Heriot-Watt team scales the heights for Age Scotland

A three-strong team from Heriot-Watt University have put their nerves to the ultimate test after taking on The Kelpies Experience as part of a fundraising event for Age Scotland.

The University team were one of a group of volunteers who signed up to the challenge in aid of Scotland’s national charity for older people. Using a network of cables, ladders and suspended platforms they climbed one of the equine sculptures before abseiling to the ground.

Standing at over 30 metres tall, the Kelpies depict two mythical water spirits from Scottish folklore and can be found at the Helix Park, Falkirk. They are the largest equine sculptures in the world.

Making up the Heriot-Watt team are Lauryn Macniven, a PhD student from the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Michelle Beukes, Business Development Manager in Healthcare Innovation, and Alan Gow, Professor of Psychology in the School of Social Sciences. They successfully completed the challenge, raising almost £1800 and contributing to Age Scotland’s overall total for the event at more than £13,000.

After completing the challenge, Alan said: “It was a pleasure to raise funds for Age Scotland with Michelle and Lauryn, supported by colleagues from across Heriot-Watt.

"With our new partnership agreement with Age Scotland, we wanted to demonstrate that while that includes many aspects of research and practice, it also extends to supporting the work they do within communities across Scotland.

"They really are a great team, showcased by every one of them being our cheer squad on the day!”

The team completed the event in the week following the announcement of a new partnership agreement between Age Scotland and the University, which commits both organisations to developing stronger links.

You can still contribute to the their fundraising efforts through a dedicated JustGiving page.

All three are part of Heriot-Watt’s global research institute in Health and Care Technologies, which is turning cutting-edge research into impactful and practical solutions that benefits lives, the NHS and health and care globally.

To find out more about this work visit the website.