Fundraiser nears end of challenge to climb Sandness Hill more than 40 times

A FUNDRAISER from the Westside is nearing the end of a challenge to scale Sandness Hill 43 times – the equivalent of a trek to the top of Mount Everest.

Alan Robertson has so far completed 38 trips to the top of the hill in the lead up to Christmas, having started in late October.

He is raising money for the Sandness Community Development organisation and more than £1,000 has been pledged so far.

Robertson, who co-founded Transition Turriefield, said the challenge has been going well so far, with the fundraiser sometimes accompanied by others on his trip up the hill.

He has also been laying a rock from the beach at Norby at the summit on every trip.

Robertson said going out in the recent cold weather was “great”, with no wind with clear skies giving “excellent views, and the ground being solid has helped in the boggy bits”.

“I’ve also realised that from the top on a clear day you can see Fair Isle in the south, Foula in the west, Saxavord in the north and the Ward of Bressay in the east,” he added.

Robertson said passing the £1,000 target has been a “real boost” for morale as the challenge reaches its conclusion.

He also wanted to pay thanks to everyone who has donated so far.

The money raised will go towards core funding for Sandness Community Development, which aims to improve Sandness as a place to live and visit.

“The organisation was recently formed and as yet has no income stream to cover costs,” Robertson said.