With momentum building on the uptake of the Third Sector Bond Places for this year’s Caledonian Challenge, the organisers have extended the application deadline to Tuesday 1st March 2016, allowing more time for potential walkers to approach charitable organisations about purchasing places via: caledonianchallenge.com.

The new Bond Scheme, introduced to celebrate 20 years of the Caledonian Challenge in June, allows Third Sector organisations the chance to purchase Bond Places and enter teams to fundraise exclusively for their own causes. The Scheme gives Third Sector organisations the opportunity to generate a new stream of fundraising income, offer a well-known and established challenge option, raise the organisation’s profile and develop relationships with their supporters through an unforgettable event experience.

Having secured Bond Places, Age Scotland are now actively recruiting participants from their network, Alisdair Caulfield, Funding and Development Manager, commented “We are delighted to offer our supporters the chance to be part of such an established and well known event. The Caledonian Challenge has been the jewel in the challenge event crown in Scotland for many years and now with the new third sector bond scheme in place, we as an organisation have the opportunity to not only raise our profile but much need income.”

The weekend of 11-12 June offers participants the choice of two Challenges, both taking in some of the UK’s most iconic scenery: THE 54 is the ultimate physical and mental endurance test – 54 miles in 24 hours over rugged terrain; starting on the Great Glen Way, taking in the majestic sight of Ben Nevis, following the West Highland Way South and finishing at Strathfillan near Tyndrum. THE 24 is no walk in the park, tough but achievable – 24 miles in 12 hours; starting in Glen Nevis, following the West Highland Way South, taking on the infamous Devil’s Staircase and finishing in stunning Glencoe.

Jim Robertson of RBS, formed a team of walkers and approached Erskine, a charity dedicated to providing unrivalled care for their UK veterans in their homes throughout Scotland, about taking part to raise funds for their cause through the Bond Scheme. Jim commented “Having taken part in the Caledonian Challenge three times in the past raising funds for Foundation Scotland I thought it was an excellent idea when they introduced the Bond Place Scheme. This will allow other charities to benefit from the walk and allowed me to approach Erskine to participate on their behalf. There were many reasons for walking for Erskine; they provide valuable support to ex-servicemen and women in Scotland from conflicts past and present, I used to be in the Royal Navy, I’m originally from the Erskine area and family members worked at the hospital so I am familiar with the work they do.”

Having secured Bond Places, Jennifer Campbell, Erskine’s Events Project Officer, added “The Caledonian Challenge provides our supporters like Jim and his team with an exciting new challenge and an opportunity to raise vital funds for Erskine whilst having an unforgettable experience. We look forward to supporting them as they prepare to challenge their limits on this gruelling 54 mile walk through a breathtaking Scottish backdrop.”

Third Sector organisations can apply for Bond Places online via: caledonianchallenge.com no later than 1st March 2016 to be part of this year’s milestone event, or for more information please contact the Events team: E. info@caledonianchallenge.com or T. 0131 524 0350.