Nationalist idea of human chain on Ben Nevis ‘height of folly’

SCOTTISH Nationalists have been criticised by environmentalists over a planned stunt to form a human chain to the peak of Ben Nevis.

Supporters of Scottish independence are proposing to form a chain of 9,000 people scaling the UK’S highest mountain. However, the environmental group that looks after the area has raised concerns. “The numbers they are talking about present logistical, environmental and safety challenges,” said Nevis Landscape Partnership.

“We deal with a lot of organisations in planning their event but nothing on this scale. It would be a lot of people on Ben Nevis at one time.”

There are also safety concerns due to extreme weather conditions on the peak. Even though the event is scheduled for August, Ben Nevis can be a hostile environment throughout the year.

The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team advises: “Climbing Ben Nevis involves risk at any time of year and by any route, including the Mountain Path. The Ben Nevis summit plateau requires careful navigation in poor visibility.”

Following the announcement of the plan on Facebook, critics labelled the proposal “scary” and “insane”. Jonathan Appleby wrote: “I’ve worked as a guide on Nevis, and I’ve seen some treacherous weather conditions, even in summer. Your proposal scares me.”

John Tannock of Kilmaurs, East Ayrshire, is hosting the event, which has amassed the support of more than 2,700 people. “Our plan for this event is to have a human chain in support of Scottish independence from the bottom to the top of the UK’S highest mountain, Ben Nevis,” he wrote. “To make this challenge happen we will need 9,000 supporters of Scottish Indy to participate in what would be one of the best scenes ever witnessed in our country.”