Plan to airlift historic car to top of Ben Nevis given red light
Enthusiast hoped to commemorate 1911 Model T Ford trip
CONSERVATIONISTS have put the brakes on plans to commemorate a historic event on Britain’s highest peak.
The John Muir Trust, owners of Ben Nevis, have vetoed plans to airlift a veteran car to the 4,406ft summit.
It had been planned to commemorate an event in May 1911, when Henry Alexander drove a Model T Ford up and down the mountain track.
It was the first car to make the trip and was considered a remarkable feat in view of the rough and narrow terrain.
Organisers of a week-long classic car rally at Fort William, which is expected to attract hundreds of vintage and veteran car owners, say the stunt would provide a highlight.
An original Model T, owned by Iain Blyth, a veteran car enthusiast who owns an all-terrain vehicle business at Kinlocheil, near Fort William, would be airlifted to the summit by helicopter.
However, Mr Blyth says the trust has rejected the proposal.
He added: “It is really disappointing that the trust has refused without really giving us a chance to sit down and discuss it in detail.
“We do not think there will be anything for the trust to worry about.
“It is vital to us because the Model T would be vulnerable to damage. We value the car as much as the summit, and we all have the utmost respect for the Ben’s fragile landscape.”
A trust spokesman said allowing the event to go ahead would contravene its principles and aims for the area, as well as potentially setting a precedent for other similar activities which it may feel are detrimental to the summit environment and the wild land experience of other walkers and climbers.
The issue has been taken up by Lochaber Provost Allan Henderson, a Highland councillor.
He said: “This stunt is a one-off and would certainly not set a precedent. I really hope the trust will look again at this proposal and reconsider its decision.”
Published: 10/04/2009
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1163720
