Inverness fundraiser completes ‘emotional’ 96-mile trek

A seven-day trek along the West Highland Way in support of Inverness Thistle FC has raised over £845 for the club. 52-year-old Erik Ellison, the club’s community development strategist, completed the 96-mile ‘Jaunt for Jags 3’ challenge from Milngavie to Fort William yesterday (Thursday, May 28). Born and raised in Inverness and now based in Belfast, said the challenge was driven by his long-standing connection to the club. “I'm a massive Jags fan and have been since I was a young lad, so to be part of this club, I feel lucky,” he said. “It's important to me.” He described the experience as both physically demanding and emotionally rewarding. “There’s days when you feel that you might not want to continue,” he said, “but you just know that you’re going to anyway because people are relying on you to do what you said you were going to do.” The challenge marked the third instalment of his ‘Jaunt for Jags’ fundraising efforts. In 2024, he completed a long-distance walk from Fort William to Inverness to help the club enter the North Caledonian League, before climbing Ben Nevis last year. One of the toughest sections of this year’s route proved to be the stretch alongside Loch Lomond, which Mr Ellison described as “unforgiving”. “You think you’re at the end and then realise you’ve still got another couple of miles to go,” he said.

The walk became even tougher after his wife, Christine, who was walking with him, suffered a pulled muscle during the route across Rannoch Moor, forcing her to stop early after completing 13 painful miles. Mr Ellison completed the remainder of the route by himself, setting off at 5.30am on the final morning from Kinlochleven before arriving in Fort William shortly after 1pm. “The last day was emotional,” he said. “That’s a lot of time in your own head when you’re on your own.” Despite the physical toll of the challenge, including exhaustion and hiker’s rash, he praised the support he received throughout the week from fellow walkers, club members and supporters following his progress online. “The camaraderie was great all along the way,” he said. “We met some lovely people. “Club members have been fantastic. The messages of encouragement, the likes and shares - everyone’s been very kind.” All funds raised from the challenge will help support the running costs of Inverness Thistle FC, which currently compete in the North Caledonian League after being founded in 2024 as a members-owned community club. Mr Ellison said annual costs for the club range between £35,000 and £40,000, with fundraising helping to cover expenses including travel, transport, kit and events.

Part of the money raised will also support community projects, including the club’s partnership with the James Support Group, a Highlands suicide awareness charity. “Really, we’re a community club,” he said. “Everything we do, we always try to donate something to the wider community.” The fundraiser also supports development of the club’s Kingsmills Club membership scheme, which offers discounts through around 50 businesses across Inverness and the Highlands. Club chairman Martin Mainland thanked Erik and Christine for their efforts. “We are extremely grateful for their phenomenal efforts,” he said. “People like them are the backbone of grassroots football and the reason our club continues to thrive. “On a personal note I would Like to thank all donators also. The kindness is not lost on us as a club. Hopefully we can repay you all come next season.” Despite the demands of the walk, Mr Ellison admitted he is already planning another challenge next year.

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