Neil and Erin tough it out in the hills
Two Scottish Woodlands employees have completed tough rural challenges - including a 100km run through the hills lasting more than 16 hours.
Neil White, Regional Manager for Central Scotland, completed the 100km Jacobite Skyline Ultra Race, the equivalent of almost two and a half marathons and including climbs of 2400 metres. He said it was “easily the toughest running race I’ve done” but he emerged “just a bit sore and tired - with no blisters”.
Meanwhile, Erin Stoll, Peatland Project Manager, completed the Ben Nevis Skyline - a 29km “high-octane mountain race, tackling technical terrain and ridges”, with 1,800m of ascent.
Erin said: “The Ben Nevis Skyline was quite rough and technical - in less-than-ideal weather conditions - and included a descent into a steep and boggy glen.”
Neil completed the Jacobite Skyline Ultra Race to raise money for the Albinism Fellowship. He said: “My daughter has albinism, a rare genetic condition affecting 1 in 17,000 people. It causes visual impairment, sunlight sensitivity and can lead to stigma and isolation.”
“The Albinism Fellowship provides lifeline support: peer groups, events, and a helpline that help build confidence and connection. As a dad and volunteer, I’m passionate about making sure no family feels alone.”
Neil described his experience of the race: “The day went really well - we started off at midnight in Bridge of Orchy and ran through the night, going west through Glen Kinglass, then north along the shore of Loch Etive.”
“We then went through Glen Etive until meeting the West Highland Way, following it through Kinlochleven and into Glen Nevis before the final push around the north side of Ben Nevis and finishing at the Nevis range.”
“I completed the race in just over 16 hours and five minutes. It was easily the toughest running event I’ve done but I met some great people and the scenery was stunning.“
