The recreation of a local regiment’s 100 mile retreat after the Battle of Culloden to raise funds for a rare genetic disorder charity been deemed a ‘huge success’.
The charity trek entitled ‘From Culloden to Clova’ saw a group of around ten people follow in the footsteps of the Ogilvie regiment, who returned to the county in good order following the defeat of the Jacobite army by loyalist forces in 1746.
The trek was organised by Alex Robbie in honour of three-year old Caitlin Wilkie who was born with Bardet-Biedl syndrome, which means she is likely to lose her sight by the time she is a teenager.
Caitlin’s parents, Liam and Ashley have dedicated this year to raising funds for BBS UK, the country’s only charity dedicated to the disorder.
Mr Robbie said: “The event really has been a huge success, and although we have not calculated the final amount of cash raised, I think we may easily have broken the £6,000 barrier, and could go a lot further.
“A lot of the money has been donated via our crowd funding page, but there has also been a lot of pledges made via the old fashioned method of sponsorship sheets, so it will take a little longer to come to a final figure.
Mr Robbie outlined how the project came about, saying: “I got the idea after reading a book about the Battle of Culloden.
“After the battle, the defeated Jacobite forces scattered, but the Ogilvy regiment remained intact and remained as a single unit during the retreat until they disbanded at Clova Kirk at Glen Clova after covering the 100 miles in just five days.”
The group received an emotional send off from the historic battlefield as they began their epic journey, although the unusually warm temperatures, and even a thunderstorm made the going very difficult at times.
They were welcomed on their return by Colin Barr and Murray Shepard, who piped the group along the final stretch, with James Robbie still carrying the flag of the Ogilvy regiment across his shoulders which he had done for the whole journey.
Mr Robbie expressed gratitude for all the support they had received along the way, adding: “People have been amazingly generous with their time and support, and I would like to give a special mention to Graham Thomson for providing the vehicle and trailer for the event, as well as Thrums Hotel, Malcom Black, and Ally Bruce at Pathead nurseries for the t shirts.
“However, the biggest mention of all goes out to Liam and Ashley Wilkie for all their support along the way – we were so well looked after some of us had actually put on weight by the end.”
The primary purpose of BBS UK is to provide support and information to those with the syndrome, their families and carers.
Part of the funds raised by the Wilkies and their team will be used for research into gene therapy at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
