Braveheart adventurers are being invited to drop nearly 100ft off the Castle’s iconic 13th century square tower while raising funds for SCAA’s airborne life-saving service.
SCAA regional fundraising manager Helen MacGregor explained that this rare opportunity would present the perfect platform for thrill seekers to show their support for the country’s only charity-funded helicopter air ambulance.
“SCAA responds to time-critical emergencies all over Scotland, 365 days a year,” she said.
“The service saves and improves lives, and every pound raised by every person taking part in the abseil will help keep us flying help and hope to those most in need.”
The abseil challenge is due to take place on both the Saturday and the Sunday and those who love an adrenalin rush can register their interest in taking part online here: https://goo.gl/jMHBX3
Participants are required to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship and pay a £10 registration fee – they must also be 16 years old or over. A small number of places will be reserved for last minute enthusiasts, and will be released on a first come first served basis each morning for a fee of just £40.
SCAA hopes to raise in excess of £7,000 over the course of the weekend, with around 120 participants on a single rope drop over the two days. SCAA is indebted to Steve Thomas, managing director of Freespirits Outdoor Activities who is donating the abseil (minus staff costs) to SCAA to keep overhead costs to a minimum and maximise funds raised for the charity.
SCAA relies entirely on public donations to carry out its life-saving work, and with each emergency response costing on average £4,500, at least £2m is required each year to keep the helicopter airborne. A sobering statistic shows that one in 13 emergencies responded to by SCAA is equestrian related, highlighting the underlying bond between the sport of eventing and the work of the charity.
“The motivation to abseil from this height will be different for everyone,” said Helen. “Fun for some, a chance to face their fears for others, or perhaps it’s a tick on the bucket list. But everyone will share a common goal – saving lives in Scotland.”
To further add to the Blair experience how about booking a camping pitch? The campsite is a five-minute walk from the event, ideally located for those visitors wishing to enjoy the evening entertainments held during the horse trials; caravans, motorhomes, tents and horseboxes are all welcome.
And to top it all, Membership offers further fantastic benefits to help spectators enjoy their visit to Blair. These include access to the Members Marquee, located ringside at the main arena, with bar, restaurant, ringside garden and CCTV coverage.
The box office is now open, with details of all options available at www.blairhorsetrials.co.uk
