The University of Glasgow is encouraging staff, students and members of the public to get active - as well as raise money - in a new fundraising campaign. Participants will test their stamina in a cardiovascular challenge to climb one of Scotland's 284 Munros between 28 May and 5 June 2005.

The battle to scale all of Scotland's highest mountains will raise funds for the University's Field Station at Rowerdennan, a much-needed research centre situated on Loch Lomond. The Field Station is part of the University's Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, which hosts the largest group of life scientists in Europe. The planned new research facilities will enable a three-fold increase in the amount of research carried out at the Field Station - helping to understand and protect our environment, working towards resolving the global challenge of reconciling exploitation and conservation, and predicting responses to environmental change. With sustainable construction and energy efficiency as priorities, this will be one of the 'greenest' buildings in Scotland.

The aim of this event is to put as many University representatives on top of as many of Scotlands 284 Munros as possible in the same weekend. Teams should be between 2 and 8 persons, with at least one person in each team being an experienced walker.

Cathy Bell, Director of the University's Development and Alumni Office explains: "During former Munro Challenges, participants have successfully scaled up to two-thirds of Scotland's highest peaks, raised hundreds of pounds for our nominated charity and enjoyed a great day out at the same time. Up to 800 students, staff, alumni and friends of the University have taken part year after year, which shows how popular this event has become. This year we hope to break all records for Munros climbed, funds raised and fun had"

To find out which Munros are available and to register, contact Susanne Hill, Development & Alumni Office on s.hill@admin.gla.ac.uk or 0141 330 2132 - some well-known hills remaining to be claimed include Ben Lui, Ben Starav, Stob Gabhar and Stob a' Choire Odhair - so get your friends together and form a team!

Kate Richardson (K.richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk)

For more information contact the University Press Office on 0141 330 3683

First published: 25 May 2005