We get a lot of email requests but when Claire Calder’s email dropped into our mailbox we were quite surprised to read it. It certainly was one of the more unusual requests.
She wondered if it would be possible to become a castaway on one of the small Islands around Rona. The plan was to spend an entire month on her own, camping with no one for company just her two ‘wee’ dogs. She would take all her equipment and stores, supplement it (hopefully) with what nature provides on or off the shore of this small island. The reason, to raise money for her chosen charity.
In 2002 Claire’s 8 year old daughter suffered severe burns during a camping holiday. It was her first holiday away from home. The Scottish Burned Children’s Charity Theburnsclub.org supported Claire and her daughter during this time.
So, to raise awareness for this charity and to raise funds, Claire is hoping to survive for one month on this wee Island ‘Garbh Eilean’ at the mouth of our harbour (Acarseid Mhor) with her two dogs for company. I’m sure there will be plenty wildlife to keep her company and many passing yachts, boats, kayaks and who knows what to pass the day.
The proposed campsite above, there is a green patch, nice and flat and sheltered from the SW wind, which we get plenty of for sure!!! And to get away from the midge, the hill behind will be ideal to sit up in the breeze, which we get (most of the time).
We will endeavour to put a few posts together during Claire’s stay and hopefully this awful weather will improve for her kick off day which we have set at the 6th of July.
If you have Facebook then click on this link for more information. Claire Calder on Facebook.
So far there has been quite a bit of interest with the local press featuring Claire’s Challenge. West Highland Free Press-Claire .
Good Luck Claire, we look forward to having a Castaway.