Businesses looking to motivate their teams have been urged by adventurer and Army veteran Mac Mackay, to back the Cateran Yomp 2025, held in the Cairngorms in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity.,
Mac Mackay, originally from Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands, is the new ambassador for the Yomp – a gruelling hike of up to 54 miles in the UK’s largest national park. Every year, hundreds of yompers gather in the Scottish wilderness to hike across the foothills of the Cairngorms, walking continuously for 22, 36 or 54 miles over 24 hours to support soldiers, veterans, and their families. In 2025, the event takes place from 7th to 8th June and this year, for the first time, teams of 4 are challenged to take on the full distance as a relay and be the first to complete 54 miles in the quickest time.
Mac Mackay spent almost 30 years in the Army, in roles including Royal Physical Training Officer, and is a qualified mountain and ski guide.He completed his first Yomp in 2023 as part of a team of veterans and is Chair of Climb 2 Recovery, which receives funding from the Army Benevolent Fund for its programme of climbing and mountaineering for wounded, disabled and disadvantaged service people and veterans.
Mac’s fellow adventurer and ABF supporter, Sir Brian Blessed, is leading the rallying cry – Get Your Yomp On! – for this year’s event and said: “It’s the ultimate charity challenge – 24 hours hiking up to 54 miles in the wilds of Scotland, testing your fitness and endurance.”
Speaking at an event to launch the Yomp at Edinburgh Castle, alongside British Army’s most senior non-commissioned officer, the Army Sergeant Major, Mac said: “It is a great honour to be the ambassador for the Cateran Yomp 2025. I have taken on many tests of endurance, but this event is different. The Yomp fosters incredible camaraderie and resilience amongst participants. Thanks to events like this, the Army Benevolent Fund is able to support charities like Climb2Recovery, which is truly lifesaving. Many veterans we work with have been in dark places, and their experiences on our climbing courses are transformational. We help people to see their ability rather than their disability, and they go on to mentor and share this with other veterans.”
Since its launch in 2011, Yomp participants and sponsors have raised over £4m for the Army Benevolent Fund’s support for soldiers, former soldiers and their families. Blairgowrie-based company, Castle Water has been actively involved in the Cateran Yomp for six years, supporting the event by providing thousands of litres of water for participants and volunteers at stations along the 54-mile route. This year, Castle Water employee, Kevin McIntyre, completed his second Yomp in record time while raising over £1,600 for the Army Benevolent Fund.
Castle Water CEO, John Reynolds, said: “We’re proud to support the Cateran Yomp for the seventh consecutive year. This inspiring event pushes participants to their limits while raising vital funds for the Army Benevolent Fund, providing essential support to soldiers, veterans, and their families. Our ongoing commitment ensures participants and volunteers stay refreshed and hydrated throughout the challenge, with a focus on sustainability by reducing single-use plastic waste.”
Major General Tim Hyams CB OBE, CEO of Army Benevolent Fund, added: “The support we receive from individual participants and the companies that sponsor the Yomp, and encourage their teams to take part, is vital. The Army Benevolent Fund relies on the generosity of our supporters to ensure that soldiers, former soldiers, and their families have the opportunity to avoid hardship, and enjoy independence and dignity.
“We look forward to welcoming more yompers to Scotland in June, when we will be joined by this year’s ambassador, Mac Mackay. Every single step helps our mission: to be there for soldiers, for veterans, and for their families, for life.”
Nearly 1,000 people marched the Scottish hills during the 2024 Cateran Yomp, and the Army Benevolent Fund is hoping to attract more yompers in 2025.
