Strath stage set for Armed Forces event

A ROSS-shire village this weekend plays host to a major charity challenge fundraising event dedicated to supporting children who have lost a parent while serving in the armed forces.

The Blue Flash Challenge, a 24-hour 100km march, returns to Strathpeffer on Saturday - Armed Forces Day - to benefit Scotty’s Little Soldiers, founded in 2010 by war widow Nikki Scott in memory of her husband and father-of-two, Corporal Lee Scott, killed in Afghanistan the year before.

A weekend of events include a veteran motorcycle rally, Armed Forces shinty clash at Castle Leod and a ceilidh and fundraising auction at Strathpeffer Pavilion.

Beginning today (Friday), the Blue Flash Challenge is the largest Armed Forces Day gathering in the Highlands. Participants – including teams from the Royal Tank Regiment, 50 Sqn Royal Airforce, MPS Doncaster, Police Scotland Youth Volunteers and members of the public – trek from Fort Augustus to Strathpeffer, ending at Castle Leod shinty field to be presented with medals by the Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, Janet Bowen.

The Saturday morning rally leaves from the shinty ground at Strathpeffer at 9.30am, heading to Fort Augustus, around Loch Ness and north to Foyers before returning to Strathpeffer to take part in the march parade on the Leod Estate with those involved in the trek.

Local bikers or clubs are welcome to join the event.

Later, the combined Armed Forces shinty team, the Scots Camanachd, and a Cabarfeidh Select will take the field for the Blue Flash shinty challenge match, an opportunity for the community, families and children to mingle. Food and craft stalls, bar facilities and children’s entertainment is planned.

In the evening, a grand ceilidh and fundraising auction for Scotty’s Little Soldiers will be held at the Strathpeffer Pavilion with music from two of Scotland’s premier live ceilidh bands, Heron Valley and Life O’Riely.

A Highland buffet is provided with a hog roast and Scottish vegetables and potatoes.

Tickets for the full evening events are £40 and available to be booked from the Strathpeffer Pavilion. Evening dance tickets are £15.

Murdo Macleod, a veteran of the 4th Royal Tank Regiment and chair of Blue Flash Challenge 2018, said: "Blue Flash Challenge has raised £40,000 for Scotty’s Little Soldiers in the last two years. The cause is an amazing one and everyone can really appreciate the work Scotty’s Little Soldiers does for bereaved forces children. Obviously, our event is a military focused one so it goes without saying that people are rallying to make this year a celebration worthy of Armed Forces Day."

On Sunday, a parade of standards will take place at the Strathpeffer Church of Scotland, where a unique Blue Flash wreath will be laid and a short service held. A wreath service will follow at both Fodderty War Memorial and at the Korean War Memorial in Strathpeffer.

Charity founder Nikki Scott said: "It fills me with pride when I think about the Blue Flash Challenge. So much effort has gone into organising an event of this scale and last year we were overwhelmed with the response.

"It’s a fantastic celebration of the Armed Forces and we’re delighted to be involved. The military family understand the vital support bereaved children need and can relate to the work we do."

For more information on the Blue Flash Challenge see www.blueflashchallenge.org.uk