‘We were thinking of our team-mate Charlie’: Assynt mountain rescue volunteers complete Triple Challenge
A mountain rescue volunteer from Thurso was one of an intrepid fundraising group who climbed three Munros in Sutherland in a single day.
James McLean and four other members of Assynt Mountain Rescue Team made their way up Ben More Assynt, Ben Hope and Ben Klibreck – after reaching the start of each peak by bicycle.
James (34) felt they made the right decision to delay the Assynt MRT Triple Challenge by 24 hours because of the high winds that swept across the north on Saturday.
He also revealed that he took inspiration from thinking about mountain rescue stalwart Charlie Macleod, from Ulbster, who was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours.
James joined forces with Ben Dyson, Stephen Holmes, Fiona Richardson and Nick Ogden on Sunday to cover a total distance of 118km on foot and bike with more than 5800m of ascent in just under 18 hours.

So far they have raised over £2800 through their online fundraising page, with donations to be divided equally between Assynt Mountain Rescue Team and Macmillan Cancer Support.
James said: “It was the correct decision to delay, as the wind on the first summit – Ben More Assynt – was rather strong! But then we had the wind at our backs going to Ben Hope.
“We stuck to the schedule pretty well – all made possible by our great support crew who stayed with us throughout the day at pre-planned pit stops for much-needed water, calories and encouragement.
“Inspiration was never far from our minds, though, as I know a few of us were grinding through the day thinking of our mountain rescue team-mate Charlie Macleod who has always been an inspiration for us – truly a legend who has been recognised with an MBE.
“The cycle from Ben Hope to the start of Ben Klibreck was tough, then Ben Klibreck was the longest climb of the day to finish. We managed to complete it with the last remaining daylight.
“A huge thanks to everyone who has donated, and please continue to do so.”
Team leader Ben Dyson said: “It was the toughest thing I have ever done. We would like to thank our support crew – they were brilliant and made the challenge possible.”
James works for UHI North, West and Hebrides, helping to manage the student support team. He lives in Thurso with his wife Ashley and two daughters.
James joined the mountain rescue team about five years ago after coming back from living in Canada.
James is well known on the north football scene. He plays as a defender for Pentland United, the Caithness county league champions and Highland Amateur Cup holders.