‘Cairngorm John’ to deliver talk

A well-known mountain rescue volunteer will be in Comrie next month to give a talk about his experiences.

John Allen MBE – better known as ‘Cairngorm John’– will detail his encounters in one of Scotland’s most dangerous mountain ranges at the WRI Hall on Saturday October 29.

Mr Allen was a member and leader of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue team for more than 30 years and was awarded the MBE for his services.

He has written a book about his experiences, entitled‘ Cairngorm John’. The moniker was his radio call sign while out on the mountains.

Mr Allen is a great friend of local man John King, who was also a member of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue.

Mr King said:“We joined the Mountain Rescue Service at around the same time but after about 10 years we moved away from the area while John still lives in Kingussie.

“He was a member and then leader for 35 years and was awarded the MBE for his services.

“After he retired he wrote the book which he named after his radio call sign.

“He has lots of interesting stories and anecdotes to tell about his life and experiences on Cairngorm.

“He tells a good tale and gives an interesting presentation so it should be a great night which I’m sure people will enjoy.”

All are welcome to come along the evening, which starts at 7.30pm, in return for a minimum donation of £5.

Funds from the evening will go towards the Scottish Mountain Rescue organisation.

Tea, coffee and cakes will be served.

Donations of home baking would be welcome.