WORKMATES TAKE ON HUGE CHALLENGE 40-mile walk hikes up cash for a great cause

Chemist staff in Blairgowrie joined colleagues as they spent a year hiking, running, abseiling, baking and more to raise more than £12,000 for a cause close to many of their hearts.

- STAFF REPORTER

Davidsons Chemists selected MS Society Scotland as its Charity of the Year for 2025 into 2026 after nominations from members of staff.

Employees from its branches and offices across Scotland came together for joint fundraising ventures as well as organising activities of their own to raise money for people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS).

Operations manager Marina McFarlane and operations team lead Kelly Rodger, both based at the company’s head office in Blairgowrie, took on one of the year’s most unique challenges - a 65km (40 mile) hike through the Cairngorms complete with a night of wild camping.

They trekked from Aviemore to Blair Atholl, via the Lairig Ghru mountain pass and the Glen Tilt valley. They walked for 12 hours the first day and eight the second, getting some sleep in a “tiny” tent in between.

Marina (57) from Blair Atholl, said: “I’ve walked that route a few times, but I didn’t realise until after Kelly and I had set off that the last time I did it was 14 years ago! We had all the seasons on the first day.