Tributes paid to Highland climber killed in avalanche on K2
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Tributes have been paid to a well-known Scottish climber killed in an avalanche whilst attempting a new route on K2 at the weekend.
Aberdeen-born Rick Allen had moved to Sliemore at Dorback by Nethy Bridge, last year.
He had joined an expedition with Jerry Gore for an attempt on the world's second highest mountain in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan.
They had been based in Islamabad, and set up base camp by the end of June with the aim of attempting the summit if the weather was reasonable around the end of July.
Mr Allen was a trustee of Partners Relief and Development which seeks to meet health and educational needs of refugee children in some of the most challenging situations on earth.
He was aiming to raise at least £10,000 for the charity's work on the borders of Myanmar following the recent military crack-down.
Mr Allen had joined the Aviemore-based Hope Church and was an active member of the congregation.
His expedition progress was being followed by them and members of the wider church community in a blog by the K2 team.
Church spokesman Kenny Rogan told the Strathy: "We are really sad about Rick passing away. I found out last night.
"He moved to Nethy last year and joined our church in the Autumn.
"He was actually in our family bubble during lockdown, so he became pretty dear to our family as the only guy who came into our house for a good while.
"He was a quite guy, but was always super patient and kind when our noisy kids bombarded him with pictures they’d drawn for him and requests for books to be read.
"Despite being in his late 60s he was investigating serving God in Central Asia.
"But he was happy in the strath so was a bit unsure where God was going to take him.
"He joined the running club and became a key part of our wee fellowship. He has a lot of mountain community friends in the strath - Sandy Allen being the closest."
Partners Relief and Development said in a statement: "It is with great sadness to announce that Rick Allen, a member of the board and also a great friend, has died whilst attempting a new route on K2.
"Rick died doing what he loved the most and lived his life with the courage of his convictions.
"Rick was committed to serving the world's poorest and most vulnerable communities.
"All members of the board send our condolences to Rick's family."
His climbing partner, Mr Gore, told social media yesterday: "Bad news. Rick Allen was killed in an avalanche today trying a new route on K2.
"My expedition partner was with two European guides, Jordi Tosas and Stephan Keck, who were both unharmed.
"I am safe and was not with Rick when the avalanche happened.
"I am now with Ishaq Ali at Advanced K2 Base Camp.
"We spent time with Rick and the two guides here last night. Ishaq and I were going up the normal K2 route, but Rick and the others were trying a new route this morning when they got avalanched.
"Rick died doing what he loved.
"His greatest achievement was the Mazeno Ridge on Naga Parbat with Sandy Allen (of Newtonmore) in 2012 which was the last, great unclimbed Himalayan route.
"He had an amazing ability to climb fast over 6000m.
"Rick is the 17th friend I have lost to the mountains and probably the closest.
"He was an eccentric Scottish gentleman and was kind and compassionate to the end. He was just a really lovely person.
"He leaves behind few close family members but a lifetime of extraordinary experiences. He died aged 66.
The climbing world has lost a true legend."
In March, earlier this year, Mr Allen, was given planning permission for the erection of a garage with home gym and studio at his new home in Nethy Bridge.
