Murdoch, 86, set to conquer Ben Nevis

An adventurous 86-year-old is preparing to scale the UK's highest mountain - all in a bid to support charity.

- CHRIS MARZELLA

Murdoch McGregor intends to conquer Ben Nevis to help raise essential funds for Strathcarron Hospice, in Denny.

Murdoch, from Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, has set a fundraising target of £5,000 for the hospice when he sets off in July.

He was moved to undertake the hike after witnessing a dear friend’s final days spent under the compassionate care provided by the hospice.

Famed in Clackmannanshire and further afield, intrepid Murdoch holds the distinction of being the oldest individual to complete a solo circumnavigation of the UK coastline by boat.

At the British Yachting Awards in London in 2021, he took home the Sailor of the Year accolade, eclipsing some illustrious names in sailing, thanks to the wide admiration garnered from his solitary voyage at 82-years-old.

Now at 86, Murdoch is determined to tackle the peak of Ben Nevis, which stands as the tallest mountain across the British Isles.

The task of climbing the rugged terrain up to the summit of Ben Nevis, rising 4413-feet above sea level and stretching 10.2-miles, poses a formidable test for anybody, but promises to be an immensely rewarding feat for him.

Looking forward to the climb, Murdoch said: “I visited the hospice when it first opened and it really struck me even then what a wondrous place it is.