Thanks @GM4LLD.
In 2024 I visited Rum and Mull. While there weren’t enough summits to qualify for this award, it proved to be a great introduction to SOTA in the Hebrides.
This year I stepped things up a bit with visits to Arran, Lewis, Harris, Mull, and a final return to Arran, most of the time in hot pursuit of a rather uncertain target set by Ben @GW4BML
Congratulations and thanks to Ben for the companionship while on Lewis and Harris, and the competition that followed, @GW4BML you kept me guessing! I genuinely wasn’t planning to climb Beinn Bhreac (GM/SI-046) as my 25th summit until reports came you were being chased on a SI peak, at which point plans were, rather quickly, revised.
This year also brought a couple of wildlife firsts: a polecat on Mull and three golden eagles in a single day on Lewis. Oh and a near death experience with a once in a lifetime encounter with a Cumulonimbus.
I should also add a thank you to Shadow, my trusty cocker spaniel, who accompanied me on all the activations and never seemed to mind the early starts, the weather, the midges or becoming attached to course…
The Scottish islands are a special place and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting them this year. I’m already hoping to add Islay and Jura to the list in 2026.
Finally, I can only encourage everyone to have a go at the Scottish islands. They are special. Every island has its own character, and every summit I’ve been to makes for a decent activation, even if the weather can sometimes be shocking. Get out when you can, enjoy the journey, and everything else is just a bonus.
Some of the highlights from 2025:
The Majestic Cir Mhor on Arran
The day I almost died on Mull. Cumulonimbus on Ben Buie
Beach Approach with Shadow on Harris
What’s its really like… Extreme pole bend on Lewis…
Shadow and I on Goatfell
Final Summit - Beinn Bhreac (GM/SI-046)