On Sunday 25th of April 2021 two thrill-seeking fundraisers will be tackling a mega marathon over four islands on the Scottish West Coast, to raise funds for Fishing for Schools.
To follow the pair in their incredible fundraising challenges please visit their Just Giving pages:
Watch the interview between Charles Jardine and Peter & Oliver
Fishing for Schools started in 2007 and is an initiative from The Countryside Alliance Foundation and world-famous angler Charles Jardine. It offers young people the opportunity to discover the joy of fishing, whilst learning new skills in a fun and proactive way.
Peter Ogilvy-Wedderburn, a Wine Merchant in Perthshire, and Oliver Tillard, a former British Army Captain living in London, decided to fundraise for Fishing for Schools as they are both passionate about angling and the countryside.
Oliver said: “A marathon is always a challenge no matter how fit you are or how many you have done. I have done seven in the past, but none will be as wild as the one on the West Coast of Scotland. When I heard about Fishing for Schools through friends, I was very taken by the approach they had. Rural pursuits have a huge part to play in education and I think the countryside’s positive effect on things like mental health are very underestimated.”
Peter added: “I have supported a number of countryside organisations and charities for a while, but The Countryside Alliance Foundation is a charity that stands out as it changes children’s lives in a positive and constructive way.”
Their marathon is not for the faint hearted. The route will cover 26.2 miles through four estates in rugged West Coast of Scotland, with support of island communities along the way.
The Route
The pair will be starting on the mainland, from the beautiful Ardmaddy Estate, making their way to Seil, which is linked to the mainland by a bridge, known as ‘the bridge over the Atlantic’. Their route on Seil will take them through the Ardencaple Estate, previously owned by Frances Shand Kydd, arriving at the Cuan Ferry where the pair will be delivered to Luing. Here Peter and Oliver will run the length of Luing on road and rough track. A short boat trip and they will continue on the uninhabited island of Scarba – full of goats, red deer and sea eagles.
On the south side of Scarba the pair will be picked up by boat, heading to the north end of Jura, navigating the notorious Corryvreckan whirlpool on the way. Their final leg takes the pair south down Jura, past the house that George Orwell wrote 1984 and various trout lochs along the way, eventually arriving at Ardlussa Pier for gin and tonics; Lussa Gin is made on the north side of this remote island.
Peter explained the complexities of the challenge ahead: “I have done a few long-distance runs, however, a marathon on four different islands on the west coast of Scotland will be fairly challenging. April can be freezing cold or hot, driving rain or dry as a bone. All four seasons in one day is not uncommon at this time of year. The terrain will get tougher the further we run. The Isle of Seil is fairly forgiving and we will be running mainly on roads. Luing goes from road to track and Scarba is a rough track on hilly topography. We finish on the windswept rough terrain of Jura.”
Oliver added: “The west coast marathon will be a challenge due to the different terrain and there will be some serious hills in there too.”
The beautiful scenery
Peter and Oliver hope to complete their marathon in sub-five hours and are on target to raise over £4,000 for Fishing for Schools. To achieve their ambitious time both runners have been training hard. Oliver explained: “Training has already proven to be a wonderful excuse to escape the lockdown and see some parts of London I don’t usually get to.”
Charles Jardine, Founder and Director of Fishing for Schools said: " Pete and Ollie are the embodiment of our – F4S - spirit. Knowing the toughness of the marathon, I can only admire their spirit and athleticism in taking on the phenomenal challenge. I wish them every good fortune…. And no injury!”
If the West Coast of Scotlands marathon was not enough, Oliver will also be tackling the Virgin Money London Marathon later this year on Sunday 3rd October. To follow the pair in their incredible fundraising challenges please visit their Just Giving pages:
If you would like to make a difference to the lives of young people through a fundraising challenge or are interested in one of our remaining places in the 2021 London marathon, please contact catrin@ca-foundation.org