Wild Moment: Jack McNeill

A 90-year-old mountaineer captures his final ascent of the 'Fairy Hill' in a poem.

Schiehallion (The Final Chapter)

Nae mair I'll climb Schiehallion's side,
Or strauchle thro' thon scree;
Aince at the tap, tae sit astride,
A' Perthshire hills tae see.

Ben Lawers and the Beinn a'Ghlo,
Beinn Dearg tae Ben Alder;
O'er Rannoch Moor tae see Glen Coe,
Yon view could nae be grander.

This sicht will aye abide wi' me,
I've made my final foray;
Nae finder view in a' the land;
Is Rannoch in a' it's glory.

(Jack: First ascent, 07/04/49)

• Ninety-year old Jack McNeill, has been mountaineering since his teens. He had to stop climbing in his 70s; however he has a profound love of the Scottish mountains to this day.
• Read more from Jack in his tale of a winter hill walking adventure.
• Inspired to submit your own Wild Moment? Find out how here.
• Find our more about our work caring for Schiehallion.