Kessock Bridge zip line challenge gets go-ahead after years of negotiation with Highland Hospice set to benefit from daredevil venture
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Highland Hospice has announced details of its most daring and dramatic Zip Line Challenge yet – off the Kessock Bridge.
After months of negotiations with roads supremos BEAR Scotland, those brave enough to take the fundraising white-knuckle ride will zoom from 1500ft up, at the centre of the iconic crossing, and touch down in the village of North Kessock.
The Kessock Bridge was chosen after a plan to zip across Loch Ness proved logistically too difficult.
The thriller will run on Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4.
Brave zippers will step from the bridge beside the north-west tower onto a scaffolding platform over the water before starting their speedy descent.
The charity’s fundraiser Emma Nicol said: “We have spoken for years about running a zip line of this scale for the hospice and are so excited that this is finally happening.
“Across the weekend, we hope to have 350 participants of all ages getting involved. It is such a fun and adventurous challenge to be a part of, whether you sign up as an individual, with a group of friends or family members, or with your work colleagues as a corporate team-building exercise.”
The zip line needs skilful handling, and Emma stressed that the operators, Big Bang Promotions, have a 100 per cent safety record.
She added: “I would like to express huge thanks to all the organisations who have helped to bring this event together, particularly Ord Industrial and Commercial Supplies, McDonald Scaffolding, Alba Traffic Management, BEAR Scotland, Highland Temporary Works Ltd, Big Bang Promotions and the RNLI.”
The zip line challenge follows the successful Kessock Bridge abseil held by the hospice last year, which raised more than £175,000 for the charity which supports individuals throughout the Highlands with end of life care, bereavement and grief.
To sign up for the challenge visit the event's webpage.
Related: IN PICTURES: Kessock Bridge abseil
There is a registration fee and daredevils must pledge to raise at least £120 for the hospice in the run-up to the big weekend.
Participants must be aged 12 or over and time slots will run on Saturday, September 3 from 9am to 8pm, and Sunday, September 4 from 9.30am to 6pm.
Ms Nicol also thanked the North Kessock community which will face some disruption. She said: “They have been really supportive and up for it.”
The hospice has already gifted several places to North Kessock lifeboat station, which will be on standby duty, to boost their funds.
Planning with the roads authority and others involved started last November.
Ms Nicol said: “They were fantastic and really keen for us to use their bridge again for good.”
Kessock Bridge abseil hits the spot with daredevils
Plucky abseilers take the plunge from Dunrobin Castle
