Young people visit Lochinver RNLI during a fundraising trek

With a 12 strong support team made up of volunteers, teachers and the Army, 23 young people from Golspie High School, Dornoch Academy and Kinlochbervie High School made this first ever crossing over five days.

They walked in all weathers, slept under canvass, carrying much of their own equipment, suffered midge attacks and pressed on regardless of blisters, sore feet and wet clothes. It was an experience of a lifetime through wild country that many will never have seen before.

Patrick Marriott, organiser of the walk said: "The pupils were amazing. They showed real determination and no little courage. The venture was all about 'unlocking talent' by stretching them and giving them challenges.''

The sponsorship monies raised will go to funds for all three participating schools, as well as Sutherland Coastal Rescue (for the RNLI Lochinver Lifeboat and the Dornoch rescue boat) and the Friends of Sutherland Veterans. The team are hoping to exceed their fundraising target of £5,000.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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