Lee takes on West Highland Way fundraiser
In May, Lee Wright from our Emergency Planning and Resilience Team will be taking on the challenge of walking the West Highland Way to raise funds for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
A keen hillwalker for many years, Lee has long wanted to complete the iconic West Highland Way, a 96-mile route stretching from Milngavie to Fort William. This May, he’ll be doing just that, walking the full distance over seven days, completely self-supported and carrying all supplies in a rucksack weighing in at approximately 16kg.
That’s around 250,000 steps across some of Scotland’s most beautiful (and challenging) landscapes.
While this is a personal challenge, it’s also an opportunity to raise vital funds for SCAA, whose mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that no one in Scotland suffers or dies because medical help cannot reach them in time.
Thankfully, Lee has never needed the support of SCAA. However, anyone who spends time outdoors understands the inherent risks, and it is hugely reassuring to know that such an essential service is there should the worst ever happen. As Scottish Continuity’s Charity of the Year for 2026, colleagues across resilience professions are helping to raise awareness of the incredible work SCAA undertakes.
Lee says “The Emergency Planning and Resilience Team works closely with emergency services, and the remote nature of some areas of East Lothian means we see first-hand the positive impact rapid-response services like SCAA can have, particularly when people are experiencing what is likely to be the worst day of their lives.”
Operating two helicopters and rapid response vehicles, SCAA costs around £15 million each year to run and receives no government funding. Every mission flown is only possible thanks to the generosity of supporters.
“The West Highland Way will undoubtedly be a challenge: long days on foot, unpredictable Scottish weather, inevitable blisters, the formidable midges, and perhaps even a few moments of questioning life choices along the way. But compared to the lifesaving work SCAA carries out every single day, it feels like a small effort in support of a truly remarkable cause,” explains Lee.
In preparation for the challenge, Lee has been building up his training steadily over the past few months. Most weekends are now spent out walking or cycling to strengthen endurance and get used to long days on the move. He’s also planning a few wild camping trips in the coming weeks to practise carrying a full pack and living self-sufficiently on the trail. “Training is going well, and while there’s still plenty of hard work ahead, I’m really enjoying the process,” says Lee. “The journey to the start line will ne just as rewarding as the walk itself.”
Lee will be sharing daily updates from the trail on Instagram, the highs, the lows and everything in between, so follow along @lee_the_mountain_goat.
“If you’re able to donate, no matter the amount, you’ll be helping to keep this vital service flying,” says Lee. “Thank you so much for any support, it will make a real difference.”.
