you did and be as best as you can be and regardless of what you achieved, he was always there for you, supporting you.

So Dave's 'story' is that he's walking the 26 miles to raise money for children less fortunate than he was, in memory of his Dad. 26 miles is a long shift, however when the going gets tough, as it will, then I'm sure Dave will hear that voice in his head giving him a quite word of encouragement in his ear and saying "Go on son, you can do it"