ABOUT US
 

 

 HIGHLAND CROSS

  • Is a recognised Scottish Charity: SCO 26679.

  • Is an entirely voluntary organisation.

  • Is a top fundraising athletic event in the Highlands.

  • Is staged on a Saturday around Midsummer's Day in June every year.

  • Funds medical / health / care causes in the North of Scotland.

  • Helps those suffering ill health and disability of all kinds.

  • Has gifted over £2.7 million to local charities in 27 years.

 

 THE "SPORT FOR ALL" OCCASION

  • Staging costs of about £20,000 currently are covered mainly by team registration fees and by event sponsors obtained by the organisers.

  • The first event in 1983 was restricted to teams from the local emergency services and ran from Kintail to Inverness, fielding 41 teams (123 competitors).

  • Only 4 people have completed every one; John Talbot from Kyle and 3 members of the local Scottish Ambulance Service - Graham Forbes, David Rose and Eric Lawther.

  • The fastest time: 3 hours, 13 minutes and 31 seconds by Keith Murray, a New Zealand athlete.

  • The slowest time: probably 10 hours 25 minutes in 2001 - the lady had 2 punctures!

 

 FUNDRAISING BY TEAMS - EVERY PENNY COUNTS

  • Each team is asked to raise a minimum of £300 per team.

  • The team average over the past decade has been £600 per team.

  • The highest ever team total was £23,000 raised by a team from the City of London in 1994.

  • The top fundraising team of all time is the "Affric Rats" led by Timothy Laing from Perthshire and featuring local solicitor Jonathan Wotherspoon. Since 1988 they have raised over £150,000.

  • £176,729 raised in the 27th year (2009) is the highest total so far.

  • Every penny banked by the teams goes directly to the nominated charities - nothing is deducted for administration, running costs or expenses.

 

 ANNUAL DONATIONS - BUILDINGS

Some examples are:-

  • Highland Hospice - Morvich Ward

  • Raigmore Hospital - Highland Child Development Centre

  • Inverness Hospital Radio - New Studio

  • Hydrotherapy Pools (5) - Drummond School; Ladysbridge Hospital, Banff; Nairn, Lochaber and the Dingwall Puffin Pool.

  • L'Arche, Inverness - Residential Home

  • Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre for the Highlands

 

 ANNUAL DONATIONS - EQUIPMENT

Some practical gifts for:-

  • Tape Service for the Blind

  • The "Heart Start" campaign for Defibrillators

  • The Highland Scanner

  • Breathe Easy Highland

  • Crossroads Schemes, Highland

  • Osteoporosis Service in the Highlands

 

 ANNUAL DONATIONS - TRANSPORT

Highland Cross has donated over 30 vehicles, mainly adapted mini-buses. All are in active service for:-

  • British Red Cross

  • Cheshire House

  • Chest Heart and Stoke, Highland

  • Highland Disability Sport

  • Highland Dyslexia Association

  • Highland Group Riding for the Disabled

  • Lochaber Birchwood

  • M.S. Groups (2)

  • NESS DOC

  • Seaforth House

  • Shopmobility

  • SNAP (Special Needs Action Project)

 

PACE SETTER FOR SPORT IN CHARITY FUNDRAISING IN THE REGION

MISCELLANEOUS

On Television - Two 1 hour long programmes on Grampian Television in 1989 and 1991.  Also on "The Adventure Show" in 2008.

In Print - Numerous magazine and newspaper articles.  Ralph's Far North - a book by a Caithness author Ralph McGregor veteran of many a Highland Cross.  Also by the same author a novel centred on a Highland Cross in the far future!

In Spirit - Retailing only in France as finely blended Scotch Whisky "Highland Cross".   Tres bien!

Words associated with Highland Cross

  • "Never Again" - a fervent expression by a first time entrant who returns time after time after time…..!

  • "The Yellow Brick Road" - a 5 mile stretch of the forestry road on the south side of Loch Affric which seems interminable. 

  • "Over-subscribed" - the annual "Invitation List" for limited team places.

 

 LOCAL HEROES

What some entrants have called “50 miles of midsummer magic” is due entirely to the multi-talented army of dedicated volunteers and resourceful organisations in the Safety and Welfare network on the day.  They have brought “Highland Hospitality” and good humoured service to a new height.  Appreciative teams, happy organisers and very grateful charities are their reward.